GC-MS Profiling, Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Activity of Prickly Pear (Opuntiaficus-indica) Pulp Extract

The objective of this study was to evaluate phytochemical screening, antioxidants and antimicrobial activity of prickly pear pulp extract. Phytochemical screening was performed on the methanolic extract of the sample followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antibacterial activity was determined using paper disc method against two bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Total of 36 compounds belonging to phenolics, anhydrides, aldehydes, fatty acids and hydrocarbons were identified in the extracts. The highest content of total phenol and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) were found in methanol extract228.50 ± 3.67. mg GAE/100g DW, 118.63 ±3.86 mg TE/100g DW and 92.81% respectively. The maximum zone of inhibition observed was 14.45 ± 0.67 mm against Staphylococcus aureus at methanol extract. It was concluded that fractions solvent plays important roles on the bioactive compound of prickly pear pulp extract and it can be used to control infectious diseases and prevent oxidative damage.