Articles
Identification of the phytochemical compounds in the crude extract of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit
Article number
1452_33
Pages
247 – 254
Language
English
Abstract
Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.), a drought-tolerant perennial from the Cactaceae family, is widely used for nutrition and traditional medicine, treating conditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
However, its potential in agriculture remains underexplored.
This study aimed to identify phytochemical compounds responsible for the antifungal activity of cactus pear fruit extract.
Ripe fruits of the ‘Fusicaulis’ were harvested from the University of the Free State cactus pear orchard in Bloemfontein in February 2023. Extracts were prepared using maceration, followed by liquid-liquid and column chromatography for fractionation.
The antifungal activity of various extracts was screened and tested against Alternaria alternata. Bioactive fractions – chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol – were isolated using thin-layer chromatography.
Activity-directed purification throughout the purification process aimed at isolating and identifying any active compounds present in the three fractions.
Standard fingerprinting methods identified flavonoids, particularly neohesperidin and hypericin.
Additionally, alkaloids, essential oils, and cardiac glycosides were detected, and ongoing work aims to isolate these compounds using nuclear magnetic resonance.
This research underscores the agricultural potential of cactus pear, especially for developing antifungal treatments.
However, its potential in agriculture remains underexplored.
This study aimed to identify phytochemical compounds responsible for the antifungal activity of cactus pear fruit extract.
Ripe fruits of the ‘Fusicaulis’ were harvested from the University of the Free State cactus pear orchard in Bloemfontein in February 2023. Extracts were prepared using maceration, followed by liquid-liquid and column chromatography for fractionation.
The antifungal activity of various extracts was screened and tested against Alternaria alternata. Bioactive fractions – chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol – were isolated using thin-layer chromatography.
Activity-directed purification throughout the purification process aimed at isolating and identifying any active compounds present in the three fractions.
Standard fingerprinting methods identified flavonoids, particularly neohesperidin and hypericin.
Additionally, alkaloids, essential oils, and cardiac glycosides were detected, and ongoing work aims to isolate these compounds using nuclear magnetic resonance.
This research underscores the agricultural potential of cactus pear, especially for developing antifungal treatments.
Authors
L.K. Mamabolo, G.M. Coetzer, E. Van der Watt, H.A. Njom
Keywords
antifungal activity, flavonoids, plant extract, bioactive compounds, essential oils
Groups involved
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