Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica red fruit (OFI-RF) is a member of the Cactaceae family and native to South America. Phytochemical evaluation of the plant has revealed variable bioactive components; therefore, this study explored the medicinal value of butanol (BE) and ethylacetate extracts (EE) by evaluating their antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihypercholesterolemic properties. Selected solvents were used for phytochemical extraction according to established protocols, and then pharmacological effects of phenolic and betanin-rich extracts were evaluated. Results indicated that butanol was the most effective solvent for extracting polyphenolics followed by ethyl acetate, yielding: 148.91 ± 0.95 and 110.96 ± 0.61 μg/g, respectively. Identification analysis of OFI-RF using UPLC/HESI-MS/MS revealed a diverse range of 101 metabolites, including polyphenolics (phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, flavanols, flavanonols, flavonoids and biflavonoids), alkaloids, pyridine, betalains, coumarins, vitamins, fatty acids and other therapeutic compounds. Biological studies (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrated that both EE and BE exhibited significant antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihypercholestremic activities. These findings were further supported via histopathological examination.