Bioactivity, hydrophilic, lipophilic and volatile compounds in pulps and skins of Opuntia macrorhiza and Opuntia microdasys fruits

Abstract

Opuntia genus includes several species able to grow in arid regions and known for producing delicate fruits, which are far from being thoroughly characterized. Herein, fruits from O. macrorhiza and O. microdasys were divided in skins and pulps (without including seeds) and studied for chemical composition, individual phytochemicals and bioactivity. The major volatiles were camphor and ethyl acetate, while citric acid was the main organic acid. The fatty acids detected in highest percentages were linoleic acid (skins) and lauric acid (pulps); αtocopherol was the major isoform of vitamin E. Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and quercetin-O-(deoxyhexoside-rutinoside) were the main phenolics in fruit skins of O. macrorhiza and O. microdasys (respectively), similarly to piscidic acid in O. macrorhiza pulp (O. microdasys pulp showed no quantifiable compounds). Betanin and isobetanin were the major betalains. All samples were antioxidant (particularly O. macrorhiza), but antimicrobial activity was only detected in skins. Cytotoxicity was low in all cases. Overall, these fruits proved to be potential new ingredients for food or pharmaceutical related applications, adding value to these natural species able to grow in arid environments.

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, and Biological Evaluation of Tunisian Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

“…The absorbance was read at 734 nm and the scavenging capacity was calculated as a percentage of inhibition, according to the formula: [1 − (A S /A control )] × 100. Inhibition of β-carotene bleaching was evaluated through the β-carotene/linoleate assay according to Chahdoura et al [ 40 ]; the neutralization of linoleate free radicals avoids β-carotene bleaching, which is measured using the formula: (β-carotene absorbance after 2 h of assay/initial absorbance) × 100.…”

Analyzing the Bioactive Properties and Volatile Profiles Characteristics of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw: Exploring its Potential for Pharmacological Applications

“…According to Chahdoura et al., findings, camphor (49 %), nonanal (16.4 %) ethyl acetate (54 %), 1‐hexyl acetate (15.3 %) and 1‐nonanol (22 %) were the major volatile compound detected in skins and pulps of O. microdasys and O. macrorhiza using HS‐SPME extraction method [14] . Zito et al.…”

“…According to Chahdoura et al, findings, camphor (49 %), nonanal (16.4 %) ethyl acetate (54 %), 1-hexyl acetate (15.3 %) and 1-nonanol (22 %) were the major volatile compound detected in skins and pulps of O. microdasys and O. macrorhiza using HS-SPME extraction method. [14] Zito et al Hydrocarbons (43.5 %), aldehydes and ketones (21.8 %), and hydrocarbons (21.4 %) made up the majority of the chemical groups in oils from the fruit's red skin. In contrast, the oils from the yellow skin and cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) flowers have a low level of these compounds.…”

“…[32] Toxicity prediction using Pro-Tox II Table 6 provides important information regarding the toxicity predictions and toxic endpoints of major compounds found in O. dilleni. The compounds are listed from (1) catechin to (14) kaempferol. The table includes data on predicted LD50 values (lethal dose for 50 % of the population) and hazard classes.…”

Effect of Flavoring with Rosemary, Lemon and Orange on the Quality, Composition and Biological Properties of Olive Oil: Comparative Study of Extraction Processes

“…Each aqueous-methanolic extract of the oil samples was screened for DPPH and ABTS + radical-scavenging abilities [ 36 ], reducing power, as well as ß-carotene bleaching inhibition assays [ 37 ]; the EC50 value (mg/mL extract) of each assay was calculated by interpolation.…”