Mucilage removal from cactus cladodes (Opuntia humifusa Raf.) by enzymatic treatment to improve extraction efficiency and radical scavenging activity

The present study describes the use of polysaccharide degrading enzymes (Celluclast 1.5 L, Cytolase PCL5, Spezyme Prime, Econase CE, Optidex L-400, Pectinex 5XL, Rapidase TF, Ultraflo L, and Viscozyme L) to remove pectic mucilage from cactus cladodes to improve extraction and recovery of its components. The cactus cladode homogenate treated with a mixture of Rapidase and Viscozyme (1:3, v/v) showed the lowest viscosity and highest levels of total sugars and polyphenols. After enzymatic hydrolysis, quercitrin content decreased from 66.20 μg mL^-1 to 18.76 μg mL^-1 and quercetin and isorhamnetin contents increased from 23.24 to 23.18 μg mL^-1 to 45.44 and 244.23 μg mL^-1, respectively. The increases in isorhamnetin and quercetin aglycon content contributed to increase radical scavenging activity in the cactus hydrolysate after enzyme hydrolysis. The cactus hydrolysis was effective for reducing viscosity and increasing active components and radical scavenging activity. This standard process for removing mucilage from cactus should be available to extend cactus extract applications.