Assessment of nutritional value and in vitro anthelmintic activity in cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) cladodes

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to find out nutritional value in 13 spineless cactus germplasms along with medicinal property. The nutritional value was evaluated by analyzing crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter, moisture, total minerals, ascorbic acid, micronutrients, total polyphenol and antioxidant activity, while the medicinal property was assayed by conducting in vitro anthelmintic activity. The forage cactus accession No. 1280 reported the highest crude protein content, while Palma grande cladodes exhibited the highest crude fiber and dry matter content. The cladodes of accession No. 1308 contain the highest ascorbic acid, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract of Orelha de elefante maxicana and accession No. 1308 showed in vitro anthelmintic activity comparable to the standard drug Albendazole.