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Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Opuntia Ficus-Indica F. Inermis (Cactus Pear) Flowers.

Authors :
Ennouri, Monia
Ammar, Imene
Khemakhem, Bassem
Attia, Hamadi
Source :
Journal of Medicinal Food. Aug2014, Vol. 17 Issue 8, p908-914. 7p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis (cactus pear) flowers have wide application in folk medicine. However, there are few reports focusing on their biological activity and were no reports on their chemical composition. The nutrient composition and hexane extracts of Opuntia flowers at 4 flowering stages and their antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated. The chemical composition showed considerable amounts of fiber, protein, and minerals. Potassium (K) was the predominant mineral followed by calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). The main compounds in the various hexane extracts were 9.12-octadecadienoic acid (29-44%) and hexadecanoic acid (8.6-32%). The antibacterial activity tests showed that O. inermis hexane extracts have high effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, making this botanical source a potential contender as a food preservative or food control additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1096620X
Volume :
17
Issue :
8
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Medicinal Food
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
97411160
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0089