Indicaxanthin, a multi-target natural compound from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit: From its poly-pharmacological effects to biochemical mechanisms and molecular modelling studies

• Published in: European journal of medicinal chemistry Vol. 179; pp. 753 - 764
• Main Authors: Allegra, Mario, Tutone, Marco, Tesoriere, Luisa, Almerico, Anna Maria, Culletta, Giulia, Livrea, Maria Antonia, Attanzio, Alessandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Antiinflammatory; Antioxidant; Antiproliferative; Antitumoral; Indicaxanthin; Molecular modelling; Multi-target compound; Neuromodulator; Poly-pharmacology; Indicaxanthin; Antiproliferative; Antitumoral; Molecular modelling; Multi-target compound; Poly-pharmacology; Neuromodulator; Antiinflammatory; Antioxidant
• ISSN: 0223-5234; 1768-3254
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.006

Over the latest years phytochemical consumption has been associated to a decreased risk of both the onset and the development of a number of pathological conditions. In this context indicaxanthin, a betalain pigment from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit, has been the object of sound research. Explored, at first, for its mere antioxidant potential, Indicaxanthin is now regarded as a redox-active compound able to exert significant poly-pharmacological effects against several targets in a number of experimental conditions both in vivo and in vitro. This paper aims to provide an overview on the therapeutical effects of indicaxanthin, ranging from the anti-inflammatory to the neuro-modulatory and anti-tumoral ones and favored by its high bioavailability. Moreover, biochemical and molecular modelling investigations are aimed to identify the pharmacological targets the compound is able to interact with and to address the challenging development in the future research. [Display omitted] •Indicaxanthin is a high-bioavailable, redox-modulating phytochemical.•Indicaxanthin exerts anti-inflammatory, antitumor and neuromodulatory effects.•The effects of indicaxanthin involve modulation of redox-dependent signalling pathways.•Computational studies have been used to support biological outcomes.•Indicaxanthin is obtained from natural sources rather than synthetic procedures.