The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction conditions (time, pH, and temperature) for water-soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and solids from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) stems and to evaluate the functionality of the optimized extract. The maximum extraction yield was obtained when 100% distilled water was used, indicating that ethanol hampered the extraction. The extraction yields were lower at higher temperatures and lower pHs. The maximum extraction of SDF (27.92%) and solids (5.6 g) was achieved with a 7-h extraction at 50oC and pH 7.0, with desirability being 0.958. The stem extract obtained under the optimum extraction conditions had an antioxidant capacity of 118.10 mg vitamin C equivalents (VCE) using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In a medium containing 30% extract, the growth of E. coli was reduced by 34%, while that of B. cereus was reduced by 23%. These results suggest that OFI stems can be used as a functional resource.

The objectives of this study were to form comparisons of total polyphenol compounds, the antioxidant activities and the urushiol contents of lacquer tree(Rhus verniciflua) bark and the sensory properties of chicken soup was made with lacquer tree bark that was cultivated from different cultivation areas; Hamyang, Wonju and China. Total polyphenol contents of Hamyang, Wonju and China were estimated as 375.28±3.48, 403.60±6.6 and 311.06±4.99 ㎎/g. The total flavonoids contents of Hamyang, Wonju and China were measured as 374±14.12, 683.70±12.64 and 334.64±18.40 ㎎/g. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids concentration, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS radical scavenging of lacquer tree cultivated in Wonju were higher than the others; Hamyang and China. The urushiol content of lacquer tree bark from Hamyang was 4.59±0.04 ppm and higher than others. Urushiol was not detected in China lacquer tree bark. Sensory evaluation tests for chicken soup containing lacquer tree bark showed that the scores of Wonju lacquer tree bark chicken soup was highest, however there are no differences between Hamyang, Wonju, and China significantly(p<0.05).