Did you know that the flat stems of the TINTO FIG® (the pads or cladodes) contain soluble polysaccharides with enormous functional value? A recent study details their properties and potential applications.
This work focused on extracting, purifying, and analyzing the water-soluble polysaccharides present in the cladodes of Opuntia dillenii . These compounds demonstrated rheological, hydrating, and bioactive properties that make them ideal ingredients for supplements, cosmetics, and healthy foods.
What was investigated?
-
Soluble polysaccharides were extracted from HIGO TINTO® cladodes using controlled temperature and pH processes.
-
The following were evaluated:
-
Solubility, viscosity, water retention
-
Molecular weight and structure
-
Thermal stability
-
Composition in sugars and glycosidic bonds
-
Key results
-
High water retention capacity and viscosity → ideal for capsules, beverages and moisturizing cosmetics
-
Composition rich in arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid
-
Good stability under acidic and thermal conditions
-
Formation of homogeneous solutions with texturizing and emulsifying power
Functional application
-
In natural supplements such as prebiotic fiber or plant texturizer
-
In creams, gels or serums with a moisturizing and film-forming effect
-
In functional food products such as gels, beverages or natural thickeners
Related products from Tuno Canarias
-
Dried TINTO FIG® powder : preserves the polysaccharides of the cactus pads in their functional form
-
Digestive Creamer : a daily supplement with fiber, probiotics and bioactive components
-
HIGO TINTO® BOOST : an energizing blend with functional and rheological value
-
HIGO TINTO® Family Max : ideal for the whole family, with a smooth texture and antioxidant power
Conclusion
The soluble polysaccharides in FIGO RED® are not only functional fibers: they are structured compounds with rheological, stabilizing, and bioactive properties. Their natural origin and multifunctionality make them ideal for formulas ranging from digestive aids to cosmetics.
They hydrate, stabilize, and protect. That's how the polysaccharides in FIGO® work.
Reference
Ali, M., et al. (2024)
Extraction and physicochemical characterization of water-soluble polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii cladodes
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Vol. 248, 125312.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.125312
