With the INCI name “Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract”, these cells allow fighting effectively against the signs of aging. They prevent the appearance of pigmentation spots and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. They are derived from an innovative biotechnological process, detailed in this article.
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How Are Nopal Cactus Stem Cells Obtained?
Summary
- Le nopal, un cactus mexicain légendaire
- The Nopal, a Legendary Mexican Cactus
- Nopal Cactus Stem Cells: What Are They? How Are They Obtained?
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Le nopal, un cactus mexicain légendaire.
Le nopal ou figuier de Barbarie appartient à la famille des cactus. Originaire du centre du Mexique, ce cactus au profil original marqué par son organisation en cladodes (ou raquettes) est apparu dans l’Ancien Monde au XVIème siècle et s’est particulièrement développé sur le pourtour méditerranéen. Aujourd'hui, le nopal est cultivé pour ses fruits comestibles aux multiples usages culinaires et médicinaux, découverts par les populations méso-américaines dès le XVIème siècle. On associe ainsi au nopal des vertus cicatrisantes et anti-oxydantes (en raison de la vitamine E qu'il contient). Il serait même un allié en cas de diabète car il aiderait à diminuer le glucose et les lipides dans le sang.
Remarque : Le figuier de Barbarie apparaît sur le drapeau mexicain depuis l'indépendance du pays.
The Nopal, a Legendary Mexican Cactus.
The nopal, prickly pear or Opuntia ficus-indica belongs to the cactus family. Native to central Mexico, this cactus marked by its platyclades appeared already in the Old World in the sixteenth century. Today, Opuntia ficus-indica is cultivated particularly on the Mediterranean rim for its edible fruits with multiple culinary and medicinal uses, discovered by the Mesoamerican populations long ago. Healing and antioxidant virtues (because of the vitamin E which it contains) are associated with the nopal. It is even said to be an ally in case of diabetes because it would help to decrease the glucose and the lipids in blood.
By the way: The prickly pear has appeared on the Mexican flag since the country's independence.
Nopal Cactus Stem Cells: What Are They? How Are They Obtained?
They are whole cells taken from a part of the plant. They are the result of a biotechnological process that follows several steps:
Selection of the plant and sampling: Removal of a piece of the plant (leaves);
In vitro culture of the sampled plant: Successive replications on a new nutritive medium made of water, minerals, sugar, and vitamins;
Elicitation: Stimulation by UV and visible light of the cell culture to produce metabolites (active molecules);
Rinsing: Removal of all traces of the nutritive medium;
Cell filtration;
Sonication of the cells and dispersion of the extract in sunflower oil.
This technique aims to reproduce and multiply cells from cell strains in a controlled environment. This process is not only beneficial for the ecosystem, but also preserves all the natural elements of the plant. Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the obtained stem cells of this cactus thus have a great molecular richness which offers them a complementarity of action compared to other vegetable extracts (vegetable oils and essential oils).
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