Multifunctional Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Leaf Extract Cream: A Natural Remedy for Burns, Anti-Inflammatory Action, and UV Protection.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) leaf extract in accelerating burn wound healing, with a focus on its biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, Photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves were collected from northern and eastern regions of Algeria, and active compounds were extracted using hot water extraction at 50°C for two hours, yielding 1.30 % of crude extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high content of total phenolic compounds (111.895 ± 1.39796 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoids (9.44 ± 1.02 mg quercetin equivalent/g). Chemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids, while terpenoids, tannins, anthocyanins, and steroids were absent. Regarding biological activities, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity (71.56 ± 3.46 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g), moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and anti-inflammatory properties with an IC50 of 629.71 ± 0.080 µg/mL in albumin denaturation inhibition, comparable to the standard drug aspirin (IC50 = 646.11 ± 0.1646 µg/mL). Hemolytic activity results showed that the extract was safe for topical application, with a maximum hemolysis rate of 8.11% at 175 µg/mL, compared to 44.33% for SDS. In vivo study, thirty rats were divided into six groups, receiving topical creams containing the extract at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20%. The 10% formulation achieved almost complete burns healing by day 21, significantly superior to the control groups. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation. These findings suggest that Opuntia ficus-indica leaf extract has promising therapeutic potential as a natural, safe, and effective alternative for burn wound treatment.