Opuntia ficus indica (Prickly pear): extraction and characterization of products with anti-age and antioxidant activity

The use and application of natural products in Food and Pharmaceutical industry is of great interest, since the beginning of human history and are the basis of modern medicine. In the present study the ethanolic extraction of Opuntia ficus indica is investigated. This plant has been used in traditional medicine because of its role in treating a number of diseases and conditions, including anti-inflammatory effects [1]. Specifically, in this study, the plants were collected and split in two parts. One was consisted of the seeds and the other of the leaves and fruits. Subsequently, was held dry of the different parts of the plant. The method of the extraction process involved maceration followed by percolation and in the end of the process a strict protocol of quality control was applied as also an HPLC analysis. The extracts obtained via the specific extraction can be used either as individual medicinal formulations or in combination with other natural extracts to reestablish the healthy natural functions of the body. The current study, aims to production of pharmaceutical products such as capsules, tablets, drops, powder and elixirs from Opuntia ficus indica. The most important feature of these productions that all materials and products are non-toxic, natural and friendly to the environment.