Opuntia ficus-indica Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in BALB/c Mice

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), a plant native to the Americas, has been used since pre-Hispanic times in Mexican traditional medicine as both a food source and an herbal remedy for various ailments. Its reported antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties support its traditional use and suggest potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory disorders.

The in vitro digestibility of an ethanolic extract of OFI cladode was evaluated. Anti-inflammatory effects were subsequently assessed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia model in mice. Animals received OFI supplementation prior to LPS challenge and were evaluated for biocompatibility, sickness behavior, and endotoxemia-associated symptoms. Immune cells isolated from OFI-supplemented mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pretreated with OFI before LPS stimulation were analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial function, nitric oxide (NO), and TNF-α production.

The ethanolic extract of OFI cladode exhibited high in vitro digestibility. OFI supplementation was well tolerated, prevented sickness behavior, and attenuated endotoxemia-associated symptoms in LPS-challenged mice. Immune cells from OFI-supplemented mice showed reduced ROS production, improved mitochondrial function, and decreased systemic TNF-α levels. Similarly, OFI pretreatment of human PBMCs reduced ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, NO production, TNF-α, IL1β, and IL-6 release following LPS stimulation.

The ethanolic extract of OFI exhibited high digestibility and retained biological activity after administration. It attenuated LPS-induced systemic inflammation and alleviated associated symptoms by modulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory mediator production. These findings support the traditional use of OFI and its potential as a complementary strategy for managing inflammatory conditions.