Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica extract has been used in traditional folk medicine for several purposes and exhibits
anti-inflammatory properties. This study was directed to explore the prophylactic
effect of O. ficus-indica fruit peel extract against irradiation-induced colitis in rats. GC/MS analysis of
the petroleum ether extract led to recognition of 33 compounds in the unsaponifiable
fraction and 15 fatty acid methyl esters in the saponifiable part. Thirteen terpenes
and sterols were isolated and identified from which ten compounds were not isolated
from any part of this species before. Data showed that irradiation induced colon injury
as manifested by elevated contents of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase,
intercellular adhesion molecule-1, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha,
and nuclear factor kappa B, while it reduced superoxide dismutase activity and interleukin
10 content in colonic tissues, which was confirmed by histopathological examination.
Pretreatment with O. ficus-indica extract attenuated the alteration in the measured parameters. It could be concluded
that O. ficus-indica fruit peel extract can be regarded as a potential agent in limiting colonic complications
due to irradiation, possibly by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Key words
Opuntia ficus-indica
- Cactaceae -
γ radiation - colitis - triterpenes