Version 1
: Received: 5 April 2024 / Approved: 6 April 2024 / Online: 8 April 2024 (05:33:23 CEST)
How to cite:
Maiuolo, J.; Nucera, S.; Serra, M.; Caminiti, R.; Oppedisano, F.; Macrì, R.; Scarano, F.; Ragusa, S.; Muscoli, C.; Palma, E.; Mollace, V. Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. Preprints2024, 2024040458. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.0458.v1
Maiuolo, J.; Nucera, S.; Serra, M.; Caminiti, R.; Oppedisano, F.; Macrì, R.; Scarano, F.; Ragusa, S.; Muscoli, C.; Palma, E.; Mollace, V. Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. Preprints 2024, 2024040458. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.0458.v1
Maiuolo, J.; Nucera, S.; Serra, M.; Caminiti, R.; Oppedisano, F.; Macrì, R.; Scarano, F.; Ragusa, S.; Muscoli, C.; Palma, E.; Mollace, V. Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. Preprints2024, 2024040458. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.0458.v1
APA Style
Maiuolo, J., Nucera, S., Serra, M., Caminiti, R., Oppedisano, F., Macrì, R., Scarano, F., Ragusa, S., Muscoli, C., Palma, E., & Mollace, V. (2024). Cladodes of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.0458.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Maiuolo, J., Ernesto Palma and Vincenzo Mollace. 2024 "Cladodes of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.0458.v1
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. belongs to the Cactaceae family and the genus Opuntia; it is a succulent plant that adapts to extreme climatic conditions. The aerial part of the plant consists of the cladodes, morphological changes of branches that appear green, are covered with thorns, and are essential to reduce excessive perspiration of water. The composition of cladodes is very varied, and the main constituents are water, fibers, polysaccharides, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, sterols, minerals, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are responsible for many beneficial activities for human health, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and nutritional properties.
The purpose of this manuscript was to compare the properties of cladodes belonging to the same plant but with different stages of maturity. Relative extracts were tested both in vitro and on a cell line and antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties were found. The antioxidant activity was tested by the ORAC test, the DPPH test, and the measurement of cellular accumulation of ROS. Anti-apoptotic activity was evaluated by the annexin/PI assay and measurement of caspases 9 and 3 expression.
The results obtained have shown that the extracts considered possess antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the different stages of maturity of cladodes are essential for the performance of both functions. In addition, important variations have been made in the dissolution of extracts that have brought greater safety in their use. In conclusion, this manuscript provides further information on cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica, which can be used as adjuvants in many human pathologies.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
,
