Abstract

FABELA-ILLESCAS, Héctor Enrique et al. Bioactive compounds identification and physicochemical characterization from Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes flour. Biotecnia [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.1, pp.46-54.  Epub June 13, 2022. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v24i1.1519.

Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck is a scarcely studied cactus; its characterization contributes to identify the bioactive compounds it contains and its functional properties, which will allow the generation of information on potential uses and applications. The aim of this work was to physicochemically characterize N. cochenillifera cladodes flour and identify the phenolic compounds it contains. In general, N. cochenillifera flour is low in calories (337 kcal/100 g) with high total dietary fiber content (18.41%). In addition, it exhibits good water (11.04%) and oil (2.05%) absorption capacity, while swelling capacity was 25 mL/g DW. The soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenols content were 207.92 and 647.99 mg EAG/100 g DW, respectively. In addition, they showed antioxidant activity by DPPH• (15.28 mmol TE/g DW), FRAP (20.97 mmol TE/g DW), and ABTS•+ (51.31 mmol TE/g DW) methods. Furthermore, six phenolic acids (gallic, ferulic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, syringic, and neochlorogenic) were identified by HPLC. According to the results, N. cochenillifera cladodes flour is an important source of fiber and bioactive compounds with interesting functional properties. In this context, N. cochenillifera flour could be used as an ingredient in the formulation of functional foods. However, further, studies are needed on the shelf life and optimizing its preservation process, transformation, and functional potential.

Keywords : Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck; antioxidant capacity; dietary fiber; bioactive compounds; physicochemical characterization.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English     · English ( pdf )