Phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Opuntia ficus‐indica peel and flower teas after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Abstract

BACKGROUND The flowers and peels of cactus Opuntia ficus‐indica (OFI) are by‐products generally discarded. Their beneficial properties have been linked to the chemical composition without taking into account its transformations during digestion. This study evaluated and compared the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of OFI peel and flower teas before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. RESULTS Results showed that OFI peel tea was a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI flower tea was a source of flavonoids. Both OFI peel and flower teas exhibited high antioxidant activities (AAs) measured by several tests [1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), reducing power (RP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA)]. Flower teas presented a higher antiacetylcholinesterase inhibition percentage than peel teas. Significant decreases of acetylcholinesterase and AAs were obtained under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Fourteen phenolic compounds typical of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in both teas. These compounds seemed to be more affected by pancreatic than by the gastric conditions. CONCLUSION OFI peel tea has been found as a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI dry flower tea as a source of flavonoids. The OFI flower tea phytochemicals were more stable than peel tea during the digestive process. These findings suggest that peels and flowers of OFI should be considered as sources of healthy ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticoccidial Activities of Opuntia ficus-indica Flower Extracts

“…Moreover, many studies have reported the presence of phenolic acids, such as coumaric acid, quinic acid, piscidic acid, eucomic acid, and other compounds in fruit, pulp, and peel OFI extracts [ 17 , 31 , 41 , 42 ]. Also, Amrane-Abider et al [ 10 ] identified some phenol compounds, namely quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin, isoquercetin, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in Opuntia ficus-indica peel and flower teas using the boiling water method. These differences may be due to genetic factors, prickly pear varieties, culture or growth conditions, and geographical variations in prickly pear plants [ 43 ].…”

“…Opuntia flowers have long been used in folk medicine for a wide variety of therapeutic effects against ocular illnesses [ 6 ], diabetes [ 7 ], ulcers [ 8 ], and renal lithiases [ 9 ]. Moreover, the organic extracts of OFI flowers were studied for their antiacetylcholinesterase [ 10 ] and anti-inflammatory effects [ 11 ]. Furthermore, some Opuntia species showed inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa , S. aureus , and E. coli , and others could be used as food preservative agents [ 12 ].…”

“…These antioxidant molecules can donate hydrogen or electrons and are stable radical intermediates [ 14 ]. According to the literature, cactus pear can be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants in various applications due to its high nutritional value and bioactive phytochemicals [ 10 ]. Indeed, many reports have demonstrated the in vitro antioxidant activity of polyphenols extracted from the fruits, cladodes, flowers, and seeds of Opuntia spp.…”

Fermentation of ginkgo biloba kernel juice using Lactobacillus plantarum Y2 from the ginkgo peel: Fermentation characteristics and evolution of phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities in vitro, and volatile flavor compounds

“…These extracellular enzymes act on phenolic components, and from a chemical point of view, glycosylation, methylation and other types of substitutions are carried out, resulting in structural changes. This lead to the mutual conversion of phenolic substances in the sample, thereby changing their oxidative activity ( 45 ). The p-hydroxybenzoic acid content decreased by approximately 17.95% after fermentation.…”

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Peel By-Product as a Natural Antioxidant Food Additive and Natural Anticoccidial Drug

“…This economic model is based on rules and principles of sustainable development, including respect for the environment by limiting waste and recovering by-products [1][2][3]. Opuntia ficus-indica peels (OFI) are one of the most important by-products generated by the prickly pear cactus industry; their percentage can exceed 40% up to 55% of the whole weight of the fruit [4,5]. OFI peels are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates (dietary fiber and pectin) as well as bioactive substances known for their source of beneficial properties.…”