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Maiuolo J, Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Oppedisano F, Macrì R, Scarano F, Ragusa S, Muscoli C, Palma E, Mollace V. Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1365. [PMID: 38794436 PMCID: PMC11124804 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. belongs to the Cactaceae family and the genus Opuntia; it is a succulent plant that adapts to extreme climatic conditions. The aerial part of the plant consists of the cladodes, morphological changes of branches that appear green, are covered with thorns, and are essential to reduce excessive perspiration of water. The composition of cladodes is very varied, and the main constituents are water, fibers, polysaccharides, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, sterols, minerals, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are responsible for many beneficial activities for human health, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and nutritional properties. The purpose of this manuscript was to compare the properties of cladodes belonging to the same plant but with different stages of maturity. Relative extracts were tested both in vitro and on a cell line and antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties were found. The antioxidant activity was tested by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) test, and the measurement of cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Anti-apoptotic activity was evaluated by the annexin/PI assay and measurement of caspases 9 and 3 expression. The results obtained showed that the extracts considered possess antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the different stages of maturity of cladodes are essential for the performance of both functions. In addition, important variations were made in the dissolution of the extracts that brought greater safety in their use. In conclusion, this manuscript provides further information on cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica, which can be used as adjuvants in many human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maiuolo
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Saverio Nucera
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Maria Serra
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Roberta Macrì
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Federica Scarano
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Salvatore Ragusa
- PLANTA/Research, Documentation and Training Center, Via Serraglio Vecchio 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
- Fondazione R. Dulbecco, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
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Martins M, Ribeiro MH, Almeida CMM. Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Medicinal Properties of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and Its Main Agro-Industrial Use: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1512. [PMID: 37050137 PMCID: PMC10096643 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (OFI) belongs to the Cactaceae family, which contains about 130 genera and nearly 1600 species. This review aims to evaluate this plant from several perspectives, namely, botanic, physicochemical, nutritional, and medicinal properties, as well as agro-industrial use. The botanical aspects and morphological characteristics of OFI enable genetic variability, ecological adaptation, and broad geographic distribution. Due to its physicochemical and nutritional composition, it has several medicinal properties appropriate (or suitable) for several industries, such as pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics. Its fruit, the prickly pear (PP), has potential agro-industrial expansion through the application of different conservation and transformation methods, making it possible to obtain a variety of products. The PP is a source of several nutrients and is an effective system to produce varied foods, which have several advantages from a nutritional, sensory, economic, and shelf-life point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Martins
- Laboratory of Bromatology and Water Quality, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria H. Ribeiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Cristina M. M. Almeida
- Laboratory of Bromatology and Water Quality, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Biniaz Y, Khalesi M, Niazi A, Afsharifar A. Purification of an antiviral protein from the seeds of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and characterization of its antiviral properties. Amino Acids 2023; 55:19-31. [PMID: 36348073 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plant viral pathogens cause damaging diseases in many agriculture systems, and emerging viral infections are a serious threat for providing adequate food to a continuously growing population. Recent studies of biogenic substances have provided new opportunities for producing novel antiviral agents. The present work has been conducted to evaluate the antiviral activity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds crude extract. The antiviral activity was retained in different buffer solutions of various pH ranges (5.2-8.5) and remained after the diafiltration process. The putative virus inhibitor was sensitive to treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate and trichloroacetic acid. An antiviral protein with ~ 25 kDa molecular weight was isolated from the seed quinoa extract using ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion and cation exchange chromatography. The purified protein (Quinoin-I) significantly inhibited TMV on tobacco leaves with an IC50 value at a 6.81 μg/ml concentration. Enzyme activity assay revealed the RNase activity of Quinoin-I, and this feature was retained in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. This antiviral protein has been shown as a promising leading molecule for further development as a novel antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Biniaz
- Plant Virology Research Center, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Khalesi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Afsharifar
- Plant Virology Research Center, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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Martins M, Ribeiro MH, Miranda A, Lopes S, Franco R, Paiva J, Almeida CMM. New foods with history: nutritional and toxic profile of prickly pear. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-022-01680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Izquierdo-Vega JA, Izquierdo-Vega J, Delgado-Olivares L, Vargas-Mendoza N, Álvarez-González I, Morales-González Á, Morales-González JA. Opuntia spp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11182333. [PMID: 36145735 PMCID: PMC9505094 DOI: 10.3390/plants11182333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Madrigal-Santillán
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
- Correspondence: (E.M.-S.); (J.A.M.-G.); Tel.: +52-55-5729-6300 (ext. 62753) (E.M.-S.)
| | - Jacqueline Portillo-Reyes
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Madrigal-Bujaidar
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Jeannett A. Izquierdo-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Julieta Izquierdo-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Luis Delgado-Olivares
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Nancy Vargas-Mendoza
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Isela Álvarez-González
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Ángel Morales-González
- Escuela Superior de Cómputo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - José A. Morales-González
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
- Correspondence: (E.M.-S.); (J.A.M.-G.); Tel.: +52-55-5729-6300 (ext. 62753) (E.M.-S.)
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In Silico Investigation on the Interaction of Chiral Phytochemicals from Opuntia ficus-indica with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13061041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica is a cactaceous plant native to America but, nowadays, widely found worldwide, having been the most common domesticated species of cactus grown as a crop plant in semiarid and arid parts of the globe, including several Mediterranean basin countries. Opuntia ficus-indica can be regarded as a medicinal plant, being source of numerous bioactive phytochemicals such as vitamins, polyphenols, and amino acids. The urgent need for therapeutic treatments for the COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus (CoV)-2, justifies the great attention currently being paid not only to repurposed antiviral drugs, but also to natural products and herbal medications. In this context, the anti-COVID-19 utility of Opuntia ficus-indica as source of potential antiviral drugs was investigated in this work on the basis of the activity of some of its phytochemical constituents. The antiviral potential was evaluated in silico in docking experiments with Mpro, i.e., the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, that is one of the most investigated protein targets of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19. By using two web-based molecular docking programs (1-Click Mcule and COVID-19 Docking Server), we found, for several flavonols and flavonol glucosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica, good binding affinities for Mpro, and in particular, binding energies lower than −7.0 kcal/mol were predicted for astragalin, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, 3-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, and quercetin 5,4′-dimethyl ether. Among these compounds, the chiral compound astragalin showed in our in silico studies the highest affinity for Mpro (−8.7 kcal/mol) and also a low toxicity profile, emerging, thus, as an interesting protease inhibitor candidate for anti-COVID-19 strategies.
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