Extraction and Identification of Cactus Opuntia dillenii Seed Oil and its added Value for Human Health Benefits

Cactus Opuntia dillenii presents multiple health benefits. The current study aims to investigate the seed composition and content of prickly pear fruits from Iraq. Results obtained showed that Opuntia dillenii contained 9.5% of seeds of the entire fruit while extracted oil presented 6.5% of total seed composition. Fatty acid analysis revealed that the polyunsaturated linoleic acid (72.9%), the saturated palmitic acid (15.12%) and stearic acid (7.51%) presented the main seed fatty acids of Opuntia dilleniid. Other essential oils were detected but at low percentage. Interestingly, stearic acid content in Cactus oil presented 7.51%, which is much higher than soybeans (~3%) that are considered as the largest source of animal protein feed and the second largest source of vegetable oil worldwide. Stearic acid presents neutral effects on the concentration of blood serum LDL cholesterol and does not exhibit cholesterolemic effects on human health. The analysis of cactus seed oil demonstrated a strong antioxidant ability estimated by their capability to reduce oxidation. Treated cake with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) at concentration of 0.02 mg/100g of butter from cactus seed-oil exhibited lower peroxide values ranging from 0.67 to 1.5 milli-equivalents (meq) peroxide per 1 kg of oil throughout 15 days of storage time at 4 °C. In contrast, treated cake with 0.11 mg/100g of butter from cactus seed-oil presented lower peroxide values ranged from 0.69 to 2.5 meq peroxide per 1 kg of oil among all treatments. Because of its high-saturated fatty acid composition (>22%) and rich linoleic acid (72.9%) composition, Opuntia dillenii present an alternative source with several health benefits by lowering cholesterol risks and for biodiesel production.