Inhibition of Urease, Elastase, and β-Glucuronidase Enzymatic Activity by Applying Aqueous Extracts of Opuntia oligacantha C.F. Först Acid Fruits: In Vitro Essay under Simulated Digestive Conditions

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases such as gastric inflammatory diseases and the hepatic pathologies are mainly related to bad lifestyle habits such as recurrent consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive intake of alcohol, tobacco, steroids (high doses), alkaline agents, strong acid foods, and high-fat food, and Helicobacter pylori infections, among others. The fruit of Opuntia oligacantha C.F. Först var. Ulapa (xoconostle) is currently being studied due its nutritional and functional properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of different parts of xoconostle fruit by establishing in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Four treatments were established to test aqueous extracts (pericarp (P), mesocarp (M), endocarp (E) and whole fruit (W)). The quantified bioactive compounds were the total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and betalains. The enzymatic assays were: urease, elastase, and β-glucuronidase. Significant differences (p < 0.05) of bioactive compounds content were measured in xoconostle extracts, the highest concentration was found in W (phenols 313 mg GAE/100 g, flavonoids 189 mg QE/100 g, tannins 71 mg CATE/100 g). The betalains content was higher in E; 17 mg/100 g significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) in the enzymatic inhibitions test (urease, elastase and β-glucuronidase), where W presented the highest inhibition activity (86%, 79%, and 84%), respectively. Bioactive compounds after in vitro gastrointestinal tests were maintained above 60% enzymatic inhibition activity.

Exploring the Potential Hepatoprotective Properties of Cactus (Cactaceae) in Liver Health and Disease Management: A Brief Review

“…Xanthones are the main inhibitors of B-glucuronidase, which is used as an indicator of tumor-related and pathogenic activity in the liver. Therefore, the extract can be a preventive alternative against inflammation caused by liver diseases [28].…”

“…A polysaccharide obtained from Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gaw) also exerted a hepatoprotective effect in mice with cadmium chloride-induced liver injury. Mice exposed to cadmium received a dose of 200 mg/kg of the polysaccharide for varying periods of time (7,14,21,28, and 35 days), with evaluations of the liver index, biochemical and blood indicators, and pathological changes. Exposure to cadmium caused an increase in the levels of AST, ALT, and ALP and a reduction in hemoglobin, in addition to causing swelling and apoptosis of liver cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells.…”

Efecto de Xoconostle (Opuntia matudae Scheinvar) sobre la concentración de metano y las variables ruminales durante una fermentación in vitro de rastrojo de maíz

“…El contenido de compuestos fenólicos y actividad antioxidante en el rastrojo de maíz utilizado en este estudio (Cuadro 1) es próximo a lo reportado por Vázquez-Olivo (27) para rastrojo de maíz con valores de 219 EAG/100 g muestra. Respecto al xoconostle, el contenido de fenoles totales es consistente con lo reportado por otras investigaciones (28,29) .…”

Bioactive Compounds of Opuntia spp. Acid Fruits: Micro and Nano-Emulsified Extracts and Applications in Nutraceutical Foods

“…Medina-Perez et al [53] evaluated gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of different parts of xoconostle fruit (Opuntia Oligacantha C.F. Först) by establishing in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions.…”