Analyzing the Bioactive Properties and Volatile Profiles Characteristics of <i>Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.)</i> Haw: Exploring its Potential for Pharmacological Applications

Abstract

Abstract In this investigation, the study focused on the chemical constitution and the antioxidative as well as anti‐inflammatory characteristics of oils and pulpy variants (Imatchan (IM), Harmocha (HA), and Aknari (AK)) sourced from O. dillenii . This inquiry encompassed both in vitro and in silico analyses. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to ascertain the phenolic constituents, while gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) methodologies. were applied to discern the volatile makeup. The appraisal of antioxidant potential was conducted via the deployment of assays such as 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ferric ion chelating (FIC) techniques. The anti‐inflammatory activity was examined using BSA and LOX. Molecular docking methods assessed the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. According to HPLC findings, the most abundant compounds detected in AKO and IMO cultivars were quercetin 3‐ O ‐β‐D‐glucoside followed by vanillic acid, ferulic acid and tyrolsol. Concerning headspace GC‐MS analysis E‐11‐hexadecenal and (E)‐2‐undecenal contribute to the major compounds detected in Opuntia HA, IM, and AK pulp and oil. The DPPH IC 50 for AK, HA and IM were 38.41±1.54, 42.24±0.29 and 15.17±1.28 mg/mL, respectively. The FRAP IC 50 capacity of AK, HA and IM was determined to be 30.23±0.6, 55.96±0.08 and 23.41±1.83 mg/mL, respectively. AK, HA and IM displayed significant FIC activity, with IC 50 values of 42.75±0.63, 39.54±0.59 and 35.31±1.38 mg/mL, respectively. The AK, HA and IM O. dillenii oils were effective in their anti‐inflammatory activity. Molecular docking of O. dillenii oils phenolic compounds was conducted to determine the possible targeted proteins by the phenolic compounds in O. dillenii ’s compounds. Overall, these fruits demonstrated the potential for new ingredients for culinary or pharmaceutical applications, providing value to these natural species that can flourish in arid conditions.