Opuntia
Betacyanins
Cactaceae
Characterization of calcium oxalates generated as biominerals in cacti. (1/37)
The chemical composition and morphology of solid material isolated from various Cactaceae species have been analyzed. All of the tested specimens deposited high-purity calcium oxalate crystals in their succulent modified stems. These deposits occurred most frequently as round-shaped druses that sometimes coexist with abundant crystal sand in the tissue. The biominerals were identified either as CaC(2)O(4).2H(2)O (weddellite) or as CaC(2)O(4).H(2)O (whewellite). Seven different species from the Opuntioideae subfamily showed the presence of whewellite, and an equal number of species from the Cereoideae subfamily showed the deposition of weddellite. The chemical nature of these deposits was assessed by infrared spectroscopy. The crystal morphology of the crystals was visualized by both conventional light and scanning electron microscopy. Weddellite druses were made up of tetragonal crystallites, whereas those from whewellite were most often recognized by their acute points and general star-like shape. These studies clearly demonstrated that members from the main traditional subfamilies of the Cactaceae family could synthesize different chemical forms of calcium oxalate, suggesting a definite but different genetic control. The direct relationship established between a given Cactaceae species and a definite calcium oxalate biomineral seems to be a useful tool for plant identification and chemotaxonomy. (+info)Constituents with radical scavenging effect from Opuntia dillenii: structures of new alpha-pyrones and flavonol glycoside. (2/37)
The aqueous ethanolic extract from the fresh stems of Opuntia dillenii HAW. showed potent radical scanvenging activity. Three new compounds, opuntioside I, 4-ethoxyl-6-hydroxymethyl-alpha-pyrone, and kaempferol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the extract. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence and the radical scavenging effects of principal constituents were examined. (+info)Carbon and water relations for developing fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, including effects of drought and gibberellic acid. (3/37)
Growth, gas exchange rates, and carbohydrate content were studied for developing fruits of the cultivated cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, including effects of drought and exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3). Fruit development required 110 d from the time of bud differentiation to ripening at 80 d after anthesis, when the fruit mass averaged 67 g. Stomatal conductance and net CO2 uptake rates for fruits were higher during the night; they were maximal at 7 d before anthesis and decreased as development progressed. Fruits undergoing drought, imposed by detaching terminal stems bearing fruits, were 50% smaller than the control at 80 d after anthesis and did not ripen. Fruits injected with 2 ml of 500 ppm GA3 were 30% smaller than the control at 80 d after anthesis; they contained a large proportion of aborted seeds that produced a weak sink signal for dry mass accumulation. Gas exchange was higher at 21 d after anthesis for fruits treated with GA3. Total soluble sugars represented 40% of the fruit's dry mass until 45 d after anthesis, when the sugar content rapidly increased, reaching 90% at 73 d after anthesis. Such an increase was not observed for fruits treated with GA3, and the sugar content for fruits undergoing drought remained low throughout development. Starch content increased for developing fruits of O. ficus-indica until 14 d after anthesis and, except for the fruits undergoing drought, decreased thereafter. Fruit development for O. ficus-indica is apparently regulated by water availability as well as hormonal signals originating both within and outside the fruit. (+info)Supplementation with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit decreases oxidative stress in healthy humans: a comparative study with vitamin C. (4/37)
BACKGROUND: Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit contains vitamin C and characteristic betalain pigments, the radical-scavenging properties and antioxidant activities of which have been shown in vitro. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with cactus pear fruit compared with vitamin C alone on total-body oxidative status in healthy humans. DESIGN: In a randomized, crossover, double-treatment study, 18 healthy volunteers received either 250 g fresh fruit pulp or 75 mg vitamin C twice daily for 2 wk, with a 6-wk washout period between the treatments. Before (baseline) and after each treatment, 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-epi-PGF(2alpha)) and malondialdehyde in plasma, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) in erythrocytes, and lipid hydroperoxides in LDL were measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress; plasma Trolox-equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) and vitamins A, E, and C were evaluated as indexes of antioxidant status. RESULTS: Both treatments caused comparable increases compared with baseline in plasma concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin C (P < 0.05); vitamin A and TEAC did not change significantly. After supplementation with cactus pear fruit, 8-epi-PGF(2)alpha and malondialdehyde decreased by approximately 30% and 75%, respectively; GSH:GSSG shifted toward a higher value (P < 0.05); and LDL hydroperoxides were reduced by almost one-half. Supplementation with vitamin C did not significantly affect any marker of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of cactus pear fruit positively affects the body's redox balance, decreases oxidative damage to lipids, and improves antioxidant status in healthy humans. Supplementation with vitamin C at a comparable dosage enhances overall antioxidant defense but does not significantly affect body oxidative stress. Components of cactus pear fruit other than antioxidant vitamins may play a role in the observed effects. (+info)Young daughter cladodes affect CO2 uptake by mother cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica. (5/37)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Drought damages cultivated C3, C4 and CAM plants in the semi-arid lands of central Mexico. Drought damage to Opuntia is common when mother cladodes, planted during the dry spring season, develop young daughter cladodes that behave like C3 plants, with daytime stomatal opening and water loss. In contrast, wild Opuntia are less affected because daughter cladodes do not develop on them under extreme drought conditions. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of the number of daughter cladodes on gas exchange parameters of mother cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica exposed to varying soil water contents. METHODS: Rates of net CO2 uptake, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, chlorophyll content and relative water content were measured in mature mother cladodes with a variable number of daughter cladodes growing in spring under dry and wet conditions. KEY RESULTS: Daily carbon gain by mother cladodes was reduced as the number of daughter cladodes increased to eight, especially during drought. This was accompanied by decreased mother cladode relative water content, suggesting movement of water from mother to daughter cladodes. CO2 assimilation was most affected in phase IV of CAM (late afternoon net CO2 uptake) by the combined effects of daughter cladodes and drought. Rainfall raised the soil water content, decreasing the effects of daughter cladodes on net CO2 uptake by mother cladodes. CONCLUSIONS: Daughter cladodes significantly hasten the effects of drought on mother cladodes by competition for the water supply and thus decrease daily carbon gain by mother cladodes, mainly by inhibiting phase IV of CAM. (+info)Volatile organic compounds as signals in a plant-herbivore system: electrophysiological responses in olfactory sensilla of the moth Cactoblastis cactorum. (6/37)
The morphological sensillum types on the antennae of male and female Cactoblastis cactorum were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Electrophysiological recordings were performed for the first time on single olfactory sensilla of C. cactorum. The male sensilla trichodea house a receptor cell responding to the putative pheromone component (9Z,12E)-tetradecadienyl acetate. The sensilla trichodea of the females were much shorter than those of the males and contained specialized receptor cells responding to certain terpenoids, the most frequent being the nerolidol-sensitive cell. The sensilla auricillica and sensilla basiconica of both sexes contained cells responding less specifically to terpenoid compounds as well as to green leaf volatiles. Cells of the sensilla coeloconica responded to aliphatic aldehydes and acids. Eight volatile organic compounds emitted by Opuntia stricta, a host plant of C. cactorum, were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, beta-caryophyllene being the major compound. Five compounds identified by gas chromatography in the headspace of O. stricta elicited responses in olfactory receptor cells of C. cactorum, nonanal being the most active compound and therefore a candidate attractant of C. cactorum. (+info)Hypotensive activity, toxicology and histopathology of opuntioside-I and methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii. (7/37)
Methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii cladodes and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside-I showed potent hypotensive activity in normotensive rats. Both the extract and opuntioside-I showed comparable effect of 44-54% fall in Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) at the dose of 10 mg/kg. No mortality was observed in rats even at the doses of 1000 mg/kg/d and 900 mg/kg/d per oral of extract and opuntioside-I respectively. However, histopathology revealed adverse effects of high doses on liver and spleen of the experimental animals. (+info)Morphological and secretory characterization of extrafloral nectaries in plants of coastal Veracruz, Mexico. (8/37)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Morphological descriptions of the extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) of certain plant species are common in the literature, but they rarely relate morphology with histology, gland distribution and secretory attributes. In this study a morphological/secretory characterization of EFNs occurring on several plant species in a tropical coastal community is made and the implications of gland attributes discussed from a functional perspective. METHODS: The morphology and nectar secretion of the EFNs of 20 plant species are characterized through scanning electron microscopy, histochemical detection of reducing sugars (Fehling's reagent) and nectar volume/concentration estimates. KEY RESULTS: Sixty-five per cent of plant species in coastal communities had EFNs on vegetative structures and 35 % of species had glands on reproductive and vegetative organs. The Fabaceae is the plant family with the most species with EFNs and most diversity of gland morphologies. Four types of vascularized nectaries and four of glandular trichomes are described; sugar-secreting trichomes are characterized using Fehling's technique, and the first descriptions of unicellular and peltate trichomes functioning as EFNs are provided. Glands of ten plant species and six genera are described for the first time. Four plant species possess more than one morphological type of EFN. Eleven species have EFNs in more than one location or organ. More complex glands secrete more nectar, but are functionally homologous to the aggregations of numerous secretory trichomes on specific and valuable plant organs. CONCLUSION: Important diversity of EFN morphology was foundin the coastal plant community studied. Both vascularized and non-vascularized EFNs are observed in plants and, for the latter, previously non-existent morpho-secretory characterizations are provided with a methodological approach to study them. It is recommended that studies relating EFN attributes (i.e. morphology, distribution) with their differential visitation by insects (i.e. ants) and the cost of maintenance to the plants are carried out to understand the evolution of these glands. (+info)"Opuntia" is a botanical term and does not have a medical definition per se. However, it is a genus of cacti commonly known as prickly pear or paddle cactus. Some species of Opuntia are used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, such as treating wounds, skin conditions, and digestive issues. The fruit and pads of some Opuntia species are also consumed as food.
In a medical context, an individual may have an allergic reaction or other adverse effects after coming into contact with or consuming Opuntia, but this would not be described as a "medical definition" of the term.
Betacyanins are a type of pigment that are responsible for the red-violet to blue-violet colors in plants. They belong to a class of compounds called betalains, which also include betaxanthins. Betacyanins are water-soluble and contain nitrogen, and they are synthesized from tyrosine. They have antioxidant properties and are found in the order Caryophyllales, which includes plants such as beets, chard, and amaranth. Betacyanins are often used as natural food colorings due to their vibrant colors.
"Pistacia" is a botanical term, not a medical one. It refers to a genus of plants in the Anacardiaceae family, which includes several species of trees and shrubs. The most well-known species is probably Pistacia vera, which produces the seeds known as pistachios.
While "Pistacia" itself is not a medical term, some of its species do have medicinal uses. For example, the resin from Pistacia lentiscus, also known as mastic, has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is generally limited, and more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Cactaceae is the scientific name for the family of plants that includes cacti. Cacti are a type of succulent plant that are adapted to arid environments, with features such as thick stems and the ability to store water. They are native to the Americas, ranging from Canada to Argentina, with the greatest diversity found in Mexico. Many cacti have spines or are covered in glochids, small hair-like structures that can be very sharp and barbed. Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and some species produce flowers and fruit. Some common examples of cacti include the saguaro, prickly pear, and santa rita.
'Clusia' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Clusiaceae, also known as Guttiferae. These plants are native to the Americas, and they include trees, shrubs, and vines. Some species of Clusia are grown for ornamental purposes due to their attractive flowers and glossy leaves. However, some species can be invasive in certain areas and cause problems for local ecosystems.
It's worth noting that 'Clusia' is not a medical term, so it doesn't have a specific medical definition. If you have any questions about a particular plant or its medicinal properties, I would recommend consulting with a healthcare provider or a botanical expert.
Opuntia
Opuntia aurantiaca
Micrarionta opuntia
Opuntia erinacea
Opuntia austrina
Opuntia setispina
Opuntia quitensis
Opuntia invicta
Opuntia tomentosa
Opuntia cochenillifera
Opuntia lagunae
Opuntia rastrera
Opuntia fuliginosa
Halimeda opuntia
Opuntia hitchcockii
Opuntia anacantha
Opuntia chlorotica
Opuntia gosseliniana
Opuntia Formation
Opuntia mackensenii
Opuntia sulphurea
Opuntia humifusa
Opuntia hyptiacantha
Opuntia rzedowskii
Opuntia chaffeyi
Opuntia zacuapanensis
Opuntia fragilis
Opuntia auberi
Opuntia littoralis
Opuntia stricta
Opuntia - Wikipedia
Opuntia polyacantha var. hystricina
CASA OPUNTIA GALAPAGOS - Updated 2023 (San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador)
Opuntia treleasei, Bakersfield Cactus
Opuntia Seed Germination | UBC Botanical Garden Forums
Opuntia phaeacantha, Tulip Prickly Pear
Catenella opuntia (Goodenough & Woodward) Greville :: AlgaeBase
Opuntia tomentosa Calflora
Opuntia ficus-indica
Opuntia triacantha in Flora of North America @ efloras.org
Opuntia robusta; Nopal Tapón
Fleurs de Opuntia (Domaine du Rayol - mai 2003)
Baby Rita Prickly Pear, Opuntia x basilaris 'Baby Rita', Monrovia Plant
Teddy-Bear cholla cactus, Opuntia bigelovii, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) - Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
SEINet Portal Network Taxonomy Explorer: Opuntia chlorotica
Opuntia Phaeacantha Seeds (Tulip Prickly Pear Seeds)
Opuntia robusta - Architectural Plants
North and South: Morphological Variability in the Endangered Opuntia cespitosa in Canada and Variation with Environmental...
Opuntia - the only native New England cactus - The Rose Kennedy Greenway
Fruit of the Opuntia Trivet - Celebration of Fine Art
Opuntia Cactus, Arizona, United States | Free Photo - rawpixel
Opuntia subarmata - Rare Plant Research
Opuntia polyacantha 'Peach' - Cactus Jungle
Opuntia chlorotica or Pancake prickly pear | Care and Growing
Opuntia santa-rita Tubac™ (Santa Rita Prickly Pear)
Exotic Opuntia paketlərdə, 25 ədəd - dadlı qara çay - Greenfield
Comparative analysis of the in vitro fermentation of wasted cladodes (Opuntia spp.), lucerne and oat hays
Opuntia sp. 'Golden Spine' | plant lust
Cactus7
- Opuntia, commonly called the prickly pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae, many known for their flavorful fruit and showy flowers. (wikipedia.org)
- Opuntia cespitosa (until recent taxonomic splitting, identified as O. humifusa ) is an endangered cactus in Canada, is found in only two populations nationwide after some local extirpations. (bioone.org)
- Opuntia humifusa, or Eastern Prickly Pear is our only native cactus. (rosekennedygreenway.org)
- Wasted cladodes from the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus spp. (scielo.org.za)
- The commercialized cultivation of cactus pear (Opuntia spp. (scielo.org.za)
- Land Iguana & Giant Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia echios) on South Plaza Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, South America. (stevebloom.com)
- Cactoblastis cactorum is an important biological control agent of weedy prickly pear cactus ( Opuntia spp. (confex.com)
Cactaceae1
- The genus Opuntia , family Cactaceae , includes about 300 species of cacti native to Mexico, the USA, and Central and South America. (consultaplantas.com)
Polyacantha3
- Opuntia arenaria, synonym of Opuntia polyacantha var. (wikipedia.org)
- Opuntia polyacantha var. (berkeley.edu)
- Opuntia polyacantha Haw. (berkeley.edu)
Basilaris3
- Opuntia aurea E.M.Baxter - hexaploid (2n=66) Opuntia aureispina (S.Brack & K.D.Heil) Pinkava & B.D.Parfitt Opuntia austrina Small Opuntia azurea Rose Opuntia basilaris Engelm. (wikipedia.org)
- Syn: Opuntia basilaris var. (laspilitas.com)
- Taxonomically, this is a naturally occurring variant of Opuntia basilaris. (naramatacactus.com)
Prickly6
- Opuntia abjecta Small ex Britton & Rose Opuntia aciculata Griffiths - Chenille prickly pear, old man's whiskers, cowboy's red whiskers Opuntia × aequatorialis Britton & Rose Opuntia × alta Griffiths Opuntia altomagdalenensis Xhonneux Opuntia amarilla Griffiths Opuntia ammophila, synonym of Opuntia austrina Opuntia anacantha, synonym of Opuntia elata var. (wikipedia.org)
- Opuntia phaeacantha, Mojave Prickly Pear grows in rocky areas of Creosote woodland and Pinyon Juniper washes. (laspilitas.com)
- Opuntia phaeacantha, commonly known as tulip prickly pear, desert prickly pear, brown-spined prickly pear, or Mojave prickly pear, is an evergreen perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). (rarexoticseeds.com)
- Grown for its intriguing color, Opuntia santa-rita Tubac™ (Santa Rita Prickly Pear) is an upright, shrubby succulent with large round fleshy pads. (gardenia.net)
- Not sure which Opuntia (Prickly Pear) to pick? (gardenia.net)
- The objective of this work was to carry out the chemical characterization of two varieties of prickly pear of Opuntia ficus-indica , one of yellow- orange coloration (Mandarina) and the other of purple coloration (Vigor), through measurements of chemical parameters and color in pulp, antioxidant activity , total phenolic compounds , and betalain content. (bvsalud.org)
Foliage of Opuntia2
- Foliage of Opuntia treleasei has color green-gray and is evergreen. (laspilitas.com)
- Foliage of Opuntia phaeacantha has color green-gray and is evergreen. (laspilitas.com)
Communities for Opuntia2
- Communities for Opuntia treleasei:Shadscale Scrub and Southern Oak Woodland. (laspilitas.com)
- Communities for Opuntia phaeacantha:Joshua Tree Woodland and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland. (laspilitas.com)
Species5
- failed verification] The most common culinary species is the Indian fig opuntia (O. ficus-indica). (wikipedia.org)
- Considerable variation of taxonomy occurs within Opuntia species, resulting in names being created for variants or subtypes within a species, and use of DNA sequencing to define and isolate various species. (wikipedia.org)
- Opuntia hybridizes readily between species. (wikipedia.org)
- Hi, Lots of Opuntia species are frost germinants. (ubcbotanicalgarden.org)
- The moth has been established along Florida's Atlantic Coast for over 12 years, has become widespread, and attacks all native/ornamental species of Opuntia . (confex.com)
Chlorotica1
- Opuntia chaffeyi Britton & Rose Opuntia × charlestonensis Clokey Opuntia chiangiana Scheinvar & Manzanero Opuntia chisosensis (M.S.Anthony) D.J.Ferguson Opuntia chlorotica Engelm. (wikipedia.org)
Engelmannii1
- diploid (2n=22) Opuntia bentonii, synonym of Opuntia stricta Opuntia bonplandii (Kunth) F.A.C.Weber Opuntia bravoana E.M.Baxter Opuntia caboensis F.Mercado & León de la Luz Opuntia cacanapa, synonym of Opuntia engelmannii var. (wikipedia.org)
Phaeacantha2
- Opuntia phaeacantha tolerates sand. (laspilitas.com)
- Flower of Opuntia phaeacantha has color yellow. (laspilitas.com)
Hystricina1
- Opuntia hystricina typically has spiny pads and yelow or pink flowers. (opuntias.eu)
Photographer's identification1
- The photographer's identification Opuntia ficus-indica has not been reviewed. (berkeley.edu)
Backeb3
- Opuntia neoargentina (Backeb. (plantillustrations.org)
- Opuntia rauhii (Backeb. (llifle.com)
- Opuntia tephrocactoides (Rauh & Backeb. (llifle.com)
Cespitosa1
- J.M.Bigelow Opuntia caracassana Salm-Dyck Opuntia × carstenii R.Puente & C.Hamann Opuntia cespitosa Raf. (wikipedia.org)
Ficus5
- Opuntia ficus-indica es. (kakteen-haage.de)
- Cited as Opuntia ficus-indica. (kew.org)
- figavaisė opuncija statusas T sritis vardynas apibrėžtis Kaktusinių šeimos daržovinis, dekoratyvinis, maistinis, pašarinis, vaisinis, vaistinis augalas (Opuntia ficus-indica), paplitęs Meksikoje ir Šiaurės Amerikoje. (en-academic.com)
- Chemical characterization of yellow-orange and purple varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits and thermal stability of their betalains. (bvsalud.org)
- Malfa GA, Di Giacomo C, Cardia L, Sorbara EE, Mannucci C, Calapai G. A standardized extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill and Olea europaea L. improves gastrointestinal discomfort: A double-blinded randomized-controlled study. (medlineplus.gov)
Auberi1
- diploid (2n=22) Opuntia articulata, synonym of Tephrocactus articulatus Opuntia atrispina Griffiths Opuntia auberi Pfeiff. (wikipedia.org)
Erinacea1
- Opuntia erinacea Engelm. (berkeley.edu)
Brasiliensis3
- A.Berger [ Opuntia brasiliensis (Willd. (plantillustrations.org)
- 719982 Opuntia brasiliensis (Willd. (plantillustrations.org)
- Opuntia brasiliensis (Willd. (plantillustrations.org)
Lindheimeri1
- Opuntia lindheimeri var. (espacepourlavie.ca)
Griffiths1
- elata Opuntia anahuacensis Griffiths Opuntia × andersonii H.M.Hern. (wikipedia.org)
Santa-rita1
- Opuntia santa-rita is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. (gardenia.net)
Cite2
- Cite this page: "Opuntia clavata" Text available under a CC-BY-SA Creative Commons Attribution License. (llifle.com)
- Cite this page: "Opuntia mortolensis" Text available under a CC-BY-SA Creative Commons Attribution License. (llifle.com)
Exposure1
- Chlorotic opuntia needs a full sun exposure and a dry climate. (consultaplantas.com)
Occurs1
- Opuntia triacantha occurs in the flora area only on Big Pine Key, Florida. (efloras.org)
Pads1
- Past work also suggests that Opuntia pads develop phototropically to maximize PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) receipt. (bioone.org)
Seeds2
- I know opuntia seeds are tough, but I thought I would have gotten a few sprouts by now. (ubcbotanicalgarden.org)
- Opuntia seeds may germinate after 2 weeks, but also after several months. (ubcbotanicalgarden.org)
Mill1
- diploid (2n=22) Opuntia clarkiorum Rebman Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill. (wikipedia.org)
Flower1
- Flower of Opuntia treleasei has color pink. (laspilitas.com)
Grow1
- Opuntias grow with water, right temperatures, right soil and sufficent attention. (opuntias.eu)