The present work focuses on the proximate physical and chemical profile of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, mechanically extracted from cladodes, a waste pruning in traditional organic cactus pear orchards Italy (San Cono, Sicily). mechanical extraction increased mucilage yield to 30% dry weight. Physical characterization concerns pH, viscosity, free acidity density, useful for emulsifying capaci...

Opuntia spp. plants occupy an important socioeconomic role in arid and semiarid zones where water is scarce. Irrigation increases the productivity of these plants; however, its effect on yield, composition, physicochemical properties mucilage unknown. Three irrigation regimens were tested: non-irrigated (rainwater), supplemental (irrigation between field capacity (0.28 m3 m−3) permanent wilting...

The nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) releases a substance through its mucilage, which comes from the degradation of pectic substances and chlorophyll. Combined in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix, this substance can be used as a recording medium. The resulting extract material has excellent photosensitizer properties, is easy to handle, has a low cost, and low toxicity. This material has the prope...

Opuntia ficus-indica belongs to the Cactaceae family and is widespread in semi-arid and arid regions. Cactus pears are known for their health promoting properties which are due to a variety of bioactive molecules. This study aims to identify and quantify phenolic acids, flavonoids and betanin from spineless Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. Fresh mature samples were crushed, and extracted with 50% a...

Opuntia ficus indica and Pistacia lentiscus L. seeds are used in traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicity of the fixed oil of Opuntia ficus indica and Pistacia lentiscus L. seeds in mice through determination of LD₅₀ values, and also the physicochemical characteristics of the fixed oil of these oils. The acute toxicity of their fixed oil were also invest...

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a flavonoid-rich fresh fruit juice on cardiovascular, oxidative stress, and biochemical parameters during the yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT). Twenty-two healthy males subjects participated in this study divided into two groups: An experimental group (EG: n = 11) who consumed the antioxidant supplement and a control group (CG: n = 1...

Opuntia species have been used for centuries as food resources and in traditional folk medicine for their nutritional properties and their benefit in chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These plants are largely distributed in America, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. Opuntia spp. have great economic potential because they grow in arid and d...

The utilization of biopolymers gained recent attention worldwide due to their effective role in producing eco-friendly and economical products. Mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI, other succulent plants) has the capacity absorb huge amounts water, forming a viscous colloid with interesting rheological properties. It also had potential ability for use as food additives or technological We, ...