Abstract

Background:
Several studies reported the health benefits of Opuntia ficus indica extracts.

Aim:
This study aimed to (1) optimizes extraction conditions. (2) Point out its antioxidant and cytoprotective potential against cadmium toxicity in rat liver homogenate cells and HepG2.

Methods:
This experiment used the response surface methodology. It helped to determine the optimum conditions necessary to get the highest phenolic compound yield from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes aqueous extract. Then, a chromatography analysis was conducted to determine the phenolic compounds present in this extract. To explore the antioxidant abilities of this extract, this study used superoxide radical and hydroxyl radicals scavenging assays. Finally, to explore its biological benefits and its protective effect against cadmium toxicity, these research investigators carried out (1) an in vitro protein glycation test (2) MTT and inverted microscope imaging in HepG2 and HEK293 cell line (3) a lipid peroxidation test using rat erythrocytes.

Results:
The best extraction conditions were 10 minutes for the extraction time, 80°C for the temperature, and 30 ml/g for the liquid-solid ratio. The in vitro tests showed that Opuntia ficus indica aqueous extract has a high capacity to disable the free radical effect and prevent HepG2 and erythrocytes. Besides, the HPLC method identified 5 phenolic compounds within this extract.

Conclusion:
This study confirmed the health benefits of Opuntia ficus indica. Thus, more attention should be given to investigating this plant's capacities and isolating and identifying its bioactive molecules.

Key words: Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, Extraction, Optimization, Opuntia ficus indica cladode