Nopal

Fibre from nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a pilot randomised-controlled trial - Volume 79 Issue OCE1

Nopal pads at different maturity stages show changes in their chemical composition. They are an excellent nutritional source and should be included in…

This review describes composition, general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning the action of Opu…

Nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) belonging to the Cactacea family has many nutritional benefits attributed to a wide variety of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Coumaric acid (COA), ferulic acid (FLA), protocatechuic acid (PRA), and gallic acid (GAA) are the phenolic acids (PhAs) present in nopal. In this study, the role of these PhAs in copper-induced oxidative stress was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT). The PhAs form 5 thermodynamically favorable complexes with Cu(II), their conditional Gibbs free energies of reaction (ΔG’, at pH = 7.4, in kcal/mol) are from −23 kcal/mol to −18 kcal/mol. All of them are bi-dentate complexes. The complexes of PRA and GAA are capable of inhibiting the Cu(II) reduction by both O2•− and Asc−, their reactions with the chelated metal are endergonic having rate constants about ~10−5–102 M−1 s−1, PhAs can prevent the formation of hydroxyl free radicals by chelating the copper ions. Once the hydroxyl radicals are formed by Fenton reactions, the complexes of PhAs with Cu(II) can immediately react with them, thus inhibiting the damage that they can cause to molecules of biological interest. The reactions between PhAs-Cu(II) complexes and hydroxyl free radical were estimated to be diffusion-limited (~108 M−1s−1). Thus, these chelates can reduce the harmful effects caused by the most reactive free radical existent immediately after it is formed by Fenton reactions.

The presence of pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit products, as a consequence of inappropriate application in some cases, constitutes a risk to the health of the exposed population. In Mexico, the official norm, NOM-003-STPS-1999, only allows the use of pesticides with the phytosanitary registry, the responsible state commission for the control of the process and use of pesticides and toxic substances, which recommends doses and permitted crops. Despite the above, it is still common to find pesticide residues in some vegetable products. In this study, the following were detected: Chlorpyriphos, Dimetomorph I, Malathion, Omethoate, Carbendazim, and Imidacloprid in Nopal. The study was carried out in two collection centers located in the state of Morelos. In total, sixty samples were taken, thirty for each collection center, for a period of 10 months. To determine the pesticide residues, the analytical methodology was used, according to the guide, SANTE/11945/2015; in a laboratory accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity A. C. in the norm, NMX-EC-17025-IMNC-2006. The procedure for extracting analytes was carried out using the method, QuEChERS. The highest concentration of the pesticides detected in the samples obtained from the non-Certified Supply Center were Chlorpyrifos 0.309 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Dimetomorf I 0.029 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Malathion 0.155 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Omethoate 0.032 (MRL 0.01), Carbendazim 0.090 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), and Imidacloprid 0.058 mg/kg (MRL 0.01). Thirty percent of the samples analyzed showed pesticide residues; the most frequent were Carbendazim. The results for the estimated daily intake (EDI) oscillated between 6.5 × 10−5 and 1.3 × 10−4 mg/kg body weight for the vegetable, Nopal. In principle, it could be concluded that the consumption of Nopal with pesticide residues does not represent any toxicological risk for human health, however, the risk cannot be ruled out due to the intake of other vegetables and fruits that are cultivated in the Mexican Republic, which probably present pesticide residues, which together would raise potential risks to human health.

The aim of current study is detect the activity role of Aloe vera and Opuntia ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria and evaluation of Aloe vera and O. ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria inhibition in vitro. 100 samples were obtained from patients with different diseases at age 6 Mon. to 65 years from both genders. This study was carried out in Lab. of Biology Dept., Science College/Tikrit University, at the period from 1st of June 2019 to end of January 2020. The antimicrobial activity was performed with the agar well diffusion method. The results show the ability of Aloe vera for inhibition of bacteria according on concentration and the concentrations of 100 was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 13, 12, 11, 9.8 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 100% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 10, 9.7, 8.2, 7 and 12 mm respectively. The results also show Aloe vera was found to be able for inhibition of bacteria concentration of 40% was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 14, 12, 11, 9 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 40% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 11, 10, 8, 7 and 13 mm respectively, while other concentrations 10%, 20, 30% show less inhibitory effect compare with 100% and 40% concentrations

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the first cause of death in Mexican population. Metabolic disruptions induced by diet are, in turn, associated with ..

This work determines the effect nopal consumption at different maturity stages (60, 200, 400, and 600 g) as the only calcium source in bone metabolism. The apparent mineral absorption, the biomarkers of bone metabolism, the bone mineral density at different femoral regions, and crystal properties of the bone were evaluated during the growth stage. The Ca absorption was increased with the rat age in most of the experimental groups, while Mg supplementation decreased intestinal absorption probably due to a saturation process. Intestinal Ca and Mg absorption showed an opposite trend; this result suggests that both ions can compete for vitamin D absorption sites. The percentage of absorption of K was lower in the groups fed with Nopal; nevertheless, due to supplementation, the net absorption was higher than the control group. In all groups, osteocalcin levels decreased with the rat age. Nopal consumption increased osteocalcin levels during the adolescence stage in comparison to the control group. Amino N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen levels increased in puberty and adolescence in all groups compared to the control group. Bone mineral density in different femoral regions was lower in the groups fed with nopal at early maturity stages (N-60 and N-200) than the groups fed with nopal at late maturity stages (N-400 and N-600). The crystal size of hydroxyapatite exhibited changes for all the groups, indicating the inclusion of mono and divalent ions in calcium replacement. On this basis, the nopal at late maturity stage contributed to bone formation.

Current efforts are directed to reducing the gut dysbiosis and inflammation produced by obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether consuming nopal, a vegetable rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, and polyphenols can reduce the metabolic ...

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In this 7-day randomized controlled trial we found that a novel fiber supplement from the Mexican nopal cactus improved adequate relief in patients with IBS, irrespective of IBS subtype, sex or age, ...

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes has been increasing all over the world. A healthy diet, including particular functional foods is an effective strategy to prevent this form of diabetes. Nopal (Oputia ficus) is a cactus plant that, according to traditional medicine, has antidiabetic properties. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of different fractions of nopal cladodes on postprandial glycaemic regulation in healthy volunteers. Methods: Nopal cladodes flour was separated by centrifugation into two fractions (a water insoluble and a soluble fraction). The fractions were incorporated into two different test breads, i.e. insoluble fraction bread (INB) and soluble fraction bread (SNB), and evaluated with respect to acute glycaemic properties in 17 healthy subjects with normal body mass index, applying a randomized cross-over study design. The effects on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses were compared with the responses after a control product, which composed of a similar bread lacking the nopal fractions (white wheat bread, WWB). The products were characterized with respect to starch and dietary fibre content. In addition, starch hydrolysis index (HI) was determined with an in-vitro method in order to predict glycaemic index (pGI),and elucidate possibly underlying mechanisms on postprandial glycaemia. Results: Results regarding glycaemic regulation show that insoluble nopal fractions had a beneficial effect on postprandial glucose regulation. Consequently, the incremental area under the postprandial blood glucose curve (iAUC) after INB was significantly reduced compared to after intake of the WWB during the time periods 0 – 45 and 0 – 60 minutes (p < 0.05). In addition, the iPeak value, i.e. the individual highest incremental peak concentrations, was significantly lowered after INB compared to WWB (P < 0.05). Regarding the postprandial insulin secretion, both SNB and INB lowered the postprandial iAUC compared to the WWB during the time period 0 – 45 and 0 – 60 minutes (P < 0.05). On the other hand, only the INB significantly reduced the insulin iPeak value compared to WWB (P < 0.05). In terms of HI, INB had lower HI and pGI compared to WWB and SNB. Also, INB exhibited highest total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre contents. Conclusion: The INB promoted lower postprandial glucose and insulin response, while SNB showed beneficial effects only on postprandial insulin secretion. The beneficial effects of nopal on glycaemic regulation might be to some extent explained by the dietary fibre content, especially the INB. However, with respect to the improved postprandial insulin economy observed after the SNB, additional mechanisms are probably involved.

The use of ultrasound treatment for improving the bioactive compounds and quality properties of a Brazilian nopal beverage was studied. Physicochemica…

Introduction: The world has witnessed a global trend of increasing obesity, which is directly linked to non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The epidemic of obesity is largely associated with consumption of high calorie diets and low physical activity. Food choice and exercise have a big impact to prevent obesity and T2D making these diseases highly related to personal lifestyle. The diet is one of the most important modifiable lifestyle factors that may be used to prevent obesity. Nopal (Opuntia Ficus Indica) is a cactus plant that has its origin in Mexico and has been used as traditional medicine to prevent overweight and obesity. Since Nopal cladodes are rich in several bioactive compounds, it may be considered as a functional food. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived effect of Nopal cladodes on appetite variables in healthy humans. Method: Two test-products with two different fractions of Nopal cladodes flour (soluble Nopal fraction bread (SNB) and insoluble Nopal fraction bread (INB)) and a control product (white wheat bread (WB)) were studied in healthy young volunteers (n=17). The subjective appetite variables (hunger, satiety and desire to eat) were measured repeatedly by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during a time perspective of three hours post consumption. Results: The INB resulted in significantly improved response in appetite variables (p < 0.05) compared to the WB. After consumption of the INB, the feeling of hunger and desire to eat were reduced by 27% and 32% respectively, while the feeling of satiety was increased by 25% during the period between 15-180 min post consumption. Importantly, the INB test product also resulted in a significant reduction on hunger and desire to eat, and an increased feeling of satiety during the final hour (120-180 min), compared to the control WB. Conclusion: The results indicate that the insoluble fraction of Nopal flour may beneficially affect appetite variables in healthy young adults. The results thus suggest that Nopal may help to modulate food intake and therefore contribute to antidiabetic effects previously observed with this edible plant.