Prickly Pear Betalain-Rich Extracts as New Promising Strategy for Intestinal Inflammation: Plant Complex vs. Main...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Betalains, pigments in plants like prickly pear, are increasingly recognized for health benefits beyond coloration.
• Intestinal inflammation is a significant health concern with limited therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of betalain-rich prickly pear extracts in managing intestinal inflammation.
• To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of specific betalains (betanin, indicaxanthin) and whole extracts.

Main Methods:

• Prickly pear extracts were prepared using the QuEChERS method and analyzed by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.
• In vitro cell-free and cell-based assays were employed to assess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Cytotoxicity and barrier integrity were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Indicaxanthin and betanin were identified as major compounds in the extracts.
• Prickly pear extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, outperforming pure betalains.
• Synergistic effects were observed without cytotoxicity or barrier disruption.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, NO) were strongly inhibited.

Conclusions:

• Betalain-rich prickly pear extracts are effective in mitigating intestinal inflammation.
• These extracts exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially due to synergistic interactions.
• Prickly pear extracts represent a promising natural therapeutic strategy for intestinal inflammation.