Inhibitory Effects of Opuntia ficus-indica Derived Isorhamnetin on ⍺-glucosidase Activity

Students: Candace Simmons, Lucas Wilson

Faculty Mentor: Monica Lares

Chemistry

College of Science, Technology, and Business

Opuntia ficus-indica, called Nopales, is a cactus found in North America that is eaten in traditional cuisine by Indigenous and Latin cultures. This cactus produces prickly pear. Consuming Nopales has been studied for effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and Type II Diabetes Mellitus symptoms. Polyphenolic compounds can inhibit carbohydrate metabolism. Nopales cactus contains polyphenols that could be responsible for the metabolic benefits that Nopales provides. Our work studies the activity of α-glucosidase in the presence of isolated polyphenolic compounds, measured by a spectrophotometric assay.