Physicochemical and Biochemical Study of Different Parts of Opuntia Ficus Indica L (Fruit Juice, Cladodes and Seeds) and their Valorization in the Agri-Food Industry

Abstract

Opuntia ficus indica, native to Mexico’s arid and semi-arid regions, is valued for its edible fruits, thorny cladodes that serve as natural livestock fences, and its water-purifying properties. As a drought-adapted plant, it holds significant nutritional and industrial potential. This study examined the composition focusing on water, dry matter, ash, organic acids, sugars, proteins, fats, and minerals. Carbohydrates were the predominant compounds, accounting for 13.83% in fruit juice and 5.65% in cladodes. Ash contents were 0.44 ± 0.02% in cladodes, 0.53% in fruit juice, and 1.52% in seeds. Seeds proved particularly rich, containing 5.93% protein, 9.4% fat, and 80.3% total dry extract, while cladodes presented 92.5 ± 1.29% moisture. This study provides novel data on Algerian plants, underscoring seeds as a promising source of high-value in cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. At the same time, cladodes offer low-cost nutritional resources for arid regions.