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Prickly pear cladode powder from Sicily standardized in polysaccharides and piscidic acid
OPUNACTIV™ is a powder obtained from 100% prickly pear cladodes (pads), cultivated exclusively in Sicily and processed through a gentle drying and micronization process that preserves the plant’s natural heritage of fibers, mucilages and bioactive compounds.
From an environmental standpoint, the use of cladodes represents a concrete example of valorization of a part of the plant that is often underused, contributing to a more sustainable production model oriented towards the reduction of waste along the supply chain.
Download Brochure| Composition | % |
|---|---|
| Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. | 100 |
Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.)
The prickly pear is one of the most representative species of the Sicilian landscape. An extraordinarily resilient plant, it grows even in arid and poor soils, requiring very little water and contributing to soil conservation and biodiversity. For these reasons it is today considered one of the symbolic crops of sustainable agriculture and of adaptation to climate change.
The cladodes, commonly known as pads, are a valuable source of nutrients and functional compounds. They are rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, which contribute to the regulation of intestinal transit, to blood sugar control and to the reduction of cholesterol absorption.
Furthermore, they are a good source of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron, as well as vitamins, in particular vitamin C and carotenoids. From a phytochemical standpoint, cladodes contain numerous bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and derivatives of quercetin and isorhamnetin), flavonoids, phenolic acids and antioxidant pigments. Phytosterols, bioactive polysaccharides and compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity are also present, capable of counteracting oxidative stress and modulating various metabolic processes.
From the Pad to the Powder
To obtain OPUNACTIV™, the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica cultivated exclusively in Sicily are harvested, carefully selected, cut, subjected to a gentle drying process and subsequently micronized until a fine, homogeneous and easily dispersible powder is obtained. The process is designed to preserve the complexity of the original plant matrix, maintaining the main components naturally present in the cladode and without resorting to chemical solvents. Standardization in polysaccharides is the distinctive element of OPUNACTIV™ and characterizes its functional profile: mucilages, pectins and other polysaccharide structures show a marked ability to interact with water, absorb it and retain it, contributing to the formation of a hydrated and viscous matrix.
Alongside this fraction is the fibrous component, which contributes to the physical and functional characteristics of the ingredient and makes OPUNACTIV™ particularly interesting for formulations aimed at gastrointestinal well-being and the physiological regularity of intestinal transit. The matrix also retains a natural heritage of minerals and phenolic compounds, including piscidic acid, which help define its characteristic phytochemical profile. The simultaneous presence of polysaccharides, fibers, mucilages, minerals and phenolic compounds therefore distinguishes OPUNACTIV™ from an isolated fiber, making it a whole and multifunctional plant matrix, particularly interesting for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical formulations dedicated to gastrointestinal well-being and to the control of nutritional intake.
Main Features
- No adulterants
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- No added sugars
- No additives
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Raw Vegan
Areas of Use
OPUNACTIV™ powder can be used in a wide range of food products, functional beverages, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
Suggested Applications
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