Article
Food Science & Technology
Evren Caglar Eroglu, Ridvan Arslan, Aysegul Gulec, Salih Aksay
Summary: Prickly pear fruits harvested in August show preferable characteristics in terms of total soluble dry matter, TSS/acidity value, lightness, redness, and color intensity, while fruits harvested in October exhibit higher levels of total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Arturo Coronado-Contreras, Xochitl Ruelas-Chacon, Yadira K. Reyes-Acosta, Miriam Desiree Davila-Medina, Juan A. Ascacio-Valdes, Leonardo Sepulveda
Summary: Prickly pear peel residues can be used in solid-state fermentation to obtain bioactive compounds, and factors such as temperature, inoculum, and humidity affect the release and accumulation of tannins. The fermented extracts showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Article
Agronomy
Giorgia Liguori, Raimondo Gaglio, Giuseppe Greco, Carla Gentile, Luca Settanni, Paolo Inglese
Summary: The study demonstrated that using a mucilage-based coating can improve the quality of minimally processed cactus pear fruits during cold storage, preserving their nutritional value including fresh weight, firmness, total soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, and betalain content, while effectively inhibiting microbial growth.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Francisca Hernandez, Lucia Andreu-Coll, Andreia Bento-Silva, Ana Teresa Serra, Pedro Mena, Pilar Legua, Maria Rosario Bronze
Summary: This research analyzed the phytochemical profile of prickly pear fruits from the 'Orito' cultivar under different storage conditions. The study found that some compounds increased in content under cold storage conditions, while there were no significant differences under shelf-life conditions.
Article
Fisheries
S. Ravishankar, N. L. C. Ragg, N. J. Delorme, B. J. Dunphy
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of immersing Cultured Greenshell mussels in prickly pear cactus solutions. It was found that low concentrations of prickly pear cactus powder and extract can enhance the mussels' resilience to thermal stress. This research provides evidence for the potential use of bioactive plant extracts to improve physiological resilience in shellfish species.
Article
Agronomy
Guillermo San Miguel, Diego Fernandez-Olmedilla, Francisco Sanchez-Godoy
Summary: This paper characterized the chemical, proximal, and fuel properties of prickly-pear mature cladodes and studied the drying kinetics of this biomass. The results showed that prickly-pear biomass was a poor-quality solid biofuel, but cutting the cladodes increased the drying rate. The double exponential and Midilli models were the best fit for the experimental curves.
Review
Plant Sciences
Talia Humphries, Shane Campbell, Singarayer Florentine
Summary: Opuntia species are significant weeds worldwide, posing threats to economic and environmental assets. They can cause health issues and reproduce quickly. Biological control and herbicide treatments have been effective, but more research is needed for better management strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abderrahmene Bouaouich, Faiza Bouguerche, Houda Mahiaoui, Gregorio Peron, Hamdi Bendif
Summary: This study characterized fatty acids and secondary metabolites in seeds of three cultivars of Opuntia ficus-indica L. harvested from Algeria. The antioxidant activity of seed extracts was assessed and results showed varying total phenolic content among the cultivars. HPLC and GC analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and essential fatty acids in the seed extracts and oil, respectively. The results highlight the potential of O. ficus-indica seeds as valuable sources of table oil, cooking oil, and antioxidants.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jiao Wang, Neeraj Rani, Seema Jakhar, Rakesh Redhu, Sanjiv Kumar, Sachin Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Bhagwati Devi, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Bairong Shen, Rajeev K. Singla
Summary: This article reviews the anticancer properties of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and its potential as a natural cancer prevention and treatment agent. The study highlights the mechanisms involved, such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and Bcl-2 modulation. However, further research is needed to determine the clinical utility of this resource.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Concetta Maria Messina, Rosaria Arena, Maria Morghese, Andrea Santulli, Giorgia Liguori, Paolo Inglese
Summary: The study showed that the total protein content in Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes mucilage remained stable throughout the growth period, while the lipid content significantly decreased from winter to the beginning of summer. The fatty acid profile indicated high levels of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids, with the polyunsaturated fatty acid class being the most abundant and showing a significant increase during growth.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ikram Es-sbata, Remedios Castro, Rachid Zouhair, Enrique Duran-Guerrero
Summary: Prickly pear vinegar was produced using two types of acetification processes. The surface culture method increased the concentration of phenolic components, while the submerged culture method led to a significant increase in esters and acids in the vinegar.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Saul Alberto Alvarez, Nuria Elizabeth Rocha-Guzman, Martha Rocio Moreno-Jimenez, Jose Alberto Gallegos-Infante, Jaime David Perez-Martinez, Walfred Rosas-Flores
Summary: Pectic polysaccharides were extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica peels using acid hydrolysis and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods. A symbiotic product was developed with apple juice and tibicos, incorporating pectic polysaccharides for good stability.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anis Madaci, Hana Ferkous, Amel Sedik, Amel Delimi, Cherifa Boulechfar, Amina Belakhdar, Malika Berredjem, Mohamed Aymen Chaouch, Manawwer Alam, Hatem Majdoub, Nicole Jaffrezic-Renault, Yacine Benguerba
Summary: Corrosion causes significant damage and financial losses annually. Scientists are exploring the use of inhibitors derived from renewable resources and natural ingredients to minimize environmental impact. The inhibition effects of PPUN derived from prickly pear nopales have been studied using electrochemical methods, revealing its ability to slow down corrosion processes by adsorbing on the metal surface and inhibiting active corrosion sites.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juan Pablo Carreon-Hidalgo, Angelica Roman-Guerrero, Arturo Navarro-Ocana, Dario R. Gomez-Linton, Diana Carolina Franco-Vasquez, Adrian Marcelo Franco-Vasquez, Roberto Arreguin-Espinosa, Laura J. Perez-Flores
Summary: This study conducted a chemical characterization of two varieties of prickly pear and found that they are rich in betacyanins and betaxanthins, which are plant pigments with biological properties. Comparing their thermal stability and activation energy with betalains from beetroot, it can be used in food and a method for evaluating the thermal stability of betacyanins and betaxanthins has been established.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Luis Giraldo-Silva, Barbara Ferreira, Eduardo Rosa, Alberto C. P. Dias
Summary: The use of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in the agro-food sector is increasing due to its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional value and health benefits. Industries from different sectors are interested in its metabolites for various purposes. This provides an economic growth opportunity for partners exploring non-conventional fruits. Recent studies have shown that consumption of the fruit improves human health through antioxidant and other pharmacological activities. Therefore, a systematic review is provided for researchers, consumers and stakeholders regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of O. ficus-indica fruits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Faiza Baali, Sabah Boumerfeg, Amel Boudjelal, Marcella Denaro, Giovanna Ginestra, Abderrahmane Baghiani, Nadjat Righi, Amirouche Deghima, Faycel Benbacha, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta
Summary: The aim of this study was to scientifically validate the traditional use of Algerian Lavandula stoechas and Mentha pulegium. The methanol extracts of both plants showed strong antioxidant activity and exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Additionally, ointments containing these extracts accelerated the wound healing process.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Claudia Muscara, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta, Giuseppina Mandalari, Erminia La Camera, Gianpaolo Grassi, Clara Circosta
Summary: This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of two standardized extracts rich in cannabidiol from non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa L. The extracts showed strong antioxidant and concentration-dependent antimicrobial activities, suggesting potential applications as novel antimicrobial agents.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ichrak Ben-Amor, Maria Musarra-Pizzo, Antonella Smeriglio, Manuela D'Arrigo, Rosamaria Pennisi, Hammadi Attia, Bochra Gargouri, Domenico Trombetta, Giuseppina Mandalari, Maria Teresa Sciortino
Summary: The research demonstrated that Olea europea leaf extracts have antibacterial and antiviral effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and herpes simplex type 1. Additionally, the study identified the cytotoxic concentration of the extracts on cultured cells.
Article
Fisheries
Vincenzo Zammuto, Maria Giovanna Rizzo, Antonio Spano, Giuseppa Genovese, Marina Morabito, Damiano Spagnuolo, Fabiano Capparucci, Claudio Gervasi, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta, Salvatore Guglielmino, Marco Sebastiano Nicolo, Concetta Gugliandolo
Summary: The extraction of polysaccharides from algae can inhibit bacterial adhesion, thus preventing biofilm formation. Algal extracts show significant inhibitory activity against biofilm formation and have potential for environmentally friendly applications in aquaculture.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Cornara, Gabriele Ambu, Alex Alberto, Domenico Trombetta, Antonella Smeriglio
Summary: This study investigated the micromorphological and phytochemical features, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of leaves from several plant species used in the salad of the Capuchin monks. The extracts obtained from blanched leaves showed the highest content of bioactive compounds and exhibited the most marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Antonella Smeriglio, Marcella Denaro, Emilio Di Gristina, Luca Mastracci, Federica Grillo, Laura Cornara, Domenico Trombetta
Summary: This study found that Citrus lumia seeds contain abundant bioactive compounds that exhibit good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In cell and human primary cell experiments, methanol extract of the seeds showed the strongest inhibitory and protective effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Occhiuto, Gianluigi Aliberto, Mariarosaria Ingegneri, Domenico Trombetta, Clara Circosta, Antonella Smeriglio
Summary: This study evaluated the nutritional and phytochemical characteristics of cold-pressed hempseed oil and hempseed meal from two industrial hemp varieties. The oil exhibited high levels of phenolic compounds, vitamin E, and a well-balanced ratio of fatty acids, with strong antioxidant activity. The hempseed meal was rich in protein, fiber, and amino acids, with low levels of anti-nutritional factors, suggesting potential use in nutraceutical products.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Susanna Campo, Antonio Lacquaniti, Domenico Trombetta, Antonella Smeriglio, Paolo Monardo
Summary: This review focuses on the pathways related to immune system dysfunction and inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Thrombogenicity and oxidative stress are considered important characteristics of biocompatibility in hemodialysis. Immune dysfunction and inflammation are closely linked with uremic toxins in hemodialysis patients, affecting clinical outcomes and mortality.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nadia Panera, Maria Rita Braghini, Annalisa Crudele, Antonella Smeriglio, Marzia Bianchi, Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli, Rebecca Nobili, Libenzio Adrian Conti, Cristiano De Stefanis, Gessica Lioci, Fabio Gurrado, Donatella Comparcola, Antonella Mosca, Maria Rita Sartorelli, Vittorio Scoppola, Gianluca Svegliati-Baroni, Domenico Trombetta, Anna Alisi
Summary: This study investigated the potential anti-fibrotic effect of HXT + VitE combination therapy on NAFLD-related fibrosis. The results demonstrated that HXT + VitE treatment reduced proliferation, migration, and contraction of fibrosis cells, decreased expression of pro-fibrogenic genes, and antagonized the pro-fibrotic effects by interfering with transcription factor translocation/activation. In mouse and pediatric NAFLD models, HXT + VitE treatment showed a reduction in fibrosis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paola Malaspina, Federica Betuzzi, Mariarosaria Ingegneri, Antonella Smeriglio, Laura Cornara, Domenico Trombetta
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth evaluation of laurel and cherry laurel leaves to distinguish their distinguishing features. This multidisciplinary approach can be useful in plant identification, quality control tests, intoxications, and criminal cases.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Paola Gualtieri, Marco Marchetti, Giulia Frank, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta, Carmela Colica, Rossella Cianci, Antonino De Lorenzo, Laura Di Renzo
Summary: The Mediterranean Diet is associated with beneficial effects against chronic non-communicable diseases. A study on 24 subjects showed that 2-week supplementation with mixed apple and bergamot juice had a positive impact on body composition, biochemical profile, and oxidative and inflammatory gene expression. The supplementation resulted in increased lean mass, reduced total cholesterol/HDL index, and improved gene expression related to CNCDs.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Paola Gualtieri, Domenico Trombetta, Antonella Smeriglio, Giulia Frank, Angela Alibrandi, Giulia Leggeri, Marco Marchetti, Ilaria Zingale, Silvia Fanelli, Arianna Stocchi, Laura Di Renzo
Summary: Supplementation has a positive impact on vaccination response, enhancing immune defenses and reducing side effects. Our study analyzed the relationship between vaccine side effects and supplement intake among the Italian population. The results showed a significant correlation between supplement consumption and side effects at the end of the vaccination cycle, as well as associations with specific side effects such as diarrhea and nausea.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mariarosaria Ingegneri, Antonella Smeriglio, Rossana Rando, Teresa Gervasi, Maria Pia Tamburello, Giovanna Ginestra, Erminia La Camera, Rosamaria Pennisi, Maria Teresa Sciortino, Giuseppina Mandalari, Domenico Trombetta
Summary: This study investigated the nutritional and polyphenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and potential prebiotic effects of blanched almond skin (BS) and blanch water (BW) from three different Sicilian cultivars. The results showed that the total phenols and flavonoids contents were high in BS and BW. BS exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus 1. It also had high fiber and protein contents and low fat and sugar contents, making it nutritionally valuable. The study indicated that cultivar does not significantly affect the chemical and biological properties of BS and BW.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura Di Renzo, Antonella Smeriglio, Mariarosaria Ingegneri, Paola Gualtieri, Domenico Trombetta
Summary: Current evidence supports the use of EVOO and its minor components to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of DOPET, a bioactive compound in EVOO, on 20 healthy volunteers. Results showed higher bioavailability of DOPET compared to literature, suggesting the role of pharmaceutical formulation in its bioavailability and pharmacokinetics.