Search Results (70)

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., also named Cactus pear, is a crop widespread in many countries with Mediterranean and subtropical climates, where it represents a valuable source of food. However, in southern Europe, this fruit market is limited to a few months, from summer to autumn. The possibility to extend the ripening period of fruit is represented by the special pruning of the first bloom flush and consequent new development of late flowers and fruits. Extending the cultivation period would allow farmers to maximize the crop’s potential, thereby extending the Cactus pear market season throughout much of the year. In this study, conducted in southern Sardinia (Italy), progressive pruning was applied with the aim of evaluating the fruit characteristics in relation to this type of cultivation, also considering the weather conditions during the experimental period. Morphological traits and physicochemical compositions of fruit picked in four harvests during two sampling seasons from August 2022 to March 2023, and from August 2023 to March 2024 were compared. According to principal component analysis (PCA), most of the observed characters showed significant differences among harvest periods but also between the two seasons of cultivation (year of cultivation: r = 0.722 on PC1), suggesting that the meteorological trend strongly modulated fruit traits. Some fruit qualities were partially lost during the winter months, such as juice acidity and total soluble solids (TSS). October was the month with the highest TSS levels (13.5 ± 0.25), followed by August, January and March. On the other hand, juiciness and fresh weight remained unchanged or even improved in fruit harvested out-of-season. As observed in the redundancy analysis (RDA) a contribution of 54% due to weather variability emerged. In Particular, TSS levels, pH and juice dry matter were associated with high temperatures, solar radiation, and wind intensity. Wind speed was also moderately linked with betalain content. Moreover, high relative humidity was associated with lower pH values, higher water content, and higher fruit fresh weight. A significant difference was found between the two years in betalains content (80.0 ± 3.7 µg·mL⁻¹ in 2022–2023 and 28.2 ± 2.5 µg·mL⁻¹ in 2023–2024). The breakdown in the 2023–2024 season was likely due to the strong heat wave of July 2023 (up to 47 °C), which caused their partial degradation. In light of seasonal variability, this work provides some useful insights for future management of Cactus pear, also considering the possibility of usefully extending the period of cultivation and harvesting. Full article

Grape pomace is an agri-industrial by-product rich in fatty acids with the potential to be used in diets for goats and increase the nutraceutical properties of milk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of incorporating dehydrated grape pomace (DGP) into the diets of Saanen goats on the composition, fatty acid profile, nutritional indices of fatty acids, and antioxidant capacity of their milk. Eight multiparous Saanen goats, averaging approximately four years of age and weighing 41.2 ± 15.7 kg, were used in a double Latin square (4 × 4) design. Diets were formulated with increasing levels of grape pomace (0, 90, 150, and 210 g/kg Dry Matter—DM), replacing cactus. The data underwent analysis of variance using GLM procedure and regression analysis (both linear and quadratic) using REG procedure at a significant level of 5%. The concentration of C18:2 n-6 cis and C18:3 n-3 increased (+20.1 and +15.5%, respectively) with the grape pomace inclusion. There was a reduction in the atherogenic (−24.0%) and thrombogenic (−9.9%) indices of goat milk with the increase in DGP levels. There was a reduction in de novo fatty acids (−10.5%), Δ⁻⁹ desaturase of C14 (−21.8%) and C18 (−9.5%) indexes with the highest level of DGP. There was a quadratic effect for Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and a linear effect for phenolic compounds (PC), where the highest values were observed at the estimated levels of 160 g/kg and 210 g/kg DM, respectively. Supplementing dairy goats’ diets with dehydrated grape pomace up to 210 g/kg dry matter enhances the fatty acid profile and nutritional indices of fatty acids of Saanen goat milk without altering its basic composition. As grape production is prevalent in low rainfall regions, pomace may provide an alternative feed in areas with forage production constraints. Additionally, grape residue could establish a link between the wine and dairy sectors for cheese production, expanding markets for farmers. Full article

Background: Chronic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and their prevalence is increasing due to aging and lifestyle factors. A central element in their pathophysiology is chronic low-grade inflammation, linking metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and proliferative disorders. In this context, Opuntia dillenii, a cactus species traditionally used in folk medicine, has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its promising nutraceutical potential. Methods: This systematic review was conducted through a PRISMA-guided literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying 45 studies that analyze the phytochemical composition and biological activity of O. dillenii. Results: The compounds highlighted include betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by modulating key inflammatory mediators. In addition, O. dillenii demonstrates antiproliferative activity, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth in various in vivo models, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention and as a complementary therapy. The cactus also exhibits antiatherogenic and hypotensive effects, as well as hypolipidemic and antidiabetic properties by improving lipid profiles, reducing serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, its protective actions against tissue damage extend its therapeutic potential. Antimicrobial properties have also been reported, reinforcing its value as a functional food. Conclusions: Taken together, the evidence supports the use of O. dillenii as a versatile nutraceutical resource with a low toxicity profile, capable of contributing to the prevention and treatment of various chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and explore their full therapeutic utility. Full article

Spineless cactus, known for its high heat tolerance and low water requirements, offers a sustainable alternative for animal feed in regions where conventional crops struggle to thrive. This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics, leg tissue composition, and non-carcass constituents of lambs fed increasing levels (0, 15, 30, and 45% based on dry matter) of spineless cactus as a replacement for Tifton hay. Additionally, we estimated body weight and carcass traits using biometric measurements (BM). Forty male lambs, with an average initial body weight of 23.6 ± 2.58 kg, were subjected to a feedlot regime. Empty body weight was the only variable that showed a significant orthogonal contrast between the control group (0%) and those fed spineless cactus (p < 0.05). A quadratic regression effect (p < 0.05) was observed for the weights of the cold half carcass, neck, shoulder, and leg cuts. No significant effects were found on non-carcass components or biometric measurements. Biometric measurements showed strong positive correlations with slaughter weight and carcass characteristics. Based on these findings, replacing 30% of Tifton hay with spineless cactus is recommended as the optimal level, as it maintains carcass quality, tissue composition, and non-carcass traits. Moreover, biometric measurements prove to be effective tools for predicting slaughter weight and carcass characteristics, offering practical value for farmers seeking efficient and sustainable production strategies. The inclusion levels of 24.25% to 27.50% of spineless cactus in the diet of confined sheep appear to be the most efficient, promoting high-value commercial cuts without compromising carcass quality parameters. These levels balance productive performance and sustainability, especially in semi-arid regions. Full article

Global food systems face growing pressure from population expansion and climate change, making the identification of resilient crops a priority. The nopal cactus (Opuntia spp.) stands out for its capacity to thrive in arid environments and for its cultural and economic importance in Mexico. This study analyzes worldwide research trends and evaluates evidence from Mexico to identify opportunities and strategies for closing production cycles through residue valorization. Scientific output over the past decade shows steady growth and a thematic transition from basic agronomic and compositional studies toward sustainability, bioactive compounds, and circular economy approaches. In the Mexican context, applied studies demonstrate that Opuntia spp. cladodes residues can be transformed into composts with C/N ratios between 12 and 26, improving soil organic matter and nutrient availability. Biofertilizers produced through anaerobic fermentation enhanced phosphorus solubility in alkaline soils, while direct residue incorporation increased carrot and tomato yields up to threefold. Farmers recognize these practices as low-cost and compatible with local systems. Nevertheless, the lack of standardized protocols and scalable models limits widespread adoption. Strengthening research collaboration, policy incentives, and technology transfer could position Mexico as a leader in sustainable Opuntia value chains and advance circular economy practices in smallholder farming systems. Full article

Drought-tolerant cactus Opuntia stricta sustains livestock in Brazil’s semi-arid Northeast but suffers yield losses from the armored scale insect Diaspis echinocacti. Symbiotic bacteria are thought to underpin scale fitness; however, their response to pest pressure remains unexplored. We characterized the bacterial communities of D. echinocacti collected from cladodes displaying low, intermediate, and high infestation (n = 3 replicates per level) using 16S-rRNA amplicon sequencing, processed with nf-core/ampliseq. Shannon diversity declined from low to high density, and Bray–Curtis ordination suggested compositional shifts, although group differences were not significant (Kruskal–Wallis and PERMANOVA, p > 0.05). The obligate endosymbiont “Candidatus Uzinura” dominated all samples (>85% relative abundance) irrespective of density, indicating a resilient core microbiome. PICRUSt2 predicted a contraction of metabolic breadth at higher infestations, with convergence on energy- and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Taken together, increasing pest density was associated with modest loss of diversity and functional streamlining, rather than wholesale turnover. These baseline data can guide future work on microbiome-based strategies to complement existing scale-insect control in dryland cactus systems. Full article

Diseases such as obesity and metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are often associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the potential preventive effects of an Opuntia ficus-indica var. colorada cactus pulp extract on obesity and hepatic steatosis, and changes in gut microbiota composition, in a murine model fed a high-fat high-fructose diet. The low-dose extract was the most effective in reducing hepatic TG (−12.5%) and the weight of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (−18.4% and 11.4%, respectively), while the high dose led to improved serum lipid profile (−74.2% in TG, −37.2% in total cholesterol, −50.5% in non-HDL cholesterol and +71.7% in HDL cholesterol). Opuntia extract supplementation did not prevent the dysbiosis in gut microbiota produced by the high-fat high-fructose diet. However, modifications in its composition, consistent with an increment in both Adlercreutzia muris and Cutibacterium acnes, and a reduction in Massiliimalia timonensis, were observed. It can be proposed that these changes may contribute to the extract effects against obesity and liver steatosis. Nevertheless, further research is required to establish a direct link between the anti-obesity and anti-steatotic effects and the functionality of the bacteria modified by the treatment. Full article

Climate change and socio-economic challenges require greater production efficiency in the agricultural sector. Using microbial additives and biodiesel byproducts in silage production improves quality, reduces losses, and adds value to agro-industrial byproducts, thereby reducing environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of including cottonseed cake (CSC) and microbial inoculant isolated from forage cactus on the fermentation profile and quality of forage sorghum silage. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design, with four treatments: Control: sorghum (SS); sorghum + 10% CSC (% natural matter) (SSCSC); sorghum + Weissella cibaria (SSWC); and sorghum + 10% CSC + W. cibaria (SSCSCWC). There were increases of 15.1% in lactic acid bacteria, 11.4% in dry matter, and 62.9% in crude protein for SSCSC than SS (p = 0.001). There was a decrease of 96.4% in effluent losses (p = 0.002) and 21.6% in acid detergent fiber content (p = 0.005) in SSCSCWC compared to SS. Including 10% CSC and Weissella cibaria in sorghum silage was effective in improving nutritional composition with increased protein content and reduced fermentation losses. The cottonseed cake inclusion promotes greater efficiency in sorghum silage production, which can result in higher profitability and sustainability. Full article

The present study explored the combined effects of CC (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) and full-fat corn germ (FFCG) as a source of supplementary PUFA on milk fatty acid (FA) composition of dairy goats fed elephant grass (EG). Twelve Saanen goats were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (GC or FFCG as energy sources, and the inclusion or not of CC in the diet as a partial substitute for EG). The proportions of various milk FAs were influenced by CC, FFCG, or both. Significant interactions between CC and FFCG were noted for most trans-C18:1 and CLA isomers. Specifically, including CC in the FFCG-supplemented diet increased the levels of trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat, whereas these isomers were unchanged or slightly reduced with CC in the GC diet. Similar patterns were observed for C18:2 n-6, while C16:0 increased with CC in the GC diet. Ratios of trans-C18:1/C18:0 and trans-11 C18:1/C18:0 were notably higher when CC was included in the FFCG-supplemented diet. These findings suggest that CC inhibits the last step of rumen biohydrogenation in dairy goats, enriching milk with trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA when supplementary PUFA is provided in the diet. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including gliricidia hay (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% fresh matter—FM), replacing ground corn and cottonseed cake, on the quality of total mixed rations silages based on spineless cactus. Twenty-five experimental silos were distributed in a completely randomized design experiment (five treatments—five replications). Ash, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose contents increased linearly, whereas the non-fibrous and total carbohydrates decreased (p < 0.05). Crude protein and ether extract contents were quadratically influenced (p < 0.05). The pH values and acetic acid concentrations increased, whereas the lactic acid concentration decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Ammoniacal concentration was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Decreasing linear effects were observed on the maximum and minimum temperatures and thermal amplitude (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed on forage losses (p < 0.05). Effluent losses decreased, and dry matter recovery was influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). The inclusion of up to 15.1% gliricidia hay in the production of total mixed ration silages based on spineless cactus preserves adequate standards of chemical composition (15.6% crude protein) and fermentation profile, while decreasing forage losses (7.3% FM) without compromising dry matter recovery and aerobic stability. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of gliricidia hay inclusion in the total mixed rations made from giant forage cactus on the fermentative profile, losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability. The completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% of gliricidia hay inclusion on a natural matter-NM basis) and five replications. Dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein exhibited quadratic effects with maximum peaks at 9.33%, 4.94%, and 15.38%. Linear increases were observed on the neutral and acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose, while non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly. The pH showed a linear increase, while ammoniacal nitrogen, propionic, and lactic acids decreased linearly. Acetic acid displayed a quadratic effect with a maximum peak at 11.69%. The minimum silage temperature decreased linearly. Forage losses exhibited quadratic effects with a minimum peak at 8.15%. The effluent, gas, and total losses displayed quadratic effects with minimum peaks at 12.43%, 13.65%, and 11.19%, while dry matter recovery exhibited a maximum peak at 9.34%. The inclusion of up to 15% of gliricidia hay into total mixed rations silages made from giant forage cactus improved the chemical composition and fermentative profile, decreasing forage losses, without promoting changes in the aerobic stability. Full article

O. humifusa (Korean Cheonnyencho), a prickly pear cactus species, has garnered increased attention owing to its rich phytochemical composition and potential health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-cancer activities of a microwave-assisted aqueous extract derived from O. humifusa were investigated, and its phytochemical content was characterized. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidants known for their potential health-promoting properties. Furthermore, the individual compounds in the flavonoids were separated using the HPLC fractionation technique. The antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The results demonstrated the significant antioxidant activity of the extract, as evidenced by its ability to scavenge free radicals and effectively reduce oxidized molecules. The experiments involved treating colon cancer cells with varying concentrations of the extract (25 to 125 mg/mL) over a 24-h period, resulting in a remarkable dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth. Notably, this inhibitory effect was absent in HDFa cells, highlighting the potential selectivity of O. humifusa in targeting colon cancer cells. Full article

Opuntia, a cactus known for its edible fruit, produces both summer and winter fruit with distinct nutritional profiles. This study, using samples from the same plant in Northeast Portugal, revealed that winter seeds contain 2.4 times more fructose and 1.8 times more total sugars than summer seeds. Winter samples also showed a 2.3-fold increase in α-tocopherol content (11.69 mg/kg vs. 5.17 mg/kg in summer) and higher moisture (seed moisture: 54.96% vs. 49.52%). The peel consistently displayed the highest antioxidant activity, with summer samples generally having stronger antioxidant status. Interestingly, no statistical significance was found for the antioxidant activity or bioactive in the seed, both remaining constant between seasons. The fatty acid composition remained largely consistent, with linoleic acid as the dominant component (57–59%), though winter oil showed slightly higher saturation. Nutritional content was higher in winter samples, while bioactive constituents were more abundant in summer, and fatty acid composition remained stable across both seasons. These results emphasize the impact of seasonality on the nutritional and bioactive properties of Opuntia fruits. Full article

Hydrogels are substances designed to retain significant quantities of water and slowly release it to support plant growth. This study produced and evaluated the use of a test hydrogel (TH), a natural polymer derived from cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale), on the growth, chemical composition, and mineral content of cactus pear genotypes. The TH was compared to a negative control (no hydrogel; NH), and to a positive control or commercial hydrogel (CH). The CH was a synthetic polyacrylamide-based hydrogel. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (n = 36), involving three hydrogel types × three cactus pear genotypes [Elephant Ear (Opuntia stricta); Giant (Opuntia ficus-indica); and Sweet (Nopalea cochenillifera)]. There was a significant effect of interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between genotypes and hydrogel types on cladode area, plant height, dry biomass of cladodes, and macro- and micromineral content. The use of TH promoted greater growth and improved chemical and mineral composition (p ≤ 0.05) to cactus genotypes. The Sweet genotype hydrated with TH presented the highest crude protein accumulation (p ≤ 0.05). Cashew gum-based hydrogel improved both growth and chemical composition of the cactus genotypes, and it is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. Full article

Using light-emitting diode (LED) in plant production optimizes growth with higher energy efficiency, reduces carbon footprint and resource consumption, and promotes more sustainable agriculture. However, the plants’ growth characteristics and biochemical composition may vary depending on the light’s wavelength, spectrum, and intensity. Therefore, LEDs as a light source have become a promising choice for improving cultivation efficiency, as they can modulate the spectrum to meet the needs of plants. Pereskia aculeata is a plant species from the cactus family with high protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of LED lighting on the cultivation of P. aculeata and its influence on biometric color and physicochemical aspects. Two treatments were carried out without the addition of artificial light: one inside the greenhouse (C-ins) and the other outside the greenhouse (C-out), and four treatments with LEDs in different spectral bands: monochromatic red (600–700 nm) (Red), monochromatic blue (400–490 nm) (Blue), white (400–700 nm) (White), and blue–red (1:1) (Blue–Red). The biometric characteristics and the color of the leaves collected from the different treatments were evaluated. After this, the leaves were dried, ground, and evaluated. The physicochemical and thermal characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of the leaves from each treatment were described. The biometric characteristics were intensified with red LED, and the color of the leaves tended toward green. The dried yield was around 50%, except for C-out treatment. Regarding nutritional characteristics, the highest protein (29.68 g/100 g), fiber (34.44 g/100 g), ash (20.28 g/100 g), and lipid (3.44 g/100 g) contents were obtained in the treatment with red light. The red treatment also intensified the content of chlorophyll a (28.27 µg/L) and total carotenoids (5.88 µg/g). The blue treatment intensified the concentration of minerals and provided greater thermal stability. Regarding bioactive properties, the cultivation of P. aculeata inside the greenhouse favored the concentration of phenolic compounds and a greater antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the quality of light for P. aculeata demonstrates that the length of red and blue light corroborates the development of the plant through the wavelength absorbed by the leaves, favoring its characteristics and planting in closed environments. Full article