Anti-inflammatory and healing effect of the polysaccharidic extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in cutaneous excisional wounds in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of the polysaccharide extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes (TPL-Ofi) using a rat cutaneous wound model. After anaesthesia, four 7-mm-diameter dorsal wounds per animal (n = 6/group for each experimental day of evaluation) were created in female Wistar rats using a surgical punch. The animals were treated topically twice daily with TPL-Ofi (0.01-1%; treated group) or sterile saline (control group) for a period of 21 days. Ulcerated tissue was collected for analysis of histological parameters (inflammation score, number of polymorphonuclear, mononuclear, fibroblast/myofibroblasts and blood vessels), immunohistochemical (fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF-2]) and oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and glutathione [GSH]). After 21 days of treatment, body weight, net organ weight and plasma biochemical levels were measured. TPL-Ofi, containing a total carbohydrate content of 65.5% and uronic acid at 2.8%, reduced oedema on the second day and increased the nociceptive threshold on the second and third days. TPL-Ofi reduced mononuclear infiltrate on the second and MPO activity on the fifth day. TPL-Ofi increased GSH levels on the second day, as well as fibroblast/myofibroblasts counts, neoangiogenesis and FGF-2 levels on the fifth and seventh days. No changes were observed in body weight, net organ weight or toxicology assessment. Topical application of TPL-Ofi exhibited anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, ultimately improving wound healing in cutaneous wounds.

Is self-incompatibility a reproductive barrier for hybridization in a sympatric species?

PREMISE: Barriers at different reproductive stages contribute to reproductive isolation. Self-incompatibility (SI) systems that prevent self-pollination could also act to control interspecific pollination and contribute to reproductive isolation, preventing hybridization. Here we evaluated whether SI contributes to reproductive isolation among four co-occurring Opuntia species that flower at similar times and may hybridize with each other. METHODS: We assessed whether Opuntia cantabrigiensis, O. robusta, O. streptacantha, and O. tomentosa, were self-compatible and formed hybrid seeds in five manipulation treatments to achieve self-pollination, intraspecific cross-pollination, open pollination (control), interspecific crosses or apomixis, then recorded flowering phenology and synchrony. RESULTS: All species flowered in the spring with a degree of synchrony, so that two pairs of species were predisposed to interspecific pollination (O. cantabrigiensis with O. robusta, O. streptacantha with O. tomentosa). All species had distinct reproductive systems: Opuntia cantabrigiensis is self-incompatible and did not produce hybrid seeds as an interspecific pollen recipient; O. robusta is a dioecious species, which formed a low proportion of hybrid seeds; O. streptacantha and O. tomentosa are self-compatible and produced hybrid seeds. CONCLUSIONS: Opuntia cantabrigiensis had a strong pollen-pistil barrier, likely due to its self-incompatibility. Opuntia robusta, the dioecious species, is an obligate outcrosser and probably partially lost its ability to prevent interspecific pollen germination. Given that the self-compatible species can set hybrid seeds, we conclude that pollen-pistil interaction and high flowering synchrony represent weak barriers; whether reproductive isolation occurs later in their life cycle (e.g., germination or seedling survival) needs to be determined.

Lethal effect of Goniozus legneri on Cactoblastis cactorum: A potential biocontrol agent for inundative releases.

Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the cactus moth, is native to South America with a widespread distribution in Argentina. The larvae consume the interior of Opuntia spp. (Cactaceae) plants. The moth was used as a biocontrol agent against invasive non-native Opuntia spp. in many countries around the world. The cactus moth arrived unintentionally in Florida, USA, expanded its range and threatened Opuntia-based agriculture and natural ecosystems in southern North America. The insect is also a pest of cultivated O. ficus-indica L. in Argentina. An endemic South American parasitoid, Goniozus legneri Gordth (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), is used in inundative biological control programmes against lepidopteran pests. The goal of this work was to evaluate G. legneri as a biocontrol agent to be used in inundative releases against C. cactorum. Mortality of C. cactorum by G. legneri was assessed at different spatial scales, as well as the interactions with Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez & Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a common Argentine natural enemy of C. cactorum. The ability of G. legneri to paralyse, parasitise and kill C. cactorum was confirmed. The paralysis inflicted on C. cactorum larvae reduced larval damage to the plants by 85%. Using two parasitoid species increased the mortality of C. cactorum larvae, but it was highly dependent on the order of their arrival. The combined mortality caused by both parasitoids was higher than a single one, in particular when G. legneri arrived first (56 ± 1%), suggesting asymmetric competition due to the preference of G. legneri attacking previously parasitised larvae. Goniozus legneri has potential as an inundative biocontrol agent of C. cactorum, but its interaction with the classical biocontrol agent A. opuntiarum needs to be considered.

The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Part II.

We have already published a review about the results of clinical trials evaluating the effects of selected nutraceuticals on glycemia in humans. In this second part, we describe the role of other nutraceuticals involved in dysglycemia. The available evidence showed promising hypoglycemic effects of the nutraceuticals reviewed both for their efficacy and safety profile. However, contradictory results as regard the efficacy of some supplements such as Allium sativum, Juglans regia, and Lycium barbarum on glucose homeostasis have emerged from some clinical studies. Other nutraceuticals including Aloe vera, Amorphophallus Konjac, Bauhinia forficata, Coccinia, Ganoderma lucidum, Ipomoea batatas, and Lupinus mutabilis require larger and long-term studies rigorously designed to confirm their hypoglycemic effects due to the scarce data available and the poor quality of clinical trials. Further studies are also required for Cinnamomum, Cynara scolymus, Momordica charantia, Olea europaea, and Opuntia streptacantha. Moreover, well-designed large and long-term clinical trials including the use of standardized nutraceutical preparations are necessary for Phaseolus vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus.

Analyzing the Bioactive Properties and Volatile Profiles Characteristics of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw: Exploring its Potential for Pharmacological Applications.

In this investigation, the study focused on the chemical constitution and the antioxidative as well as anti-inflammatory characteristics of oils and pulpy variants (Imatchan (IM), Harmocha (HA), and Aknari (AK)) sourced from O. dillenii. This inquiry encompassed both in vitro and in silico analyses. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to ascertain the phenolic constituents, while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methodologies. were applied to discern the volatile makeup. The appraisal of antioxidant potential was conducted via the deployment of assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ferric ion chelating (FIC) techniques. The anti-inflammatory activity was examined using BSA and LOX. Molecular docking methods assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to HPLC findings, the most abundant compounds detected in AKO and IMO cultivars were quercetin 3-O-ß-D-glucoside followed by vanillic acid, ferulic acid and tyrolsol. Concerning headspace GC-MS analysis E-11-hexadecenal and (E)-2-undecenal contribute to the major compounds detected in Opuntia HA, IM, and AK pulp and oil. The DPPH IC50 for AK, HA and IM were 38.41±1.54, 42.24±0.29 and 15.17±1.28 mg/mL, respectively. The FRAP IC50 capacity of AK, HA and IM was determined to be 30.23±0.6, 55.96±0.08 and 23.41±1.83 mg/mL, respectively. AK, HA and IM displayed significant FIC activity, with IC50 values of 42.75±0.63, 39.54±0.59 and 35.31±1.38 mg/mL, respectively. The AK, HA and IM O. dillenii oils were effective in their anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking of O. dillenii oils phenolic compounds was conducted to determine the possible targeted proteins by the phenolic compounds in O. dillenii's compounds. Overall, these fruits demonstrated the potential for new ingredients for culinary or pharmaceutical applications, providing value to these natural species that can flourish in arid conditions.

First Report of rattail cactus necrosis-associated virus Infecting Prickly pear (Opuntia macrocentra) in the United States.

Black-spined prickly pear (Opuntia macrocentra Engelmann; Cactaceae) is a cactus native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northwest Mexico. The plant is often grown for ornamental purposes in the United States. In February 2023, virus-like symptoms such as concentric ringspots and chlorotic spots were observed on O. macrocentra plants grown at the vicinity of Maricopa County Cooperative extension, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ (33°24'24.6"N, 111°59'15.3"W). Total RNA was extracted from two samples (YPHC-60-A and YPHC-60-B), following the protocol by Tzanetakis et al. (2007). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed with degenerate tobamovirus, TobamodF/TobamodR (Li et al. 2018) and potexvirus, 1RC, Potex 2RC, and Potex 5 (van der Vlugt and Berendsen 2002) primers. An expected amplicon of ~880 bp was obtained from both samples using TobamodF/TobamodR primers, while no amplification was observed with potexvirus primers. Further, RT-PCR was carried out using species-specific primers to detect cacti related tobamoviruses: cactus mild mottle virus (CMMoV), rattail cactus necrosis-associated virus (RCNaV) (Park et al. 2018) and Opuntia virus 2 (Salgado-Ortiz et al. 2020). Amplicons of ~540 bp were amplified from both samples using RCNaV specific primers, whereas no amplification was obtained using CMMoV and Opuntia virus 2 specific primers. Then, the amplicons from both YPHC-60 (A-B) isolates (~540 bp) were Sanger sequenced and shared 99.22% nucleotide identity to each other. A BLAST search revealed 93% nucleotide identity with RCNaV CP sequences (KY581586.1, JF729471, and MT130378.1). The sequences were submitted in the GenBank (accessions no. OQ914798 and OR828526). Furthermore, complete RCNaV- RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene was amplified using primers 3490-s-5'GTAGGTGGTACCGCATAGCA-3'; 3490as 5'AAACGCAAGTCMRYGACYGA-3' (designed in this study from accession no. JF729471.1, position 3490-3509 and 4905-4925). The expected amplicons of ~1,500 bp were obtained from both YPHC-60 (A-B) samples and sequenced (GenBank: OQ914799 and OR823954) showing 87.5 % identity with RCNaV sequences (JF729471.1 and NC_016442.1). The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree clustered YPHC-60 (A-B) isolates in a single clade with other RCNaV isolates. RCNaV virus particles were isolated from YPHC-60 (A-B) and submitted for RNA extraction, testing positive for RCNaV by RT-PCR. Sap extract of YPHC-60 (A-B) prepared in 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH =7.0) was used to mechanically inoculate 3 indicator plant species (n=10): Phaseolus vulgaris, Medicago sativa, and Cucumis melo. Also, infected tissue was used to graft Opuntia sp. plants. Symptoms such as local lesions were observed on M. sativa and vein thickening on P. vulgaris 14 days post-inoculation, while Opuntia sp. showed chlorosis 30 days after grafting. RCNaV infection in mechanically inoculated P. vulgaris, M. sativa, and Opuntia sp. was also confirmed through RT-PCR. C. melo and non-inoculated control plants did not show any symptoms, nor tested positive through RT-PCR. RCNaV has been reported earlier to infect cactus species in South Korea (Park et al. 2018) and O. albicarpa in Mexico (De La Torre-Almaráz et al. 2016), where it was found in several orchards. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of RCNaV infecting O. macrocentra in the United States. This study highlights that RCNaV is easily transmitted mechanically or by grafting, which could impact the nursery industry as most cacti are clonally propagated.

Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel Containing Microfluidic Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Opuntia ficus-indica Extract for Periodontitis Treatment.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting from the dysbiosis of periodontal bacteria and the host's immune response, leading to tissue degradation and sustained inflammation. Traditional treatments, such as mechanical debridement and antimicrobial agents, often fail to fully eradicate pathogenic bacteria, especially in deep periodontal pockets. Consequently, the need for novel therapeutic approaches has increased the interest in bioactive natural extracts, such as that of Opuntia ficus-indica, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the encapsulation of Opuntia ficus-indica extract in OFI-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (OFI-NPs) via ionotropic gelation using a microfluidic system, allowing precise control over nanoparticle characteristics and enhancing protection against enzymatic degradation. To achieve localized and sustained release in periodontal pockets, a thermo-responsive hydrogel comprising hyaluronic acid and Pluronic F127 (OFI@tgels) was developed. The transition of OFI@tgels from a solution at low temperatures to a solid at body temperature enables prolonged drug release at inflammation sites. The in vitro application of the optimized formulation eradicated biofilms of S. mutans, P. aeruginosa (PAO1), and P. gingivalis over 36 h and disrupted extracellular polymeric substance formation. Additionally, OFI@tgel modulated immune responses by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and promoting a shift to the M2 phenotype. These findings suggest that OFI@tgel is a promising alternative treatment for periodontitis, effectively reducing biofilm formation and modulating the immune response.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit (OFI-EVs) Speed Up the Normal Wound Healing Processes by Modulating Cellular Responses.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication able to transfer active biomolecules across the plant and animal kingdoms. EVs have demonstrated an impressive array of biological activities, displaying preventive and therapeutic potential in mitigating various pathological processes. Indeed, the simplicity of delivering exogenous and endogenous bioactive molecules to mammalian cells with their low cytotoxicity makes EVs suitable agents for new therapeutic strategies for a variety of pathologies. In this study, EVs were isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit (OFI-EVs) and characterized by particle size distribution, concentration, and bioactive molecule composition. OFI-EVs had no obvious toxicity and demonstrated a protective role in the inflammatory process and oxidative stress in vitro model of chronic skin wounds. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with OFI-EVs decreased the activity and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in the LPS-stimulated human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1). Furthermore, OFI-EVs promote the migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), speeding up the normal wound healing processes. This study sheds light, for the first time, on the role of OFI-EVs in modulating important biological processes such as inflammation and oxidation, thereby identifying EVs as potential candidates for healing chronic cutaneous wounds.

Semisynthesis of Betaxanthins from Purified Betacyanin of Opuntia dillenii sp.: Color Stability and Antiradical Capacity.

The availability of pure individual betalains in sufficient quantities which permit deeper understanding is still a challenge. This study investigates the high-yielding semisynthesis of betaxanthins using betalamic acid from a natural source (Opuntia dillenii), followed by condensation with ʟ-amino acids and further purification. Moreover, the color stability of the four synthesized individual betaxanthins, namely proline (ʟ-ProBX), alanine (ʟ-AlaBX), leucine (ʟ-LeuBX), and phenylalanine (ʟ-PheBX) betaxanthins, was investigated at different pHs. Their relative contribution to free radical scavenging was also scrutinized by TEAC and DPPH. ʟ-AlaBX and ʟ-LeuBx showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, whereas ʟ-ProBX was the most resistant to the hydrolysis of betaxanthin and hence the least susceptible to color change. The color stability was strongly influenced by pH, with the color of ʟ-ProBX, ʟ-LeuBX, and ʟ-AlaBX at pH 6 being more stable, probably due to the easier hydrolysis under acid conditions. The semisynthesis and purification allowed us to have available remarkable quantities of pure individual betaxanthins of Opuntia dillenii for the first time, and to establish their color properties and antioxidant capacity. This study could be a step forward in the development of the best natural food colorant formulation, based on the betalain structure, which is of special interest in food technology.

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes extract inhibits human neutrophil pro-inflammatory functions and protects rats from acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human neutrophils can lead to oxidative imbalances and several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Opuntia ficus-indica (O. ficus-indica) is rich in bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds present in aqueous cladodes extract (ACE) of O. ficus-indica using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to test its effects on human neutrophil inflammatory functions and on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by acetic acid (Aa) in rats. ROS production and degranulation by neutrophils were assessed by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence, enzymatic techniques, and western blotting. In vivo, the experiment involved seven groups of rats: a negative control group (NaCl), the acetic acid group (Aa), and groups treated with oral sulfasalazine (150 mg/kg) or various doses of ACE for 7 days. Colonic lesions were induced by an intra-rectal Aa injection, and inflammation was assessed. HPLC analysis identified gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid as major compounds in ACE. In vitro, ACE inhibited neutrophil ROS production, including superoxide anion produced by NADPH oxidase, and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity and neutrophil degranulation. In vivo, ACE protected rats from Aa-induced histopathological damage of the colonic mucosa, significantly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione levels, and significantly suppressed the increases of plasma cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) observed in the Aa group. In conclusion, O. ficus-indica ACE has significant anti-inflammatory properties by restoring oxidative balance, indicating that it could be a potential source of therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, particularly UC.

Health-Related Composition and Bioactivity of an Agave Sap/Prickly Pear Juice Beverage.

In this study, a beverage made from a combination of Agave sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm3 to 15.67 cm3. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed.

Habitat suitability of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) MILL. (CACTACEAE): a comparative temporal evaluation using diverse bio-climatic earth system models and ensemble machine learning approach.

A comprehensive evaluation of the habitat suitability across the India was conducted for the introduced species Opuntia ficus-indica. This assessment utilized a newly developed model called BioClimInd, takes into account five Earth System Models (ESMs). These ESMs consider two different emission scenarios known as Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), specifically RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Additionally, the assessment considered two future time frames: 2040-2079 (60) and 2060-2099 (80). Current study provided the threshold limit of different climatic variables in annual, quarter and monthly time slots like temperature annual range (26-30 °C), mean temperature of the driest quarter (25-28 °C); mean temperature of the coldest month (22-25 °C); minimum temperature of coldest month (13-17 °C); precipitation of the wettest month (250-500 mm); potential evapotranspiration Thronthwaite (1740-1800 mm). Predictive climatic habitat suitability posits that the introduction of this exotic species is deemed unsuitable in the Northern as well as the entirety of the cooler eastern areas of the country. The states of Rajasthan and Gujarat exhibit the highest degree of habitat suitability for this particular species. Niche hypervolumes and climatic variables affecting fundamental and realized niches were also assessed. This study proposes using multi-climatic exploration to evaluate habitats for introduced species to reduce modeling uncertainties.

Cactus species and tree forage hay in the diet of dairy goats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the association of Opuntia stricta (OS) or Nopalea cochenillifera (NC) with Moringa hay (MY) or Leucaena hay (LY) on nutrient intake, ingestive behavior, serum biochemistry, and milk production and composition of dairy goat. Eight multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average of 68 ± 8 days in milk and 48.5 ± 6 kg of initial weight, fed with the following treatment diets: OS + MY; OS + LY; NC + MY, and NC + LY. The treatments were distributed in a double Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two varieties of cactus and two of hay). Goats fed with NC had higher (P < 0.05) intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates. There was no influence (P > 0.05) on milk production, but goats fed with OS produced milk with higher (P < 0.05) fat content and presented higher (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the hay type on the nutrient intake and milk production and composition of goats, but the animals fed with MY had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and greater efficiency of NDF rumination. Goats fed with OS showed greater feeding and rumination efficiency. Our results indicated that both cactus species could be successfully included in the diet of low yielding dairy goats fed 18.4% concentrate.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66 kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2 kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10 g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01 kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40 kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

In Vitro Screening and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L. Mill.) Fruit Extracts in 3T3-L1 Pre-Adipocytes and Mature Adipocytes.

Opuntia ficus-indica fruits have been widely used due to their nutritional composition and beneficial effects on health, particularly against chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, among others. In recent years, prickly pear peel and pulp extracts have been characterised, and a high number of bioactive compounds have been identified. This study aimed to analyse the triglyceride-lowering effect of prickly pear peel and pulp extracts obtained from fruits of three varieties (Pelota, Sanguinos, and Colorada) in 3T3-L1 maturing and mature adipocytes. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, peel extracts from Colorada reduced triglyceride accumulation in pre-adipocytes and mature adipocytes. Additionally, at 25 µg/mL, Pelota peel extract decreased triglyceride content in mature adipocytes. Moreover, maturing pre-adipocytes treated with 50 and 25 µg/mL of Sanguinos pulp extract showed a reduction of triglyceride accumulation. In addition, the lipid-lowering effect of the main individual betalain and phenolic compounds standards were assayed. Piscidic acid and isorhamnetin glycoside (IG2), found in Colorada peel extract, were identified as the bioactive compounds that could contribute more notably to the triglyceride-lowering effect of the extract. Thus, the betalain and phenolic-rich extracts from Opuntia ficus indica fruits may serve as an effective tool in obesity management.

Phytochemical, biological, and nutritional properties of the prickly pear, Opuntia dillenii: A review.

Opuntia (Cactaceae) species are native to arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States and grow in various climatic zones. Opuntia dillenii is a cactus fruit with many beneficial properties, and it is used as a medicinal plant in various countries. This review paper provides updated information on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of O. dillenii. The fruit contains valuable compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, ascorbic acid, betanin, and essential elements, which have been isolated and identified. The fruit also exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anticancer effects. Moreover, molecular docking and ADMET predictions were performed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the fruit against Escherichia coli protein. This paper suggests that O. dillenii has significant potential as a complementary therapy for various pathological conditions.

More than a spiny morphology: plastome variation in the prickly pear cacti (Opuntieae).

BACKGROUND: Plastid genomes (plastomes) have long been recognized as highly conserved in their overall structure, size, gene arrangement and content among land plants. However, recent studies have shown that some lineages present unusual variations in some of these features. Members of the cactus family are one of these lineages, with distinct plastome structures reported across disparate lineages, including gene losses, inversions, boundary movements or loss of the canonical inverted repeat (IR) region. However, only a small fraction of cactus diversity has been analysed so far. METHODS: Here, we investigated plastome features of the tribe Opuntieae, the remarkable prickly pear cacti, which represent one of the most diverse and important lineages of Cactaceae. We assembled de novo the plastome of 43 species, representing a comprehensive sampling of the tribe, including all seven genera, and analysed their evolution in a phylogenetic comparative framework. Phylogenomic analyses with different datasets (full plastome sequences and genes only) were performed, followed by congruence analyses to assess signals underlying contentious nodes. KEY RESULTS: Plastomes varied considerably in length, from 121 to 162 kbp, with striking differences in the content and size of the IR region (contraction and expansion events), including a lack of the canonical IR in some lineages and the pseudogenization or loss of some genes. Overall, nine different types of plastomes were reported, deviating in the presence of the IR region or the genes contained in the IR. Overall, plastome sequences resolved phylogenetic relationships within major clades of Opuntieae with high bootstrap values but presented some contentious nodes depending on the dataset analysed (e.g. whole plastome vs. genes only). Congruence analyses revealed that most plastidial regions lack phylogenetic resolution, while few markers are supporting the most likely topology. Likewise, alternative topologies are driven by a handful of plastome markers, suggesting recalcitrant nodes in the phylogeny. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a dynamic nature of plastome evolution across closely related lineages, shedding light on peculiar features of plastomes. Variation of plastome types across Opuntieae is remarkable in size, structure and content and can be important for the recognition of species in some major clades. Unravelling connections between the causes of plastome variation and the consequences for species biology, physiology, ecology, diversification and adaptation is a promising and ambitious endeavour in cactus research. Although plastome data resolved major phylogenetic relationships, the generation of nuclear genomic data is necessary to confront these hypotheses and assess the recalcitrant nodes further.

Developmental dynamics of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in Opuntia ficus-indica.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relative contributions of C3 photosynthesis and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) during the earliest stages of development were investigated to assess how much each might contribute to cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) productivity. METHODS: The developmental progression of C3 photosynthesis and CAM was assessed in seedlings and daughter cladodes of mature plants by titratable acidity, δ13C isotopic values and diel gas exchange measurements. KEY RESULTS: Nocturnal acidification was observed in seedling cladodes and cotyledons at the earliest stages of development and became highly significant by 75 days of development. Seedling cotyledons showed mean δ13C values of -21.4 and -17.1 ‰ at 30 and 100 days of age, respectively. Seedling cladodes showed mean δ13C values of -19.4 and -14.5 ‰ at 30 and 100 days of age, respectively. These values are typical of CAM plants. Net CO2 assimilation was negative, then occurred in both the day and the night, with nighttime fixation becoming predominant once the primary cladode reached 5 cm in size. Emergent daughter cladodes growing on mature plants showed nocturnal titratable acidity at the earliest stages of development, which became significant when daughter cladodes were >2.5-5 cm in height. Emergent daughter cladodes showed mean δ13C values of -14.5 to -15.6 ‰, typical of CAM plants. CO2 assimilation studies revealed that net CO2 uptake was negative in daughter cladodes <12 cm in length, but then exhibited net positive CO2 assimilation in both the day and the night, with net nocturnal CO2 assimilation predominating once the daughter cladode grew larger. CONCLUSIONS: Developing O. ficus-indica primary and daughter cladodes begin as respiring sink tissues that transition directly to performing CAM once net positive CO2 fixation is observed. Overall, these results demonstrate that CAM is the primary form of photosynthetic carbon assimilation for O. ficus-indica even at the earliest stages of seedling or daughter cladode development.

Exploring the potential of Rhizopus oryzae AUMC14899 as a novel endophytic fungus for the production of L-tyrosine and its biomedical applications.

BACKGROUND: A significant threat to the public's health is the rise in antimicrobial resistance among numerous nosocomial bacterial infections. This may be a detriment to present initiatives to enhance the health of immune-compromised patients. Consequently, attention has been devoted to exploring new bioactive compounds in the field of drug discovery from endophytes. Therefore, this study is the first on the production of L-tyrosine (LT) as a promising bio-therapeutic agent from endophytic fungi. RESULTS: A new endophytic fungal isolate has been identified for the first time as Rhizopus oryzae AUMC14899 from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) and submitted to GenBank under the accession number MZ025968. Separation of amino acids in the crude extract of this fungal isolate was carried out, giving a higher content of LT, which is then characterized and purified. LT exhibited strong antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 6 to 20 µg/ml. In addition, LT caused a strong reduction in biofilm formation and disrupted the preformed biofilm. Moreover, results indicated that LT supported cell viability, evidencing hemocompatibility and no cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that LT has potential as a therapeutic agent due to its potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, hemocompatibility, and lack of cytotoxic activities, which may also increase the range of therapy options for skin burn infections, leading to the development of a novel fungal-based drug.

The heat-stable protein fraction from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds exhibits an enzyme protective effect against thermal denaturation and an antibacterial activity.

Desiccation tolerance in developing seeds occurs through several mechanisms among which, a common group of proteins named dehydrins has received considerable attention. So far, there is no information dealing with the accumulation of dehydrins in seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica. We have initiated here an extraction protocol based on two critical steps: heat and acid treatments, and the purity of this fraction was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. Western blot analysis of the heat-stable protein fraction (HSF) revealed two main bands of approximately 45 and 44 kDa, while three others of ∼40, 32, and 31 kDa were faintly visible, which were recognized by anti-dehydrin antibodies. This fraction exhibited a Cu2+ -dependent resistance to protease treatments. Next, we performed a series of assays to compare the functional properties of the HSF with those of the previously characterized wheat dehydrin (DHN-5). Antibacterial assays revealed that HSF exhibits only moderate antibacterial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibition concentration ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg/ml. However, in vitro assays revealed that compared to DHN-5, HSF exhibits higher protective activities of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) when exposed to heat, freezing, and dehydration stresses. The protective role of HSF seems to be linked to its best ability to minimize protein aggregation.