Chemical Composition and Nutritional Analysis of Seeds Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica.L)

Background: The Prickly pear "Opuntia ficus-indica" is a xerophytic plant of the Cactaceae family, which represents a gold mine, can be exploited in several sectors. Objective: The present study describes and provides basic information on the physico-chemical properties, mineral and lipid compositions of the cactus seeds from Algeria (Relizane), in order to evaluate the nutritional value of the Opuntia extracts. Methods: The seed oil was extracted by soxhlet, and analyzed by GC-MS the physical properties were determined using standard methods of Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC). Results: The cactus powder and its seeds showed a content of 6.42% in lipids and 91.24% in ashes. Freshly extracted oil showed acid and peroxide values respectively 2.66 mg (KOH)g and 1.5Meq (O2)/Kg. Iodine and saponification values were 199.5 g (I2)/100 g and 181.44 mg (KOH)/g respectively. Main fatty acids identified by GC-MS were linoleic (C18:2), oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0), palmitoleic (C16:1) and stearic (C18:0) acids with respective contents 60.23%, 13.35%, 14.20%, 1.05 and 3.12%. Mineral analysis revealed significant levels of calcium and potassium namely 72 and 3.50mg/100g respectively, and they contain no trace of the toxic compounds (lead and cadmium). Conclusion: The nopal fruit represents a very important nutritional value. This plant is far from being a simple cactus, it is a source of immense wealth.