Teor de minerais, perfil oxidativo e toxicidade de Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) salm-dick (cactaceae)

Abstract

Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck occurs from Mexico to Panama and is acclimatized in several countries. It is a shrubby plant that reaches 3-4 m tall, has a cylindrical body and items called cladodes. This species is known by names such as "sweet palm" and "little palm". It is used as human food and in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, antimicrobial and diuretic. In cladodes of N. cochenillifera are presents flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones and sitosterol. Given the importance of its uses, it is essential to the analysis of mineral constituents, their antioxidant profile and their toxicological effects to ensure safe operation. Thus, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of mineral nutrients in the cladodes by atomic absorption spectrometry; analysis of oxidative parameters like amount of total free radicals, lipid peroxidation and amount of protein carbonyls; genotoxicological assessments of the extract in the human leukocytes culture, by cell viability and proliferation, micronucleus test and DNA damage, also extract cytotoxicity culture of CHO and NCTC cells. It was observed that the cladodes of Nopalea cochenillifera have a significant calcium content (6271.0 mg/100g), potassium (3849.0 mg/100g), magnesium (2998.0 mg/100g), zinc (14.7mg/100g), iron (7.29 mg/100g) and a low sodium content (5mg/100g). N. cochenillifera can contribute to the Recommended Daily Intake considering the amounts needed for a healthy adult. This extract acted as antioxidant agent, reducing and reversing the effects caused by hydrogen peroxide. In peripheral blood cells was observed that the samples showed no mutagenic effect, didn't cause DNA damage or decrease in cell viability, not being genotoxic. Nopalea cochenillifera showed low cytotoxicity on NCTC and CHO cells. The data obtained cooperate with the studies in the field and can be used as inputs for the preparation of pharmaceutical preparations with this substance