Fuente: ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) Post date: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Author:
ISHS Secretariat

In this study we assessed the immunomodulatory potential of different Opuntia cactus fruit species, which are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds. Three varieties were analyzed: Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OD), Opuntia ficus-indica var. blanca (BB), and Opuntia ficus-indica var. colorada (COL), focusing on whole fruit (OD), peel (BB), and pulp (COL). All extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines and stimulated phagocytosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. OD extract exhibited the most diverse phytochemical profile and the strongest immunomodulatory effects, significantly reducing nitric oxide production and enhancing phagocytic activity in macrophages. To determine whether these effects were attributable to specific compound groups or to the synergistic action of the whole extract, OD was fractionated using fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC), obtaining 12 distinct fractions (F1-F12). To further elucidate their immunomodulatory potential, each fraction was evaluated for its influence on the production of key cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10. Fractions rich in betalains (such as betanin, neobetanin and isobetanin), piscidic acid, and flavonoid glycosides (quercetin and isorhamnetin) showed distinct anti-inflammatory or immune-activating properties, depending on their composition. For example, F5 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production, F6 reduced TNF-α levels, and F3 and F7 notably reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels, respectively. Moreover, all fractions and the full OD extract stimulated the production of IL-10, a key anti-inflammatory cytokine. The findings suggest that both OD whole extract and specific fractions possess strong potential as natural immunomodulators. The synergistic action of the complex compound matrix in whole extracts appears to offer broader benefits, while fractionation enables the identification of individual compounds responsible for specific immune responses. Overall, this research highlights the value of Opuntia cactus fruit as a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising applications in immune health.
Sara Parralejo-Sanz won the ISHS Young Minds Award for the best poster presentation at the XI International Congress on Cacti as Food, Fodder and Other Uses in Tenerife, Spain, in May 2025.
Sara Parralejo-Sanz, Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Food Functionality, Biotechnology and Food Microbiology Department, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL), 28049, Madrid, Spain, e-mail: sara.parralejo@csic.es
The article is available in Chronica HorticulturaeTags: opuntiaCategories: Young Minds Award Winners