Chemical Characterization of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Hydroalcoholic Extract and Its Efficiency against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep

Abstract

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a xerophylous plant that originated in tropical and subtropical America. This plant is popularly known in Brazil as “palma forrageira” (cactus pear) and plays a fundamental role in animal nutrition, mainly in the Northeastern semi-arid region of the country. The plant has several uses since it presents bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties. In this context, the cactus pear can also be considered a potential product to combat parasite infections. The objective of this study was to chemically characterize the O. ficus-indica hydroalcoholic extract (OFIEOH) and to determine its efficacy against gastrointestinal parasites using in vitro tests. Initially, the hydroalcoholic extract from cladode peels of O. ficus-indica was produced by maceration for 21 days. For the chemical characterization, colorimetric dosages were performed for carbohydrates, proteins, phenols and condensed tannins. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry/electron spray ionization (LC-MS/ESI) was used to characterize the polyphenolic profile of the OFIEOH extract. Fifteen compounds were identified in the OFIEOH extract, such as methyl, glycosylated and aglycone quercetin derivatives and aglycone and glycosylated kaempferol derivatives. Tri-glycosylated methyl quercetin derivatives were the main compounds identified. In vitro egg hatch (EHT) and larval migration tests (LMT) were used in a range of concentrations of OFIEOH from 12.5 to 100 mg/mL for EHT and 12.5 to 200 mg/mL for LMT. In addition, the LMT was used to test ivermectin (IVM) (from 11.4 to 57.1 µM), associated with the inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) for OFIEOH. The combination of OFIEOH (12.5 to 200 mg/mL) plus the IC50 of IVM was also tested. The efficacy of OFIEOH alone varied from 19.33 to 90.0% using the EHT. The LMT revealed an efficacy of 5.78 to 77.26% for the extract. Both tests showed a concentration-dependence inhibitory effect. We found a drug-extract antagonistic neutralizing effect when doses of IVM were added to OFIEOH (maximum efficacy of 73.78%), while a positive additive effect was observed when OFIEOH was added to the IC50 of IVM (IC50 of 82.79 for OFIEOH alone against an IC50 of 55.08 of OFIEOH + IVM). The data from this work indicate that OFIEOH alone may be considered as a suitable ecofriendly product to control gastrointestinal parasites of sheep, offering a more holistic approach to improve animal farming and welfare. The drug-extract interaction is also a promising therapeutic alternative, reducing the final dose to the host, with an optimum combination effect.

Characterization of Phenolic Compounds Extracted from Cold Pressed Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) Seed Oil and the Effect of Roasting on Their Composition

“…The absence of these compounds in oil can be explained by the fact that some of them are glycosides that more likely remain in the press cake instead of being extracted in the oil due to the higher polarity of the compounds. Santos et al [ 35 ] extracted the cladode peels of O. ficus-indica with a mixture of alcohol and water and finally identified fifteen compounds in the resulting extract such as methyl, glycosylated and aglycone quercetin derivatives, and aglycone and glycosylated kaempferol derivatives. It can be assumed that most of these compounds are soluble in the oil due to their structure.…”

Present and Future Potential of Antiparasitic Activity of Opuntia ficus-indica

“…[78][79][80] For this reason, there is a need to focus on planttherapy, and studies have intensified and experiments developed to produce medicines from O. ficus-indica for their efficacy in controlling parasitic nematodes has been proven. 24,27 Phenolic compounds include many compounds such as phenols, phenolic acids (derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids), coumarins, stilbenes, condensed, and hydrolysed tannins, lignins, and majorly flavonoids (including flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanols or catechins, anthocyanins, isoflavones, chalcones and dihydrochalcones) are found in many plants. 81,82 Quercetin (3,3,4,5,7pentahydroxyflavone) a flavonol are important due to its biological activities as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agents,and for its health benefits associated with the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.…”

“…[96][97][98] The natural anti-parasite effect of Opuntia ficus indica may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, and more specifically the quercetin derivative and probably from the tannin-rich components which have a higher efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. 24,99 The antiparasitic activity is as a result of the synergistic effects among compounds, such as quercetin derivatives. 85,86 Tanninrich plants have been used against gastrointestinal parasites by promoting structural alterations in the parasites, reducing the development of the larval stages and compromising the fertility of females and egg integrity (hatchability).…”

<i>In vitro</i> Effects of <i>Anogeissus leiocarpus</i> and <i>Adansonia digitata</i> on Two Life-cycle Stages of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>, a Gastrointestinal Parasite of Small Ruminants

“…Among these strategies, the search for effective plant extracts is of particular and considerable interest [9,10]. These plants possess active molecules such as tannins, flavonoids and phenols that have been associated with effective anthelmintic activities in small ruminants [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Therefore, the use of natural local plant resources, which are cheaper, effective and safe for consumer health, remains the most relevant alternative to synthetic molecules.…”