Phytochemical Composition and in Vitro Analysis of Nopal (O. Ficus-Indica) Cladodes at Different Stages of Maturity

• Published in: International journal of food properties Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 1728 - 1742
• Main Authors: Figueroa-Pérez, Marely G., Pérez-Ramírez, Iza F., Paredes-López, Octavio, Mondragón-Jacobo, Candelario, Reynoso-Camacho, Rosalía
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.01.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Antioxidant capacity; Antioxidants; Cactus; Coumaric acid; Digestive enzymes; Digestive enzymes inhibitory activity; Fatty acids; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; Maturity; Maturity stages; Opuntia ficus-indica; Organic acids; p-Coumaric acid; p-Hydroxybenzoic acid; Phytochemical profile; Phytochemicals; Phytosterols; Rutin; Saponins
• ISSN: 1094-2912; 1532-2386
• DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2016.1206126

This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile and nutraceutical properties of nopal cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica) at different stages of maturity. Medium-age cladodes showed the highest total saponins, phytosterols, and indigestible fiber, as well as the highest in vitro antioxidant capacity and digestive enzymes inhibitory activity. Furthermore, these cladodes presented the highest content of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, narcissin, nicotiflorin, β-sitosterol, and sitosteryl-3-β-glucopyranoside, as well as several amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids. Whereas young cladodes contained the highest concentration of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins. These results demonstrated that maturity affects the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of nopal cladodes.