Characteristics and useful effects for human health of antioxidant carbon nanodots contained in microwave-assisted Opuntia humifusa extract (MA-OHE(CD)) were investigated in this work. MA-OHE(CD) was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Besides, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of MA-OHE(CD) were measured. It was revealed that the MA-OHE(CD) increases aquaporin-3 expression in human epidermal keratinocytes cell with hydrophilic characteristics. Moreover, the bio-active compound extraction efficacy and antioxidant activity of microwave-assisted extraction were great when compared to maceration.

This study was conducted to analyze the nutrient compositions of stem and fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten (OF) and Opuntia humifusa (OH). The results of the two-way analysis of variance test indicated that the parts, varieties and parts*varieties had influence on nutrient content except crude protein, soluble dietary fiber, Fe, Se, I, vitamin E, niacin and vitamin C. Moisture and crude ash content was higher in stem than in fruit, while crude lipid and insoluble dietary content was higher in fruit than in stem. Mineral content revealed that K (1,313.67 mg% in OF, 1,351.38 mg% in OH) was the highest in fruit and Ca (5,146.29 mg% in OF, 1,388.19 mg% in OH) was the highest in stem. Vitamin C was the most abundant vitamin in the fruit of OF (199.98 mg%) and OH (187.12 mg%). Polyunsaturated fatty acid was the highest among fatty acids (66.9~70.1%), with higher content in the stem (753.89 mg%) than fruit (578.01 mg%) in OF, while higher in the fruit (1,093.63 mg%) than stem (475.07 mg%) in OH. Moisture, crude protein, Mg, Se and riboflavin was higher in OF than OH; whereas, crude lipid, insoluble dietary fiber, total dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acid were higher in OH than OF. These results indicated that OF and OH could be a good food source for Ca, K and Vitamin C. Also, different nutrient content by parts and varieties, can be helpful in choice of parts or varieties for consumer purposes.

The aim of this work was to select suitable fermentation treatments for the efficient bioconversion of cactus (Opuntia humifusa Raf.) bioactive components with an improved radical scavenging activity for use as a nutraceutical. To obtain microorganisms for the microbial conversion of cactus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC8294, Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC 3099, Lactobacillus plantarum KERI 236 and Monascus pilosus KCCM 60029 (ATCC 22080) were used for fermentation. Fermentation by Lac. plantarum KCTC 3099 was the most effective at scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and reducing iron ( ). In particular, uronic acid levels showed a remarkable increase in fermentation. The polyphenol and quercetin content of the fermented cactus showed large increases from 108.65 μg/mL and 2.71 μg/mL to 227.83 μg/mL and 9.73 μg/mL, respectively, showing a maximum level at 36 h of fermentation with Lac. plantarum KCTC 3099. Thus, cactus fermentation with Lac. plantarum is an useful process for the enhancement of antioxidant contents and activity of fresh cactus.

The present study was carried out to investigate the biological activity of ethanol extracts from fermented Opuntia humifusa with 3 different mushroom mycelia: Phellinus linteus, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus. Fermented Opuntia humifusa by Phellinus linteus (FOP) and Lentinula edodes (FOL) showed more DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities than non-fermented Opuntia humifusa (NFO) and fermented Opuntia humifusa by Pleurotus ostreatus (FOPO). At a concentration of 250 ppm, the ABTS radical scavenging activities of the FOP and FOL were similar to that of BHA, a synthetic antioxidant. The total polyphenol content had a similar tendency to that of the radical scavenging activity. However, the flavonoid content was increased in the order of NFO, FOL, FOPO, and FOP. At all concentrations, the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of FOP and FOPO were significantly higher than that of kojic acid. During adipocyte differentiation, NFO and FOL showed no significant difference in lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. FOP and FOPO showed a higher fat accumulation inhibitory effect than NFO and FOL. These results provide baseline data for Opuntia humifusa as a novel functional food.

The quality characteristics of noodles made from domestic Korean wheat flour added with 0, 1, 3, 5% cactus Chounnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) powder were investigated. The water absorption and peak time of dough, as determined by farinography, increased with higher cactus powder content. Stability and elasticity of dough decreased as fermentation proceeded. Cooking characteristics of noodles made from dough such as weight, water absorption, and volume decreased with higher cactus powder content. The turbidity of cooked water increased significantly with 5% cactus powder content. For color test, L-value decreased while a-value and b-value increased with higher cactus powder content. In texture analyses, hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess increased with higher cactus powder content. In the sensory test, noodles containing 3% cactus powder were the most preferred.

The objective of this study was to determine the optimum mixing ratio of Opuntia humifusa powder and sugar in the preparation of muffin. The optimal sensory composite recipe was determined by following the central composites for muffin with different levels of Opuntia humifusa powder (A) and sugar (B). The analysis was performed using the response surface methodology, and the sensory evaluation was performed with the data. Ten experimental recipes, including two with reference points in the composition, were selected. The compositional and functional properties were measured, and the physical and sensory values were applied to the mathematical models. Perturbation plots showed the effects of each ingredient on the final product. Measurements showed significant values in lightness (p<0.05), sweetness (p<0.05), hardness (p<0.05), gumminess (p<0.05) and cohesiveness (p<0.01). The sensory measurements showed significant values in color (p<0.05), flavor (p<0.05), appearance (p<0.05), softness (p<0.05) and overall quality (p<0.05). Based on the numerical and graphical methods, the optimal formulation was determined to be 6.10 g of Opuntia humifusa powder and 82.61 g of sugar.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidative effects of Opuntia humifusa and determine the optimal mixing ratio of Opuntia humifusa powder and eggs for the preparation of pasta. In regard to its antioxidant effects, Opuntia humifusa powder had a total phenolic content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 6.64 mg/g and 90.12%, respectively. We used response surface methodology to obtain ten experimental points (including two replicates for Opuntia humifusa powder and egg) and Opuntia humifusa pasta formulation was optimized using rheology. Yellowness (p<0.001) displayed a linear model pattern, whereas lightness (p<0.01) and redness (p<0.01) were described by a quadratic model pattern. Mechanical properties showed significant values in hardness (p<0.5), chewiness (p<0.5), gummiess (p<0.5), and cohesiveness (p<0.5). The sensory evaluation parameters showed significant differences in color (p<0.5), appearance (p<0.5), flavor (p<0.5), texture (p<0.5) and overall quality (p<0.5). The optimum formulations processed by numerical and graphical optimization were found to be 7.30 g of Opuntia humifusa powder and 31.55 g of egg.

본 연구에서는 홍삼음료의 다양화 및 기능성 강화와 여러 기능성을 가진 황기의 식품으로의 활용에 역점을 두고, 기존의 증점제를 대신하여 동결건조 천년초열매를 첨가한 새로운 기능성 홍삼음료을 개발하고자 하였다. 먼저 높은 항산화활성을 지닌 황기추출물을 얻고자 추출용매의 지용성정도를 달리하면서(100(증류수) : 0(95% 에탄올), 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75) 80oC에서 추출한 추출물의 항산화활성을 측정한 결과, ABTS 및 DPPH radical 소거능 실험에서 증류수의 비율이 증가할수록 추출물의 항산화력이 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 추출용매의 온도에 의한 황기추출물의 항산화활성 차이를 알아보고자 추출용액의 온도를 달리하면서(60, 80oC) 추출한 추출물의 항산화활성을 비교해 본 결과, 80oC에서의 추출물이 증류수와 에탄올혼합비율과는 상관없이 대부분 60oC 추출물보다 높은 값을 나타내었다. 기존의 점증제를 대신하여 다양한 기능성을 함유한 천연물 소재인 천년초분말을 선택하였으며, 구아검용액과 농도별 점도를 비교해 본 결과, 구아검 0.1%(w/v) 용액과 비슷한 점도를 나타내기 위해서는 천년초분말의 경우 1-2%(w/v)의 농도가 필요한 것으로 분석되었다. 황기와 천년초 첨가가 홍삼용액의 저장성(35oC)에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위하여 이들 용액의 pH와 총미생물수를 7일 동안 측정하였다. 홍삼용액에 황기와 천년초를 첨가한 경우, 저장 1일째부터 pH가 급격히 감소하기 시작하였으며, 저장 3일째에는 pH가 약 3.6까지 떨어진 다음, 저장 6일 이후에는 다소 pH가 증가하였으며, 천년초분말을 첨가한 용액에서는 황기의 농도증가에 의한 유의적 pH 감소는 나타나지 않았다. 천년초를 첨가한 홍삼용액의 경우 황기의 농도와는 상관없이 저장 7일째 미생물의 성장을 관찰할 수 없었으며, 천년초를 첨가하지 않은 시료에 비해 6 log cycle 이상의 큰 살균효과를 나타내었다. 황기(3, 5%, w/v), 천년초(1.2%, w/v)를 함유한 홍삼용액(5%, w/v)이 대장암 및 뇌종양세포 증식에 미치는 영향을 각각 0.5 mg/mL과 1 mg/mL의 농도에서 살펴본 결과, 종양세포에 대한 의미 있는 증식억제효과는 나타나지 않았다.

저온 감압 조건에서 얻어진 천년초 추출액의 여러 특성을 살펴보고, 이 추출액을 보습제로 활용한 에센스 화장품을 제조하였다. 천년초 추출액은 다른 보습제인 글리세린, 히알루론산 1% 용액에 비해 표면장력(25mN/m)과 접촉각(8 °)이 매우 낮은 값으로 나타났다. 또한 점도도 낮고 끈적임이 거의 없는 특성을 보였다. 천년초 저온감압 추출액은 별도의 계면활성제 첨가 없이도 물에 적은 양의 오일을 유화시킬 수 있었다. 다른 보습제와 달리, 화장품 에센스에서 천년초 추출액의 함량이 높을수록 제형의 끈적임과 점도는 감소하는 결과가 나타났다. 이러한 결과들로부터 천년초 저온 감압 추출액이 수분감과 함께 끈적임이 적은 사용감을 부여하는 천연 보습제로 활용이 가능함을 알 수 있었다.

손바닥 선인장인 백년초와 천년초 열매의 75% 에탄올 추출물을 대상으로 무기물, 총 페놀 화합물 및 플라보노이드 함량을 조사하고, 항산화, 항염증 효과를 비교함으로써 손바닥 선인장에 대한 과학적 자료를 확보하고 기능성 원료소재로의 이용 가능성을 타진하고자 진행되었다. 총 무기물 함량은 백년초 열매 추출물이 천년초 열매 추출물에 비해 약 2배 정도 높았으며, 무기물 중에는 칼륨의 함량이 가장 높았다. 총 페놀 화합물과 플라보노이드 함량 모두 백년초 열매 추출물에서 더 높았고 항산화 활성 평가를 위한 DPPH와 ABTS 라디칼 소거능 역시 백년초 추출물이 천년초 추출물보다 더 우수하였다. 세포 독성을 확인하기 위해 대식세포에서 MTT assay를 수행한 결과, 800 μg/mL의 이하 농도까지는 세포의 생존율에 영향을 미치지 않는 것을 확인하였다. LPS로 염증반응을 유도시킨 세포에서 2종 추출물 모두 농도 의존적으로 NO 생성을 억제하였으나, ROS 생성 억제 효과는 백년초 열매 추출물에서만 유의성 있는 결과가 도출되었다. 또한 세포내에서 염증 유발과 직접적으로 관련이 있는 염증성 cytokine 3종(TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6)의 발현을 확인한 결과 백년초 열매 추출물은 LPS 처리에 의해 증가된 cytokine 중 TNF-α를 제외한 IL-1과 IL-6의 발현량을 유의성 있게 감소시켰다. 이상의 실험 결과들을 종합해 볼 때 천년초 열매 추출물에 비해 백년초 열매 추출물이 더 높은 항산화 및 항염증 활성을 가지는 것으로 확인되었으며, 추후 유효성분 추출을 통한 항염증 물질의 작용기전 연구와 염증 억제 성분의 분리 연구에 기초 자료가 될 것으로 사료된다.

In this study, the morphological features and the chemical composition characteristics of Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia humifusa fruits were investigated. The length of minor and major axis, and weight of O. ficus-indica and O. humifusa fruits were compared as the morphological features. The characteristics of components such as color, moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, dietary fiber, mineral, and amino acids were evaluated. The values of O. ficus-indica fruits were higher than those of O. humifusa fruits in each morphological feature such as minor axis, major axis, and weight. According to the Hunter color index results, O. humifusa fruits showed higher values of L (lightness) and b (yellowness), whereas O. ficus-indica fruits showed higher value of a (redness). The ΔE value between two samples was 19.80. The O. ficus-indica fruits had higher carbohydrate content and lower content of crude ash than those of O. humifusa fruits. Both samples showed very high dietary fiber contents, and the major minerals were K and Ca. Glutamic acid was the major amino acids in both samples. In free amino acids contents, O. ficus-indica had higher tyrosine and lower glutamic acid level than those of O. humifusa fruits. γ-aminobutyric acid was found in both samples, whereas taurine was found in O. ficus-indica fruits only. Taken together, the morphological features and chemical quality of O. ficus-indica and O. humifusa fruits showed difference although both of them were originated from the same genus.

The seasonal appearance and the chemical composition characteristics of cladode of Opuntia humifusa were investigated in this study. The minor (horizontal) and major (vertical) axes, the width, and weight of O. humifusa cladode were compared for its appearance features. Moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, color, dietary fiber, mineral, and amino acids contents were measured for the comparison of their chemical composition characteristics. The cladode of O. humifusa harvested in summer showed higher values of minor and major axis, width, and weight than those harvested in winter. According to the results of Hunter color index, cladode of O. humifusa harvested in summer showed the highest lightness level (Hunter L value). In the meanwhile, cladode of O. humifusa harvested in spring showed the highest Hunter a (redness) and b (yellowness) values. Cladode of O. humifusa harvested in summer had the lowest crude protein and crude fat contents, while it showed the highest crude ash content. The total contents of moisture and dietary fiber were significantly greater than summer-harvested cladode of O. humifusa followed by spring- and winter-harvested cladode of O. humifusa. The major mineral content of all seasonal cladode of O. humifusa was Ca2+. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid were the major amino acids in all seasonal samples. Contrary, the contents of total amino acids and free amino acids were the lowest in summer-harvested cladode of O. humifusa. Taken together, it was concluded that the appearance and chemical quality of cladode of O. humifusa was versatile depending on the harvesting season.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of the freeze-dried stems and fruit of the cactus Cheonnyuncho. The analysis showed that powdered stems have the highest fat content (1.91%) and the powdered fruits have he highest protein content (2.62%). The K content of the fruits higher than that of the stems, while the Ca, Mg, Na and P contents of the stems were higher than those of the fruits. Both the stems and fruits powders contained high levels of the amino acids glutamic acid and aspartic acid. The free sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose were detected in both the stems and fruits. The 75% ethanol (EtOH) extract showed a relatively high antioxidative activity compared to those of the water and 75% methanol (MeOH) extracts. Furthermore, the 75% EtOH extract of the stem powder exhibited a total polyphenol content of 3.60 g/100 g, and a total flavonoid content of 2.00 g/100 g. The antioxidant activities of the stem and fruit powder extracts, measured in DPPH radical scavenging experiments, were higher than that of the control group.

The purpose of this study was to perform a functional components analysis and investigate the physical properties of powders made from the stems or fruit of freeze-dried Cheonnyuncho cactus (Opuntia humifusa). The functional components analysis showed that the stem and fruit powders han vitamin C levels of 42.14 mg and 105.21 mg, respectively. The stems powder contained more lutein than the fruit powder. The fruit powder contained more vitamin C than the stem powder. The SDF (soluble dietary fiber) and IDF (insoluble dietary fiber) in the stem powder were 45.24% and 22.15%, respectively, which were higher then the values for the fruit powder. The stem and fruit powders contained 19.30 mg/g and 25.10 mg/g of crude saponin, respectively. The pH of the stem and fruit powders was 5.34 and 5.07, respectively, both indicating low acidity. The L, a and b values of the stem powder color were 78.28, –3.71, and 19.19, respectively. The L, a and b values of the fruit powder color were 55.56, 24.84, and –3.18, respectively. The stems powder had a higher bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling power than those of the fruit powder, but water-retaining capacity of the stem powder was lower than that of the fruit powder. In addition, the stems powder had a higher viscous material content and water uptake compared to the fruit powder. Based on the above results, we determined that Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) powder had potentially useful functional components and physical properties.

본 연구는 전남 신안군과 제주도에서 재배되고 있는 손바닥 선인장 두 종간의 생리활성을 비교 분석하기 위해 기존에 밝혀진 바 있는 생리활성을 중심으로 in vitro 조건에서 DPPH 라디칼 소거능, α-glucosidase와 tyrosinase 활성 억제능, 대식세포의 cytokine 생성 증가효과 및 뇌세포 산화적 손상 억제효과를 측정하였다. α-glucosidase 활성 억제 및 대식세포의 cytokine 생성 증가효과에서는 OFI 추출물의 효과는 거의 없거나 미약하게 보이지만, OH 추출물에서는 매우 효과적으로 높게 나타났다. DPPH 라디칼 소거능과 tyrosinase 활성 억제효과에서는 OFI와 OH 추출물간의 큰 차이가 없으나 OFI 추출물에서 조금 더 좋은 효과를 나타냈다. 손바닥선인장 줄기와 줄기 다당류 추출물의 생리활성 비교 연구에서는 DPPH 라디칼 소거능, α-glucosidase 활성 억제능 및 대식세포의 cytokine 생성 증가효과가 손바닥선인장 줄기 다당류 추출물보다 줄기 추출물에서 효과적인 것으로 관찰되었다. 그러나 OFI 줄기 다당류 추출물의 tyrosinase 활성 억제효과는 양성대조물인 ascorbic acid 보다 높게 나타났다. 뇌세포 산화적 손상 억제효과에서는 시료를 첨가하지 않은 대조군에 비해 모든 추출물에서 뇌세포 사멸을 약간 감소시키는 경향만을 나타냈다. 결론적으로 우리나라에 재배되고 있는 손바닥선인장 두 종의 생리활성을 비교한 결과, OH-S 추출물은 α-glucosidase 활성 억제능 및 대식세포의 cytokine 생성 증가효과 그리고 OFI-SP 추출물은 tyrosinase 활성 억제효과가 상대적으로 뛰어난 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 지역농민의 소득창출을 위한 유용생물자원으로서 고부가가치를 확보하기 위해서는 효율적인 추출법, 전임상 동물실험 그리고 유효성분의 개발과정이 수반되어야 한다고 사료된다.