Phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of extracts of Opuntia Ficus-Indica cladodes from the Oriental of Morocco and the effect of microwave activation on the drying time of the plant

In the present work, the phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of various solvents with increasing polarity (ethanol> acetone> dichloromethane > ethyl acetate > hexane) on fine dried cladode powder was studied. Each microwave oven power (500, 350, 160 and 90 W), of an Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) medicinal species of the Cactaceae family collected in the rural commune of Bni Rais in Taourirt province of Oriental of Morroco. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of the studied chemical compounds (Flavonoids, Tannins, Quinones and Steroids) rich in powers of 500W and 350 W, especially in extracts with ethanol and acetone. The antioxidant activity of OFI cladodes extracts was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. The results obtained show that the acetone extracts have a very important activity, especially at the power of 500 W, IC50 = 0.29 mg/ml is found followed by the ethanol extract with a value of IC50 equal to 0.34 mg/ml. After the results we realize that the power 500 W showing antioxidant activity of each solvent extract (Et, Ac, Dc, AE and Hx) greater than that of the power 350, 160 and 90 W respectively (IC50: 500 W <350W <160 W <90 W). Also, the effect of microwaves on the duration of drying of the plant was assessed (40 min under microwave activation compared to 17.5h of conventional heating). The cleaning activities of all extracts, however, were significantly low compared to the reference standard of ascorbic acid with a sequence IC50 = 0.114 mg/ml, used at the same dose.