Opuntia ficus-indica polysaccharides protect against bile acid-induced esophageal cell irritation

A new treatment option containing mineral antacids in combination with a polysaccharide-enriched extract from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes has been recently developed for the treatment of heartburn. In vitro studies indicate the formation of viscous films of Opuntia mucilage polysaccharides and adhesion to the surface of gastrointestinal epithelial cells [1] [2]. This film formation is suggested to create a physically acting protective barrier to reflux of gastric content, but actual proof of protective activity has been missing. In the present study, we assessed the protective activity of an Opuntia ficus-indica cladode extract against bile acid-mediated esophageal cell irritation. Different concentrations of extract were added to esophageal epithelial cells (Colo 680N). Following a 30 min challenge with deoxycholic acid (DCA), cell irritation was assessed by measuring gene induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 (qPCR) after 4 h and viability (ATP) and IL-6 concentration in supernatant (Bioplex) at 24 h post wash-out, respectively. We observed that Opuntia extract addition at 0.1-3 mg/mL concentration-dependently reduced the DCA- mediated cytokine gene induction with maximal reductions of 63% and 70% for IL-6 and IL-8, respectively. At 24 h, extract addition was associated with attenuation of DCA-induced cytotoxicity and reduction of IL-6 production in supernatant.

In conclusion, addition of an Opuntia ficus-indica polysaccharide-enriched extract to esophageal cells confers protection against bile acid-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in vitro, compatible with the concept of formation of a physically acting barrier.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023

• References

• 1 Cardenas A. J Prof Assoc Cactus Dev 1998; 2: 152-9
• 2 Rizza L. Int J Pharm 2012; 422 1/2: 318-22