Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil: Biorefinery and bioeconomy aspects

Abstract

In this study, we offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the cactus peer seed oil market and utilizations. Besides antioxidant and skin and hair hydrating action which make it suitable as a valued cosmetic ingredient, the oil contained in the seeds of Opuntia ficus‐indica and Opuntia dillenii, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, also shows anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products. Practical applications: The outcomes of the study will be useful in progressing the expansion of the emerging bioeconomy, especially in Opuntia producing countries. The oil contained in the seeds of prickly pear cactus is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and shows significant anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products. We offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the utilization of this valued bio‐derived oil.

Sicilian Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil: Fatty acid composition and bio‐economical aspects

“…The nutritive value of OFI seeds and oil obtained in Turkey was lately confirmed with seeds being an important source of natural fiber and the oil, with its high (61%) linoleic acid content, recommended for use as a nutraceutical agent [6]. We have lately argued accordingly, that the oil will shortly be used not only in cosmetic products but also in food supplementation and nutraceutical products, in a typical case of innovation guided by the past, which has been a constant driving force of chemistry [7].…”

Toward unfolding the bioeconomy of nopal (Opuntia spp.)

“…The O. ficus indica seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, exerting unique skin and hair hydrating action, and it contains the highest amount of vitamin E available in any beauty oil on the market. It also has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, which provide it with significant potential as a functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food‐supplement products . The oil, extracted from seeds of two Mexican varieties of cactus pear (green: O. albicarpa and red: O. ficus indica ), has an appreciable amount of unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic fatty acid being the predominant one (65–67%), and this oil has the potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries …”

Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Analysis of Opuntia dillenii Extracts Grown in Morocco

“…It was introduced in Europe and North Africa in the 16 th century [5]. Cactus has remarkable benefits to human and animal health [6]. It can be a source of various chemical compounds of biological and pharmacological importance.…”