Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract:  nutritional properties, benefits and uses

Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract is obtained from the fruits of the cactus Opuntia coccinellifera, which belongs to the Cactaceae family. 

Opuntia coccinellifera should not be confused with Opuntia ficus-indica. The species Opuntia coccinellifera and Opuntia ficus-indica both belong to the genus Opuntia, which is part of the family Cactaceae, but appear to have some key differences in appearance, use and habitat.

Rich in flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, it helps protect the skin from free radical damage and improves skin hydration. It is used in various skin care products, particularly in formulations intended to nourish, revitalize and calm the skin. It may also have beneficial effects on skin radiance and reduction of inflammation.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Opuntia is the name of a genus of plants, commonly known as prickly pears. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its resilience in arid environments.
• Coccinellifera means "bearing cochineal", referring to the ability of some species to host cochineal insects, from which carmine dye is derived.
• Fruit extract indicates that the product is derived from the plant’s fruit, concentrating the active ingredients found in the fruit.

Industrial Production Process

• Fruit collection. Opuntia Coccinellifera fruits are manually harvested during their ripening period to ensure the freshness and integrity of the fruits.
• Preparation. The collected fruits are washed, cleaned, and cut to facilitate the extraction of active components.
• Extraction. The prepared fruits are immersed in an appropriate solvent, such as water or ethanol, to extract bioactive compounds. This process can be carried out using techniques such as maceration, percolation, or ultrasonic-assisted extraction.
• Filtration. After extraction, the mixture is filtered to remove solid fruit residues and isolate the liquid extract.
• Concentration. The filtered extract is concentrated under vacuum or through evaporation to reduce the volume and increase the concentration of active compounds.
• Purification. If necessary, additional purification steps are applied to refine the extract and enhance the quality of the final product.
• Stabilization. The extract can be stabilized by adding natural preservatives or other additives to enhance shelf life and stability.
• Quality control. Each batch of Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure the concentration of active ingredients, purity, and safety for use in cosmetic and food applications.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   90082-21-6

EC number   290-109-1

Main uses and benefits of Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract.

Antioxidant Properties. Rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and other antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, contributing to the prevention of premature aging.

Intense Hydration. It contains ingredients known for their ability to retain moisture, providing intense hydration and keeping the skin soft and smooth.

Soothing and Calming. Thanks to its soothing components, it is effective at reducing skin redness and irritation, making it suitable for post-sun exposure products and sensitive skin.

Skin Regeneration. It stimulates cell regeneration, helping to improve the appearance of scars and promoting healthier, more radiant skin.

Environmental Protection. It offers protection against environmental stresses, such as pollution and wind, that can damage the skin.

Versatile Applications. It can be incorporated into a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, masks, and anti-aging treatments, leveraging its multidimensional benefits.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Contino M, Leonardi C, Genovese C, Scalisi EM, Pecoraro R, Ignoto S, Failla C, Ferruggia G, Salvaggio A, Asero P, Calderaro P, Toscano V, Raccuia SA, Caruso G, Bracchitta G, Brundo MV. Antioxidant activity of two Opuntia Mill. species fruit extracts on human sperm quality after a freeze-thaw cycle. Nat Prod Res. 2023 Aug-Sep;37(16):2725-2731. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2124984. 

Abstract. This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.(OFI), yellow (F1) and red (F2) varieties. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts on human sperm quality after thawing, the semen parameters (vitality, motility, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation) were analysed after 1 h of exposure. The results showed that OD has higher phenolic content and antioxidant power than OFI, and that they are higher in F2 than F1. Furthermore, regarding the activity of extracts on thawed sperm, the results showed a significant increase in motility in samples treated with OFI F1 and OD extracts, while an improvement in vitality and acrosome reaction and a reduction of DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed samples compared to the control. Finally, a reduction of oxidative stress was observed in samples exposed to OFI F2 and OD than control.

(2) Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Izquierdo-Vega JA, Izquierdo-Vega J, Delgado-Olivares L, Vargas-Mendoza N, Álvarez-González I, Morales-González Á, Morales-González JA. Opuntia spp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2. Plants (Basel). 2022 Sep 6;11(18):2333. doi: 10.3390/plants11182333.

Abstract. Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.