Search Results (157)

Background/Objectives: Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes are rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and minerals, which are known to exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms and active constituents have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of continuous N. cochenillifera consumption on lipid metabolism, immune function, and the gut microbiota in mice. Methods: The feed was made using freeze-dried and powdered cladodes of N. cochenillifera. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups: control diet (C), control diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (CN), high-fat diet (FC), and high-fat diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (FN). Results: Cactus supplementation reduced the body and liver weights that were elevated by the high-fat diet. Serum total cholesterol and free fatty acids were increased in the FC group compared with the C group, while cactus intake lowered these levels and enhanced fecal cholesterol excretion. Cactus consumption also elevated fecal total IgA and mucin contents. IL-4 expression in Peyer’s patches was significantly increased in the FN group compared with the FC group. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant differences in β-diversity, along with increased α-diversity and higher abundance of Lachnospiraceae, following cactus intake. Conclusions: These findings suggest that N. cochenillifera intake increases gut microbiota diversity, which enhances intestinal barrier function and thereby contributes to improved lipid metabolism and immune regulation. Full article

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OPD) fruits are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, which are recognized for their potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on the optimization of pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted solid–liquid green extraction (SLE) from OPD whole fruit, using response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design to obtain green extracts rich in bioactive compounds. The optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions (electric field strength and energy input) were determined based on the cell disintegration index (Zp), followed by optimizing SLE conditions (temperature, time, and ethanol content). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI-Qtof) was used to characterize the individual bioactive compound profile of the obtained OPD green extracts. Results showed that optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions were at 10.5 kJ/kg and 5 kV/cm, followed by SLE at 35 °C for 165 min, using water as the solvent. Conventional optimal SLE conducted at 45 °C, 8% ethanol, and 128 min was applied as the control process. The combined PEF-assisted SLE process enhanced total betalain and phenolic compound yields by 61% and 135%, respectively. Antioxidant activities (DPPH by 145%, FRAP by 28%) and anti-inflammatory potential (hyaluronidase inhibition by 19%) were also significantly improved. This study underscores the potential use of a PEF pre-treatment to improve obtaining green extracts rich in bioactive compounds with high biological activities from OPD whole fruits, using water as a solvent. Full article

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) poses a major threat to global agriculture by impairing root function, reducing nutrient uptake, and ultimately limiting seed development and crop productivity. This study investigated the molecular and metabolic defense responses of Cucumis metuliferus (prickly pear) to M. incognita infection. Gene expression and metabolic pathway reprogramming in M. incognita-infected roots were examined using integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches. The identified genes were involved in stress responses and defense activation. Furthermore, metabolite profiling revealed significant shifts in secondary metabolite production, with an upregulation of defense-related compounds like jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and prostaglandins. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment analysis highlighted critical pathways such as biotin metabolism and nucleotide metabolism, underscoring the adaptive metabolic responses of C. metuliferus plants. GO (Gene Ontology) analysis from the integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics data highlighted significant upregulation of enzymatic pathways, transporter activities, and reorganization of cellular structures. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed activation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis, immune-related signaling pathways, and metabolic reprogramming including increased carbon metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis. This study provides a valuable molecular framework for breeding of M. incognita-resistant cultivars, ultimately supporting more stable seed distribution and agricultural productivity in M. incognita-prone regions. Full article

Opuntia dillenii has gained considerable scientific attention as a potential natural source of antioxidants. This systematic review compiles and evaluates current evidence regarding its antioxidant activity. A PRISMA-guided literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying 37 eligible studies. These studies employed two main methodological approaches: chemical-based assays and biological models. Chemical assays, including radical scavenging and reducing power assays, demonstrated a broad range of antioxidant activity influenced by factors such as the extraction method, plant part, plant maturity, and geographic origin. Polysaccharides, betalains, and polyphenols were consistently identified as primary contributors to these effects. Biological models further supported the antioxidant properties of O. dillenii extracts. In animal studies, administration of the extracts significantly improved oxidative stress biomarkers, increasing glutathione levels, reducing malondialdehyde concentrations, and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, particularly in the liver and other digestive tissues like the colon, stomach, and pancreas. Cellular studies using hepatocyte, macrophage, enterocyte, and neuronal cell lines produced comparable results, confirming the antioxidant effects. In conclusion, O. dillenii exhibits promising antioxidant potential across various experimental models. However, the absence of human clinical trials highlights the need for further research to establish its efficacy and safety as a nutraceutical product. Full article

Mangroves form the dominant coastal plant community of low-energy tropical intertidal habitats and provide critical ecosystem services to humans and the environment. However, more frequent and increasingly powerful hurricanes and storm surges are creating additional pressure on the natural resilience of these threatened coastal ecosystems. Advances in remote sensing techniques and approaches are critical to providing robust quantitative monitoring of post-storm mangrove forest recovery to better prioritize the often-limited resources available for the restoration of these storm-damaged habitats. Here, we build on previously utilized spatial and temporal ranges of European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel satellite imagery to monitor and map the recovery of the mangrove forests of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since the occurrence of back-to-back category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, on September 6 and 19 of 2017, respectively. Pre- to post-storm changes in coastal mangrove forest health were assessed annually using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and moisture stress index (MSI) from 2016 to 2023 using Google Earth Engine. Results reveal a steady trajectory towards forest health recovery on many of the Territory’s islands since the storms’ impacts in 2017. However, some mangrove patches are slower to recover, such as those on the islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, and, in some cases, have shown a continued decline (e.g., Prickly Pear Island). Our work also uses a linear ANCOVA model to assess a variety of geospatial, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers for mangrove recovery as a function of NDVI pre-storm and post-storm conditions. The model suggests that roughly 58% of the variability in the 7-year difference (2016 to 2023) in NDVI may be related by a positive linear relationship with the variable of population within 0.5 km and a negative linear relationship with the variables of northwest aspect vs. southwest aspect, island size, temperature, and slope. Full article

The nopal cactus, a plant from the Cactaceae family, holds significant economic and nutritional value for Mexico. This study aimed to enhance the genetic diversity and morphological traits of Opuntia velutina, a species cultivated as a vegetable nopal. A total of 1050 in vitro O. velutina explants were exposed to 15 different doses of gamma radiation from ⁶⁰Co gamma, ranging from 5 to 125 Gy. The lethal dose was above 50 Gy, with an LD₅₀ of 22.8 Gy for stimulating in vitro shoot growth. Shoots derived from doses between 5 and 50 Gy were subjected to in vitro shoot proliferation across four consecutive generations to stabilize morphological traits. Cluster analysis categorized the 178 irradiated shoots into 13 distinct morphological groups (CG1–CG13). Twenty-seven shoots exhibiting significant morphological improvements, such as a 50–100% increase in cladode length, up to a six-fold increase in shoot number, and up to a seven-fold increase in root number, were selected for molecular analysis of genetic diversity. Six primers were used with the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) molecular markers to examine genetic uniformity, yielding 54.5% polymorphic bands, indicating a high level of genetic variation. Both a UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE-based Bayesian analysis confirmed the genetic divergence among the selected mutant lines. Overall, gamma irradiation effectively enhanced both phenotypic and genotypic diversity in O. velutina. This study corroborates that in vitro mutagenesis through gamma radiation is a viable strategy for generating novel genotypes with breeding potential within the Opuntia genus. Full article

This study presents an innovative approach to differentiate Southern Greek yellow prickly pear samples according to geographical origin based on physicochemical parameters, mineral composition, and bioactive compounds using advanced chemometrics. A total of 56 yellow prickly pear samples were collected from four distinct Greek regions (Crete, Paros, Symi, Peloponnese) during the 2019 and 2020 harvest seasons. A multi-platform analytical strategy was employed, combining classical physicochemical analyses and UV spectrophotometry for total antioxidant activity with cutting-edge techniques such as UPLC-MS/MS for precise quantification of vitamins and antioxidants, and ICP-MS for mineral profiling. In total, thirteen physicochemical parameters, nineteen macro-, micro-, and trace elements, nine vitamins, and seven antioxidants were identified and quantified. Application of MANOVA and Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) revealed that eight physicochemical parameters, ten mineral elements, and sixteen bioactive compounds played a crucial role in sample geographical differentiation. The classification success rates using the cross-validation method were 82.1% for physicochemical parameters, 75.0% for minerals, and an impressive 96.4% for vitamins and antioxidants highlighting the robust tool for the geographical differentiation of Southern Greek yellow prickly pears. Full article

Seed oils from Borago officinalis (borage), Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), and Calophyllum inophyllum (calophyllum or tamanu) are rich in bioactive fatty acids and have been traditionally used in cosmetic and industrial sectors. This study explored their fatty acid composition and investigated their in vitro antioxidant, anti-arthritic, neuroprotective, and antibiofilm activities. Fatty acid profiles were determined via gas chromatography. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Anti-arthritic potential was measured via bovine serum albumin denaturation. Neuroprotective properties were evaluated through acetylcholinesterase, butirylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase inhibition. Antibiofilm activity against five pathogenic strains was analyzed using crystal violet and MTT assays. Correlation analysis was used to associate fatty acid composition with bioactivity. Prickly pear oil exhibited the highest PUFA content (65.1%), mainly linoleic acid. Calophyllum oil was richer in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. All oils showed significant radical scavenging ability, with calophyllum oil showing the lowest DPPH IC₅₀ and borage oil, the highest ABTS activity. Borage and prickly pear oils demonstrated strong anti-arthritic potential. Calophyllum oil showed the most potent AChE inhibition. All oils showed tyrosinase inhibition; however, calophyllum did not show BChE inhibitory activity. Antibiofilm activity was species- and dose-dependent, with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii being most affected. Thus, the tested oils exhibited multiple biological activities, influenced by their fatty acid composition. The in vitro antioxidant, anti-arthritic, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial properties support their potential use as functional food ingredients or nutraceuticals, especially for aging-related health concerns. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of the food matrix on the bioaccessibility and hypoglycemic potential and antioxidant potential of betalains from red prickly pear juice (Opuntia spp.) after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Six aqueous model systems (AMSs) were formulated using a betalain extract combined with glucose, citric acid, mucilage, pectin, or all components, alongside three complex matrices, the fresh juice (FJ), a formulated beverage (BF), and a pasteurized formulated beverage (BP). In vitro digestion simulated the gastric and intestinal phases. The results showed that complex matrices (FJ, BF, and BP) enhanced betalain bioaccessibility, with FJ exhibiting the highest bioaccessibility (59%). Mucilage and pectin provided the strongest protection, reducing betalain degradation by 30% and 25%, respectively, while citric acid had a destabilizing effect. Pasteurization (BP) reduced betalain stability compared to FJ and BF. Antioxidant activity decreased post-digestion but remained higher in BF. Notably, FJ showed the highest inhibition of α-amylase (72%) and α-glucosidase (68%), surpassing acarbose (50–60% inhibition). These findings highlight the critical role of the food matrix, particularly mucilage and pectin, in stabilizing betalains through non-covalent interactions and enhancing their hypoglycemic potential. Red prickly pear juice emerges as a promising functional food for managing postprandial glucose levels, offering valuable insights for developing betalain-rich foods to address type 2 diabetes. Full article

This study investigates the antioxidative potential of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and prickly pear peel extract (HPE) as natural preservatives in cooked chicken models. The extracts were characterized for their phenolic and tannin content, and their antioxidant activity was measured through in vitro chemical assays using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Cooked chicken samples were formulated with different concentrations of PPE or HPE and compared to sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) treatment. The effects on lipid and protein oxidation, instrumental colour parameters, and aldehyde formation were evaluated during storage. The results demonstrated that PPE exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to HPE, particularly at higher concentrations. PPE_300 had the highest phenolic content, exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity, and significantly reduced lipid oxidation markers such as malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides. PPE also preserved protein integrity by reducing carbonyl formation and maintaining thiol levels. Colour stability was improved in both PPE- and HPE-treated samples, although nitrite remained the most effective in maintaining redness (a*-values). These findings suggest that PPE, particularly at 300 mg/kg, is a promising natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants for improving oxidative stability and shelf life in meat products. Further research should explore sensory attributes and consumer acceptance to facilitate industrial applications. Full article

Due to the increasing concern about the negative impact of the modern food system and the need to design foods to improve their healthiness and sustainability, in the current study, a fortified cheesecake was developed by using juice, peels, and pomace from prickly pears, which are fruit by-products rich in active compounds. After proper dehydration and being ground to produce a fine powder, some traditional ingredients were substituted with fruit juice and by-products. The water content loss during dehydration and the energy consumed per g of dehydrated by-product were assessed using a proper mathematical approach. A sensory evaluation was carried out using a panel test, thus verifying that the new dessert made with prickly pears was comparable to the traditional one; both recorded high scores of acceptability (sensory score ranged between 8 and 9). The centesimal composition of the two cheesecakes also demonstrated that the ingredient substitution did not affect the energetic value of the final product (290 vs. 248 kcal/100 g); on the contrary, it promoted an increase in carbohydrates (27.38 vs. 26.26 g/100 g), lipids (16.98 vs. 12.94 g/100 g), and total fibers (5.7 vs. 4.2 g/100 g). To demonstrate that the recycling of by-products from prickly pears could represent an advantage from an environmental point of view, a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out. In relation to this, three environmental impact categories, such as Global Warming Potential, Acidification and Eutrophication, which are associated with three different biowaste treatment options—such as composting, landfilling, and recycling—were assessed. The results from the LCA highlighted that recycling always emerged as the most sustainable biowaste management option. For all environmental impact categories analyzed, recycling resulted in an overall environmental saving (−7.63 kgCO₂eq/kg biowaste; −0.116 kgSO₂eq/kg biowaste; and −0.055 kgPO₄³⁻eq/kg biowaste). In addition, the comparison between the traditional cheesecake and the fortified one, in terms of impacts per kg of cheesecake, demonstrated that replacing food items with recycled biowaste may result in a general reduction in emissions and resources. Therefore, this case study represents a valid example of zero-waste production, offering a concrete suggestion as to how processed foods can be redesigned to make them healthier from a more sustainable perspective. Full article

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are of significant interest for the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The present study is the first to investigate the potential anti-steatotic effect of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts. The aim is to evaluate the anti-steatotic effect of extracts from various parts of the plant (whole fruit, peel, pulp, and the industrial by-product, bagasse) in an in vitro model using both murine AML12 and human HepG2 hepatocytes. Results have demonstrated that all tested extracts, including those from the whole fruit, peel, pulp, and bagasse, exert an anti-steatotic effect. In murine hepatocytes, the whole fruit extract at 100 μg/mL and the peel extract at 10 μg/mL presented the highest capacity to reduce PA-induced triglyceride accumulation. In fact, the peel was the most potent extract, preventing lipid accumulation at the lowest dose used. In human HepG2 hepatocytes, the peel, pulp, and bagasse extracts at 100 μg/mL demonstrated the greatest triglyceride reduction, suggesting that the human model is less responsive. Regarding the main mechanism of action, the peel and pulp extracts seem to inhibit de novo lipogenesis. Additionally, the downregulation of the fatty acid transporter CD36 appears to contribute to the prevention of triglyceride accumulation in both extracts. Full article

Fermented walnut (FW) meal exhibits antifungal activity against Penicillium victoriae (the fungus responsible for prickly pear spoilage), which is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of antimicrobial peptides and salicylic acid (SA). This study aimed to investigate the synergistic mechanism between YVVPW (YW-5, the peptide with the highest antifungal activity) and SA against the cell membrane of P. victoriae. Treatment enhanced prickly pear’s rot rate, polyphenol concentration, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 38.11%, 8.11%, and 48.53%, respectively, while reducing the microbial count by 19.17%. Structural analyses revealed β-sheets as YW-5′s predominant structure (41.18%), which increased to 49.0% during SA interaction. Molecular docking demonstrated YW-5′s stronger binding to β-(1,3)-glucan synthase and membrane protein amino acids via hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces, and π-π conjugate interactions. Spectroscopic analyses demonstrated SA’s major role in YW-5 synergy at the interface and polar head region of phospholipids, enhancing lipid chain disorder and the leakage of cell components. Malondialdehyde and SOD levels increased nearly two-fold and six-fold when treated with YW-5/SA, and YW-5 showed a more pronounced effect. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that SA caused greater damage to spore morphology and cell ultrastructure. These findings support this formulation’s functions as an efficient antifungal substance in fruit storage. Full article

The invasion of Opuntioideae (cacti) was assessed at national, European, and global levels >14 years ago and requires an urgent update. At present, only three species of this subfamily are retained in the official list of the Swiss Federal Bureau of Environment, two of them being potentially invasive. About 550 new observations of Opuntia Mill. and Cylindropuntia (Engelm.) F. M. Knuth in the Swiss Cantons Valais, Vaud, and Ticino have been entered in the Swiss Info Flora database. Our observations include the revision of previously registered and new stations, using a revised taxonomy presented here. Our study covering the last 5 years reveals 12 species, each with a specific ecology. Four species have an invasive potential at a local level in the xeric Central Valais. We characterized the habitat of each species by bedrock and soil type, exposure, and microclimate. Opuntia mesacantha (ex O. humifusa Complex) and O. phaeacantha are currently invasive in the municipality of Sion. Opuntia cymochila (hitherto lumped with O. phaeacantha) is dominant in the municipality of Fully, and Opuntia engelmannii is expanding east of Fully. In Ticino and the Jura foothills, adaptations to 2–3-fold annual precipitation and limestone bedrock are explained by the different soil properties and root systems of Opuntias. Methods of control, in particular, the uprooting currently practiced in Fully and Sion, are discussed. Full article

The optimization of the prickly pear peel (PPP) dehydration temperature was addressed. Two indicators of efficiency were used to select the optimal dehydration temperature: one related to the process productivity, another to the energy consumption. To calculate them the PPP dehydration kinetics were measured at three different temperatures (i.e., 50, 60, and 70 °C) along with the energy consumption of the process. A mathematical model was used to fit the dehydration kinetics. The influence of the temperature on the kinetics was assessed by analyzing the dependence of the fitting parameters on the dehydration temperature. It was found that both the kinetic parameters and the equilibrium parameter depend on the temperature through an exponential-type equation. The model was also used to calculate both the process productivity and the average energy consumed by the dehydration cabinet per grams of evaporated water when 99% dehydration is reached. The two efficiency indicators suggested that the optimal drying temperature is 70 °C, both being the indicators decreasing function of the temperature. Full article