Characterization of mexican Opuntia ficus indica cladode and bioactive compound profile. Oxidative stress resistance and anti-adipogenic effect in Caenorhabditis elegans

Cladodes from Opuntia ficus indica var. Atlixco serve as a valuable source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. This study delves into the chemical composition, total polyphenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of powdered samples at three ripening stages. Notably, cladodes at 60 days of ripening (60 d) exhibited the highest dietary fiber content, while those at 45 days of ripening (45 d) showcased superior levels of total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity, as measured by ABTS. Key minerals identified through ICP-OES included Ca, K, Mg, P, and Na, with Ca and K being more abundant. Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) facilitated the identification and quantification of polyphenols in 60 d cladodes. Despite their size (> 30 cm), rendering them unsuitable for commercialization, these cladodes’ extract revealed elevated proportions of piscidic and eucomic acids, along with isorhamnetin derivatives. Evaluation of oxidative stress resistance and anti-adipogenic capacity in a Caenorhabditis elegans animal model revealed that the extract from 60 d cladodes enhanced the survival rate under oxidative stress conditions and reduced fat deposition in the C. elegans intestine. These findings not only highlight the health and nutritional advantages but also inspire further research and the potential development of innovative functional products.