Hepatoprotective Properties of Opuntia ficus indica Cladodes Against NiSO4-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage

Abstract

The Opuntia genus exhibits several mechanisms that support liver function. Due to its richness in phenolic compounds, our study highlights the hepatoprotective potential of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode juice in mitigating nickel-induced liver injury. The polyphenol content was determined using spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC-MS. Experimental hepatotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of NiSO₄. To assess the hepatoprotective effects of cladode juice, various analyses were performed to evaluate its impact on enzymatic activity, serum biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, and liver tissue structure. Quantification of phenolic compounds confirmed the presence of total polyphenols and flavonoids. Chromatographic analysis identified p-coumaric acid, piscidic acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperoside, and ellagic acid as the major phenolic constituents. Cladode juice exhibited a hepatoprotective effect in rats intoxicated with nickel sulfate (NiSO₄), as evidenced by the modulation of plasma hepatic biomarkers, restoration of oxidative stress marker levels, and a marked reduction in hepatic lesions observed through histological analysis. Molecular docking studies of the four identified polyphenolic compounds with alanine transaminase revealed a higher binding affinity for ellagic acid, followed by p-coumaric acid. These beneficial effects are attributed to the plant's diverse bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential to mitigate oxidative damage and support liver function.