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Park S Nobel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of shade drought and daughter Cladodes on the co2 uptake by Cladodes of opuntia ficus indica
Annals of Applied Biology, 2007Co-Authors: Eulogio Pimientabarrios, Julia Zanudohernandez, I Castillocruz, Lucila Mendezmoran, Park S NobelAbstract:The effects of shade on the physiology of opuntias have received little attention, notwithstanding that shade regularly occurs in both wild stands and cultivated populations. This research evaluates the effects of shade on the physiology of Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica, with and without daughter Cladodes, as they are exposed to progressive drought. The stress caused by shade, drought and daughter Cladodes reduced photosynthesis by mother Cladodes and was associated with decreases in relative water content, parenchyma thickness and chlorophyll content. Shade exacerbated the physiological drought of mother Cladodes imposed by daughter Cladodes and by reduced soil water content.
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young daughter Cladodes affect co2 uptake by mother Cladodes of opuntia ficus indica
Annals of Botany, 2005Co-Authors: Eulogio Pimientabarrios, Julia Zanudohernandez, Veronica Carolina Rosasespinoza, Amaranta Valenzuelatapia, Park S NobelAbstract:• Background and Aims Drought damages cultivated C3, C4 and CAM plants in the semi-arid lands of central Mexico. Drought damage to Opuntia is common when mother Cladodes, planted during the dry spring season, develop young daughter Cladodes that behave like C3 plants, with daytime stomatal opening and water loss. In contrast, wild Opuntia are less affected because daughter Cladodes do not develop on them under extreme drought conditions. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of the number of daughter Cladodes on gas exchange parameters of mother Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica exposed to varying soil water contents. • Methods Rates of net CO2 uptake, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, chlorophyll content and relative water content were measured in mature mother Cladodes with a variable number of daughter Cladodes growing in spring under dry and wet conditions. • Key Results Daily carbon gain by mother Cladodes was reduced as the number of daughter Cladodes increased to eight, especially during drought. This was accompanied by decreased mother cladode relative water content, suggesting movement of water from mother to daughter Cladodes. CO2 assimilation was most affected in phase IV of CAM (late afternoon net CO2 uptake) by the combined effects of daughter Cladodes and drought. Rainfall raised the soil water content, decreasing the effects of daughter Cladodes on net CO2 uptake by mother Cladodes. • Conclusions Daughter Cladodes significantly hasten the effects of drought on mother Cladodes by competition for the water supply and thus decrease daily carbon gain by mother Cladodes, mainly by inhibiting phase IV of CAM.
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effects of benomyl and drought on the mycorrhizal development and daily net co2 uptake of a wild platyopuntia in a rocky semi arid environment
Annals of Botany, 2003Co-Authors: Eulogio Pimientabarrios, Maria Eugenia Gonzalez Del Castilloaranda, Alejandro Munozurias, Park S NobelAbstract:The effects of drought and the fungicide benomyl on a wild platyopuntia, Opuntia robusta Wendl., growing in a rocky semi-arid environment were assessed. Cladode phosphorus content, cladode water potential and daily net CO2 uptake were measured monthly in 2000 and 2001 before, during and after the summer rainy period. During 2000, the formation of new roots and new Cladodes was severely suppressed in response to a prolonged drought, impairing the development of the symbiotic relationship between the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the roots. Hence no effect of benomyl application was observed on daily carbon assimilation by this Crassulacean acid metabolism plant. During 2001, drought was interrupted, and new Cladodes and roots were formed in response to rainfall. Benomyl was highly effective in suppressing root colonization by AM-fungi; however, daily C assimilation was reduced by benomyl application only in October. Thus, the inhibition of AM-fungal colonization by benomyl did not affect photosynthesis, water uptake and P uptake under prolonged drought. a 2003 Annals of Botany Company
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tolerances and acclimation to low and high temperatures for Cladodes fruits and roots of a widely cultivated cactus opuntia ficus indica
New Phytologist, 2003Co-Authors: Park S Nobel, Erick De La BarreraAbstract:Summary •Opuntia ficus-indica , a cactus widely cultivated for fruits and forage/fodder, has shoots composed of flattened stem segments (Cladodes) that are relatively sensitive to freezing temperatures below −6°C but extremely tolerant of high temperatures up to 65°C. Based on the uptake of the vital strain neutral red, fruits and roots were damaged by 60 min below −7°C or above 55°C. •Young (6 wk old) and mature (1-yr-old) Cladodes had 1.2°C greater low-temperature tolerance at day/night air temperatures of 20 : 10°C compared with 30 : 20°C and 2.8°C lower high-temperature tolerance. Fruits and roots (both 6 wk old) showed no such low-temperature acclimation; roots had high-temperature acclimation similar to that of Cladodes, but fruits showed no high-temperature acclimation. •High-temperature tolerance did not change with age for Cladodes and fruits up to 10 wk old nor did low-temperature tolerance for Cladodes, but fruit low-temperature tolerance decreased by 2.6°C from 4.5 to 10 wk of age, a time when sugars, which can act as cryoprotectants, were increasing. •Cladodes showed 2.0°C greater tolerance of low temperatures with age up to 10 yr and 6.5°C greater high-temperature tolerance, which helps prevent the death of plants, especially during episodic freezing events.
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doubling the co2 concentration enhanced the activity of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes source carbohydrate production photoassimilate transport and sink strength for opuntia ficus indica
Plant Physiology, 1996Co-Authors: Ning Wang, Park S NobelAbstract:After exposure to a doubled CO2 concentration of 750 [mu]mol mol-1 air for about 3 months glucose and starch in the chlorenchyma of basal Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica increased 175 and 57%, respectively, compared with the current CO2 concentration of 370 [mu]mol mol-1, but sucrose content was virtually unaffected. Doubling the CO2 concentration increased the nocturnal malate production in basal Cladodes by 75%, inorganic phosphate (Pi) by 32%, soluble starch synthase activity by 30%, and sucrose-Pi synthase activity by 146%, but did not affect the activity of hexokinase. Doubling CO2 accelerated phloem transport of sucrose out of the basal Cladodes, resulting in a 73% higher dry weight for the daughter Cladodes. Doubling CO2 increased the glucose content in 14-d-old daughter Cladodes by 167%, increased nocturnal malate production by 22%, decreased total amino acid content by 61%, and increased soluble starch synthase activity by 30% and sucrose synthase activity by 62%. No downward acclimation of photosynthesis during long-term exposure to elevated CO2 concentrations occurs for O. ficus-indica (M. Cui, P.M. Miller, P.S. Nobel [1993] Plant Physiol 103: 519-524; P.S. Nobel, A.A. Israel [1994] J Exp Bot 45: 295-303), consistent with its higher source capacity and sink strength than under current CO2. These changes apparently do not result in Pi limitation of photosynthesis or suppression of genes governing photosynthesis for this perennial Crassulacean acid metabolism species, as occur for some annual crops.
E M Galati - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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antioxidant phytochemicals of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes with potential anti spasmodic activity
Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2017Co-Authors: Francesco Lanuzza, M M Tripodo, M T Monforte, Francesco Occhiuto, Valeria Dangelo, E M GalatiAbstract:Background: Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI Cladodes were carried out. Material and Methods: Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI Cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI Cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Results: Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α -, β -, and γ -tocopherols have been highlighted and α -tocopherol is the major component. OFI Cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI Cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation. Conclusion: The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca2+ for muscle contraction. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica, DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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effect of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes in the wound healing process
Journal of The Professional Association for Cactus Development, 2003Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Mariangela Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes contain a polysaccharide fraction that can retain water. The Cladodes are used in Sicilian folk medicine as cicatrizant. We studied the healing activity of a base cream containing 15% lyophilized Cladodes and of a commercial ointment on the wound produced on the backs of rats. The treatment was carried out for 3 and 5 days.After three days of treatment, the scar tissue is evident, both fibers and fibroblasts in the derma are properly arranged. The dermal vessels are reduced in lumen and the keratinocytes show proliferation areas. In the 5 days' treatment, the wound healing process is almost completed and the piliferous bulbs arerecovering. Complete epithelization occurs. Evidently, the O. ficus-indica treatment accelerates wound healing, probably by involving the proliferation and migration of the keratinocytes in the healing process.
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study on the increment of the production of gastric mucus in rats treated with opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002Co-Authors: E M Galati, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Simona Pergolizzi, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes are used in traditional medicine of many countries for their cicatrisant activity. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate-containing polymers, which consist of a mixture of mucilage and pectin. In this paper we studied the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat. The O. ficus indica Cladodes administration gives rise to cytoprotection phenomena by breaking up the epithelial cells and stimulating an increase in mucus production. When O. ficus indica Cladodes are administered as a preventive therapy, keep the gastric mucosa under normal condition by preventing mucus dissolution caused by ethanol and favouring mucus production. An increase of mucus production is also observed during the course of the curative treatment. The treatment with O. ficus indica Cladodes provokes an increase in the number of secretory cells. Probably, the gastric fibroblasts are involved in the antiulcer activity.
M M Tripodo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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antioxidant phytochemicals of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes with potential anti spasmodic activity
Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2017Co-Authors: Francesco Lanuzza, M M Tripodo, M T Monforte, Francesco Occhiuto, Valeria Dangelo, E M GalatiAbstract:Background: Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI Cladodes were carried out. Material and Methods: Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI Cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI Cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Results: Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α -, β -, and γ -tocopherols have been highlighted and α -tocopherol is the major component. OFI Cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI Cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation. Conclusion: The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca2+ for muscle contraction. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica, DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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effect of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes in the wound healing process
Journal of The Professional Association for Cactus Development, 2003Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Mariangela Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes contain a polysaccharide fraction that can retain water. The Cladodes are used in Sicilian folk medicine as cicatrizant. We studied the healing activity of a base cream containing 15% lyophilized Cladodes and of a commercial ointment on the wound produced on the backs of rats. The treatment was carried out for 3 and 5 days.After three days of treatment, the scar tissue is evident, both fibers and fibroblasts in the derma are properly arranged. The dermal vessels are reduced in lumen and the keratinocytes show proliferation areas. In the 5 days' treatment, the wound healing process is almost completed and the piliferous bulbs arerecovering. Complete epithelization occurs. Evidently, the O. ficus-indica treatment accelerates wound healing, probably by involving the proliferation and migration of the keratinocytes in the healing process.
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study on the increment of the production of gastric mucus in rats treated with opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002Co-Authors: E M Galati, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Simona Pergolizzi, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes are used in traditional medicine of many countries for their cicatrisant activity. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate-containing polymers, which consist of a mixture of mucilage and pectin. In this paper we studied the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat. The O. ficus indica Cladodes administration gives rise to cytoprotection phenomena by breaking up the epithelial cells and stimulating an increase in mucus production. When O. ficus indica Cladodes are administered as a preventive therapy, keep the gastric mucosa under normal condition by preventing mucus dissolution caused by ethanol and favouring mucus production. An increase of mucus production is also observed during the course of the curative treatment. The treatment with O. ficus indica Cladodes provokes an increase in the number of secretory cells. Probably, the gastric fibroblasts are involved in the antiulcer activity.
M T Monforte - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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antioxidant phytochemicals of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes with potential anti spasmodic activity
Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2017Co-Authors: Francesco Lanuzza, M M Tripodo, M T Monforte, Francesco Occhiuto, Valeria Dangelo, E M GalatiAbstract:Background: Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI Cladodes were carried out. Material and Methods: Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI Cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI Cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Results: Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α -, β -, and γ -tocopherols have been highlighted and α -tocopherol is the major component. OFI Cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI Cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation. Conclusion: The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca2+ for muscle contraction. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica, DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin.
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opuntia ficus indica l mill mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat
Phytotherapy Research, 2007Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Maria Fernanda Taviano, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, M Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of Cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by Cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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effect of opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes in the wound healing process
Journal of The Professional Association for Cactus Development, 2003Co-Authors: E M Galati, M R Mondello, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Mariangela Galluzzo, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes contain a polysaccharide fraction that can retain water. The Cladodes are used in Sicilian folk medicine as cicatrizant. We studied the healing activity of a base cream containing 15% lyophilized Cladodes and of a commercial ointment on the wound produced on the backs of rats. The treatment was carried out for 3 and 5 days.After three days of treatment, the scar tissue is evident, both fibers and fibroblasts in the derma are properly arranged. The dermal vessels are reduced in lumen and the keratinocytes show proliferation areas. In the 5 days' treatment, the wound healing process is almost completed and the piliferous bulbs arerecovering. Complete epithelization occurs. Evidently, the O. ficus-indica treatment accelerates wound healing, probably by involving the proliferation and migration of the keratinocytes in the healing process.
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study on the increment of the production of gastric mucus in rats treated with opuntia ficus indica l mill Cladodes
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002Co-Authors: E M Galati, Natalizia Miceli, M T Monforte, Simona Pergolizzi, M M TripodoAbstract:Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes are used in traditional medicine of many countries for their cicatrisant activity. The major components of Cladodes are carbohydrate-containing polymers, which consist of a mixture of mucilage and pectin. In this paper we studied the cytoprotective effects of Cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat. The O. ficus indica Cladodes administration gives rise to cytoprotection phenomena by breaking up the epithelial cells and stimulating an increase in mucus production. When O. ficus indica Cladodes are administered as a preventive therapy, keep the gastric mucosa under normal condition by preventing mucus dissolution caused by ethanol and favouring mucus production. An increase of mucus production is also observed during the course of the curative treatment. The treatment with O. ficus indica Cladodes provokes an increase in the number of secretory cells. Probably, the gastric fibroblasts are involved in the antiulcer activity.
John L Freeman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biofortified selenium enriched fruit and cladode from three opuntia cactus pear cultivars grown on agricultural drainage sediment for use in nutraceutical foods
Food Chemistry, 2012Co-Authors: Gary S Banuelos, Cecil Stushnoff, Spencer S Walse, Tatiana Zuber, Soo In Yang, Ingrid J Pickering, John L FreemanAbstract:Three different cultivars of drought, salt and boron (B) tolerant Opuntia ficus indica (Cactus pear) were grown in poor-quality agricultural drainage sediment high in salt, B and selenium (Se) that originated from the Westside San Joaquin Valley. Nutritional contents were then measured in these Cactus pear fruit (purple, red, or orange-coloured), and vegetative Cladodes (modified stem-like leaves) compared to the same cultivars grown adjacent on a low saline sandy loam soil. After harvesting fruit and Cladodes, the mineral nutrients, chemical speciation of Se, total phenolics, vitamin C and antioxidant status were analyzed. The results demonstrated positive nutritional changes in both Cladodes and fruit within the Cactus pear cultivars when grown on agricultural drainage sediment compared to those grown on normal soil. Under these conditions Cactus pear plants contained nutraceutical qualities and represent a useful anticarcinogenic Se-enriched chemotherapeutic food crop for providing advanced dietary seleno-pharmacology in order to help fight human diseases.