Assessment of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties and their possible planting systems

Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) Seeds Flour and Protein Concentrate

Proximate composition and functional properties of prickly pear seed flour (PPS); protein concentrate and the effect of pH on these properties were investigated. The protein content, crude fat and crude fiberof PPS flour and protein concentrate averaged 13.62 and 62.41, 10.43 and 3.57 and 9.23 and 5.31%, respectively. The minimum protein solubility was observed at pH 4.5, as 16. and 15% while m...

Physicochemical Characteristics of Moroccan Prickly Pear Juice (Opuntia ficus indica L.)

The cactus prickly pears rich in micronutrients, has recently generated a great deal of consumer interest, therefore, this paper was designed to study its physical and chemical compositions such as: moisture, sugar content, total fibres, protein, ash, pH, acidity, minerals contents and total phenolics contents of nine prickly pear juices. Polyphenols are antioxidants who contribute to the nutri...

Nutritional Content of Organic Prickly Pads (Opuntia ficus indica) Could be Cure to Different Disease Conditions

Microencapsulation of pulp and ultrafiltered cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) extracts and betanin stability during storage.

Pulp (CP) and ultrafiltered (UF) cactus pear extracts were encapsulated with Capsul (C) by applying a central composite design (CP-C and UF-C systems) by spray-drying. To evaluate the effect of the extract, microparticles obtained under optimal conditions were characterised and stored at 60 °C. Betacyanin and betaxanthin encapsulation efficiency reached values above 98% for both systems studied...

Cytoprotective Effects of Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract

Background: Hundreds of previous studies have suggested the beneficial effects of nopal extract on human body. We investigated here whether nopal extract shows cytoprotective activity against viral infection, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and chemotherapeutic drug treatment used in the dentistry. Materials and methods: The water and ethanol extract of Opuntia f icus-indica (WEO and EEO, respecti...