Phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Opuntia stricta fruits peel

Abstract

Background: Currently, research is focused on therapeutic plants which are regarded as a supply of several phytotherapeutic compounds with several activities; among these plants we find cacti. Aim: The purpose of this work is to reveal the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of fruit peel from Opuntia stricta. Methods: The phenolics profile has been obtained by LC-ESI-MS analysis, antioxidant capacity has been evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, CAT, and ABTS• + free radical, the antimicrobial activity was tested against 7 bacteria and 3 fungi. Results: The results reveal that EFOS has a high content in polyphenols, flavonoids, quinic acid and hyperoside which were the most dominant. Moreover, the observed antioxidant capacity of extract was remarkable. In addition, a high antimicrobial capacity especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Pythium catenulatum. These results indicate that fruits peels of O. stricta have potential applications as a natural preservative in cosmetics and in food formulations, and also as a natural remedy. Conclusion: The finding proved that EFOS is characterized firstly by a wide variability of polyphenols and flavonoids and secondly by a good potential antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(10.000): 2642-2650]

Keywords

• opuntia stricta
• phytochemical composition
• lc-esi-ms analysis
• antioxidant
• antimicrobial activities