Exploring xoconostle by-products as sources of bioactive compounds

Abstract

The genus Opuntia embraces different species of cactus, and many of them produce acid fruits known as xoconostle, which are considered valuable vegetable foods in Latin America. Xoconostle fruit contains an edible thick-acid-freshly mesocarp, and seeds that are considered as by-products. Given the high potential of its use and consumption, and the lack of information about its detailed chemical composition and bioactive compounds, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant properties of pulp and seeds of two highly consumed commercial cultivars of xoconostle fruits (Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet, cv. Cuaresmeño, and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar, cv. Rosa).This investigation shows that the pulp of the studied xoconostle cultivars had an appreciable amount of soluble fiber and antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, while the seeds are a source of fiber, phenolics, flavonoids, PUFAs and tocopherols (specially γ-tocopherol), which provide a good antioxidant capacity. In the light of these results, xoconostle fruits should be considered of great interest for either promoting the conventional consumption, and also as sources of bioactive compounds for the addition to other food products, so that all the nutrients present are fully used, instead of being discarded.

Xoconostle fruit (Opuntia matudae Scheinvar cv. Rosa) by-products as potential functional ingredients

“…Similar percentages were reported for Cuaresmeño by-products (15.55 and 26.30% of PA in peel and endocarp, respectively; Morales et al, 2014), as well as in O. matudae fruit seeds and pulp (9.42 and 12.74 %, respectively;Morales et al, 2012). Nevertheless, these percentages were lower than those reported by Ramadan & Mörsel (2003) Morales et al, 2014). However, lower percentages of OA were determined in the edible part (mesocarp) of the same fruits (OA: 3.68%, Morales et al, 2012).…”

“…Regarding SFA, palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) were found in relevant proportion both in epicarp and endocarp. Similar percentages were reported for Cuaresmeño by-products (15.55 and 26.30% of PA in peel and endocarp, respectively; Morales et al, 2014), as well as in O. matudae fruit seeds and pulp (9.42 and 12.74 %, respectively;Morales et al, 2012). Nevertheless, these percentages were lower than those reported by Ramadan & Mörsel (2003) Morales et al, 2014).…”

“…All samples presented a good ratio PUFA/SFA (higher than 0.45), as also happened for similar Cuaresmeño by-products (Morales et al, 2014). The results are interesting since diets rich in PUFA have been shown to be cardio-protective (McGee, Ree & Yano, 1984).…”

“…Cuaresmeño, but in lower amount (20.98 mg/100 g, Morales et al, 2014). The other organic acids were found in higher concentration in the endocarp.…”

“…Morales et al (2014) also studied the epicarp and endocarp of another Opuntia species; the main phenolic compounds were similar, but the species study herein presented a different profile (lower variety of phenolic compounds and different quantities). Flavonols were also found as the mayor polyphenols in other Opuntia sp.…”