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Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil: Biorefinery and bioeconomy aspects
Author(s) -
Ciriminna Rosaria,
Delisi Riccardo,
Albanese Lorenzo,
Meneguzzo Francesco,
Pagliaro Mario
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of lipid science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1438-9312
pISSN - 1438-7697
DOI - 10.1002/ejlt.201700013
Subject(s) - ingredient , biorefinery , nutraceutical , cactus , functional food , traditional medicine , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , biology , biofuel , medicine
In this study, we offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the cactus peer seed oil market and utilizations. Besides antioxidant and skin and hair hydrating action which make it suitable as a valued cosmetic ingredient, the oil contained in the seeds of Opuntia ficus‐indica and Opuntia dillenii , rich in unsaturated fatty acids, also shows anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products. Practical applications: The outcomes of the study will be useful in progressing the expansion of the emerging bioeconomy, especially in Opuntia producing countries. The oil contained in the seeds of prickly pear cactus is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and shows significant anti‐inflammatory properties which offer significant potential as functional ingredient of nutraceutical and food supplement products. We offer a perspective written from a biorefinery viewpoint aimed at expanding the utilization of this valued bio‐derived oil.