Physicochemical, bioactive and functional evaluation of the exotic fruits Opuntia ficus-indica AND Pilosocereus pachycladus Ritter from the Brazilian caatinga

The Brazilian caatinga is characterized as one of the most populated and biologically diverse semi-arid regions in the world. Two exotic fruits collected in this unique bioma, the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) and facheiro (Philosocereus pachycladus Ritter), were investigated in regard to their physicochemical, bioactive and functional characteristics. Four different extracts were prepared and investigated: water (W), ethanol/water 70:100 (E70), ethanol/water 80:100 (E80), and ethanol only (E100). The betalain compounds were investigated using the LC-DAD-ESI-MS technique. The prickly pear fruits are sweeter and less acidic when compared to facheiro fruits, but they also have lower total solids, ash and protein. The total phenolic content (TPC) of water and ethanolic extracts ranged from 8.89 to 12.34 mg GAE/100 g and 82.23 to 107.67 mg GAE/100 g for Opuntia and facheiro fruits, respectively. The identification of betanin and isobetanin derivatives, as well as the TPC, antioxidant and antienzymatic activities of facheiro fruits were reported for the first time. All extracts presented some degree of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition, with the exception of the facheiro water extracts.