Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Opuntia dillenii Flower Extracts, Compound, and Essential Oil

Abstract

New research is exploring the enhanced efficacy of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds developed from Opuntia dillenii flowers, a multifaceted source with pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and microbicide activity indexes showing diverse medical capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, isolate the active compounds, and evaluate their antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial potential through HPLC-MS in flower extract from Opuntia dillenii. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC). Antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays. Antibacterial potential was evaluated using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Nutritional studies of the flower indicated that it contained moderate levels of sugars (4.27%±0.240), proteins (1.913%±0.268), and microelements (potassium as a major element), sodium, and calcium, with concentration values of 2.267%, 0.55%, and 0.424%, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.61±0.37 mg GAE/g (hexane extract) to 34.45±0.42 mg GAE/g (ethanol extract). The study highlighted the richness of secondary metabolites, such as methylated flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside), and identified essential oil compounds like trimethylsilyl hexadecenoate, squalene, gamma-eudesmol, and citronellol. Antioxidant activities revealed stronger activity in the butanolic extract, while isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside exhibited moderate antioxidant effects. These results provide the rationale for the potential incorporation of Opuntia dillenii flower extracts in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products as a sustainable natural alternative with broad implications for human health.