A study on biochemical properties of different parts of three Opuntia species (Opuntia ficus-indica, O. microdasys, and O. basilaris)

Abstract

Cacti are thorny plants originated from America that grow in most parts of the world. It isused as an ornamental plant thanks to its unique fleshy and beautiful appearance. The fruitsof Opuntia are rich in antioxidants, which makes it possible for this species to tolerategrueling adverse environments. The biochemical properties of fruits and stems of threeOpuntia species (Opuntia ficus-indica, O. microdasys, and O. basilaris) were studied in atrial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The intended traitswere estimated for the tissues of stems and fruits. They included total protein, dissolvedsugar, enzymatic antioxidants like catalase and peroxidase, anthocyanin content,carotenoid, chlorophyll, pH, total acidity, vitamin C and Brix degrees content in the juice.The results revealed that the stems and fruits of O. ficus-indica had the highest carotenoidand chlorophyll a, the stems of O. microdasys had the highest antioxidant capacity,anthocyanin, carotenoid, chlorophyll, peroxidase, and protein, and the fruits of O. basilarishad the lowest antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin, catalase, peroxidase, and Brix.