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Giraldo-Silva L, Ferreira B, Rosa E, Dias ACP. Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit: A Systematic Review of Its Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12030543. [PMID: 36771630 PMCID: PMC9919935 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in the agro-food sector is increasing for a multiplicity of players. This renewed interest is, in part, due to its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional value and health benefits. Furthermore, industries from different sectors intend to make use of its vast array of metabolites to be used in different fields. This trend represents an economic growth opportunity for several partners who could find new opportunities exploring non-conventional fruits, and such is the case for Opuntia ficus-indica. O. ficus-indica originates from Mexico, belongs to the Cactaceae family and is commonly known as opuntia, prickly pear or cactus pear. The species produces flowers, cladodes and fruits that are consumed either in raw or in processed products. Recent publications described that consumption of the fruit improves human health, exhibiting antioxidant activity and other relevant pharmacological activities through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Thus, we provide a systematic, scientific and rational review for researchers, consumers and other relevant stakeholders regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of O. ficus-indica fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Giraldo-Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Ferreira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Rosa
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Alberto C. P. Dias
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Cereus peruvianus Mill. (Cactaceae) as a source of natural antioxidants: Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of cladode extracts in two collection periods. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:984-991. [PMID: 35721394 PMCID: PMC9204656 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The economic potential of the cactus species Cereus peruvianus Mill. (syn. C. hildmannianus K. Schum.) has already been demonstrated through the generation of products and patents. However, the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity have not yet been evaluated. The aim of our study was to determine the total phenolic compounds, evaluate the antioxidant activity and characterize the phenolic compounds of cladode extracts from C. peruvianus grown in the southern region of Brazil, in two collection periods. Higher total content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were detected in the cladode extract collected in 2016 than in the cladode extract collected in 2015. The profile of phenolic compounds identified five flavonoids that had not previously been reported in species of the genus Cereus. The phenolic compounds linked to antioxidant activities identified in the cladode extract from C. peruvianus support the use of this species in human food as a source of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic compounds were determined in cladode extracts from Cereus peruvianus. The antioxidant activity and the phenolic compounds were evaluated and characterized. Different total content of phenolic compounds was detected in two collection periods. The production of phenolic compounds by the same plant underwent annual variation. Five flavonoids that had not previously been reported in Cereus genus were identified.
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Jang M, Choi HY, Kim GH. Phenolic components rich ethyl acetate fraction of Orostachys japonicus inhibits lipid accumulation by regulating reactive oxygen species generation in adipogenesis. J Food Biochem 2019; 43:e12939. [PMID: 31368568 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Orostachys japonicus was extracted with ethyl alcohol and fractionated by a serial of organic solvents. The ethyl acetate fraction was found to be the most effective among the tested five fractions. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction presented epicatechin gallate, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. Treatment with O. japonicus inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. The gene expression of enzymes involved in the antioxidant system increased in O. japonicus-treated cells. messeanger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of the pro-oxidant enzymes such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase4 and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase suppressed in O. japonicus-treated cells. O. japonicus also inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of adipogenic transcription factors (including proliferator activated receptor-γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α) and their target gene (adipocyte protein 2). These results suggest that O. japonicus inhibits adipogenesis by controlling pro-/anti-oxidant enzyme responses and adipogenic transcription factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: ROS generation is markedly related to the pathogenesis and development of metabolic disorders. Treatment with O. japonicus inhibited ROS generation and lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. This result indicates that O. japonicus inhibit adipogenesis by controlling pro-/anti-oxidant enzyme responses and adipogenic mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Jang
- Plant Resources Research Institute, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Young Choi
- Plant Resources Research Institute, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun-Hee Kim
- Plant Resources Research Institute, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gouws CA, Georgousopoulou EN, Mellor DD, McKune A, Naumovski N. Effects of the Consumption of Prickly Pear Cacti ( Opuntia spp.) and its Products on Blood Glucose Levels and Insulin: A Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050138. [PMID: 31096667 PMCID: PMC6572313 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There is confusion as to which component of the Opuntia spp. cacti has demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic effects or anti-diabetic properties. It is important to clarify these health benefits due to the increasing need for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The aim of this review is to identify the effects of Opuntia spp. cacti consumption on biomedical measures; glucose and insulin with consideration of its’ components; fruit, leaf and combined or unidentified Opuntia spp. products. Materials and Methods: Prior to commencing the searches, this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018108765). Following the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, six electronic databases (Food Science and Technology Abstracts (EBSCO), Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane) were searched for articles investigating the effect of Opuntia spp. consumption on glucose and insulin in humans. Results: Initially, 335 articles were sourced and filtered by exclusion criteria (human interventions, control trials and articles published in English) resulting in 20 relevant articles. The included studies were characterized by such plant components as fruit (n = 4), cladode (n = 12), and other Opuntia spp. products (n = 4), further separated by clinical populations (‘healthy’, hyperlipidemic, hypercholesterolemic, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). The findings of this review indicate variations in effects between cacti components and products. Cladode and select Opuntia spp. products predominately demonstrated significant reductions in serum glucose and insulin, indicating potential as a functional food candidate. Prickly Pear fruit was predominately reported to have no significant effects on glucose or insulin. The quality of evidence appeared to vary based on the type of Opuntia spp. product used. Studies that used specifically the fruit or cladode had high risk of bias, whereas studies which used combined Opuntia spp. products had a lower risk of bias. Numerous mechanisms of action were proposed where positive findings were reported, with emphasis on dualistic glucose-dependent and independent actions, however, mechanisms require further elucidation. Conclusion: Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support the recommendation of using Opuntia spp. fruit products as an alternative or complementary therapy in the reduction of risk or management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The Cladode does however show promise in potential glucose-lowering effects which warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Gouws
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers Group, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - Ekavi N Georgousopoulou
- Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers Group, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Duane D Mellor
- Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers Group, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK.
| | - Andrew McKune
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers Group, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4000, South Africa.
| | - Nenad Naumovski
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Collaborative Research in Bioactives and Biomarkers Group, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
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Inhibitory effects of Orostachys malacophyllus var. iwarenge extracts on reactive oxygen species production and lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Food Sci Biotechnol 2018; 28:227-236. [PMID: 30815314 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-018-0426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Orostachys malacophyllus var. iwarenge was extracted with water, 30 and 70% ethyl alcohol. The ethyl alcohol extracts showed higher total phenol contents and greater antioxidant effects than the water extract. Treatment with the 70% alcohol extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipogenesis. Furthermore, the 70% extract inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of the pro-oxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase 4 and of the NADPH-producing enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The mRNA and protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes, such as copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese superoxide dismutase increased in cells treated with the 70% alcohol extract. In addition, this extract suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of adipogenic transcription factors and of their marker genes. These results indicate that O. malacophyllus extracts inhibit lipid accumulation and ROS production by controlling adipogenic factors and pro-/anti-oxidant enzyme responses.
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Jang H, Srichayet P, Park WJ, Heo HJ, Kim DO, Tongchitpakdee S, Kim TJ, Jung SH, Lee CY. Phyllanthus emblica L. (Indian gooseberry) extracts protect against retinal degeneration in a mouse model of amyloid beta-induced Alzheimer’s disease. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Flavonol profile of cactus fruits ( Opuntia ficus-indica ) enriched cereal-based extrudates: Authenticity and impact of extrusion. Food Res Int 2015; 78:442-447. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2015.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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