Betacyanins and Anthocyanins in Pulp and Peel of Red Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus cv. Jindu), Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, Lipid Reducing, and Cytotoxic Effects

Abstract

This study aimed to promote red pitaya fruit parts as alternate sources of nutraceuticals. The red pitaya of Chinese origin was determined for its in vitro efficacy, where the fruit extracts were evaluated based on the selected antioxidative properties, lipid-reducing capacity, and cytotoxicity. The betanin, total betacyanins, total anthocyanins, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the red pitaya pulp and peel extracts were determined by spectrophotometric analyses. Cell culture assays were used to examine in vitro efficacy and cytotoxicity of the pitaya extracts. The result showed that red pitaya peel extract had a higher total betacyanins and total anthocyanins content than the pulp extract, but the peel extract had a lower DPPH radical scavenging effect than the pulp extract. The red pitaya extracts also had a protective effect in reducing oxidative stress, especially the peel extract. All fruit samples had a low anticancer potential except for betanin and anthocyanin standards. The protective effect of pitaya peel could be attributed to betacyanins and anthocyanins. Both pulp and peel extracts had a weak anticancer effect because these extracts contained polysaccharides and other phytochemicals that were not cytotoxic. As the peel extract of red pitaya was not cytotoxic, it is a potent source of betacyanins for reducing oxidative stress.

Optimisation of fish gelatin and red pitaya peel powder edible film production

“…This effect was associated with the pigment compound concentration of RPP, where betalain was the primary pigment component. Betalain comprises betacyanin pigment, a red‐violet colourant, and betaxanthin pigment, a yellow‐orange colourant (Khoo et al ., 2022). Chaari et al .…”

“…This effect was associated with the pigment compound concentration of RPP, where betalain was the primary pigment component. Betalain comprises betacyanin pigment, a red-violet colourant, and betaxanthin pigment, a yellow-orange colourant (Khoo et al, 2022). Chaari et al (2022) also reported decreased luminance of gelatin-sodium alginate film with the addition of betacyanin pigment from beetroot peel extract.…”

Comparative Physicochemical Properties of Isolated Pectin from Various Tropical Fruit Peel Wastes

“…This is possibly due to the removal of impurities such as betacyanin, red pigment, anthocyanin, and the total phenolic compounds from the peel extract of pectin. 27,28 The wet pectin from papaya had an orange-cream colour, whereas those from the others had a yellowish-white colour (Figure 2b). The drying temperature for all the pectin samples was in the range of 45 to 50 °C, which is considered to be optimum owing to the highest extraction yield obtained.…”

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Other Health Effects of Dragon Fruit and Potential Delivery Systems for Its Bioactive Compounds

“…The anti-cancer activities promoted by pitaya are related to several bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and betacyanin [ 83 , 84 ].…”