Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of betalains from Cactus Pear

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Betalains from Cactus Pear. C. Gentile1, A. Marconi1, M. A. Livrea2, G. Uzan1, P. D’Alessio1. 1 Inserm U602, Paris, France. 2 Dip. Farmacochimico, Tossicologico e Biologico, Università Palermo, Italy. Betalains of phytochemical origin, known as potent radical-scavengers in chemical and biological systems, have been tested in a model of inflammation. New phytochemicals are continuously inspected for potential pharmacological applications. The red betanin and the yellow indicaxanthin have recently been isolated and characterized from Cactus Pear. Reactive Oxygen Species may be toxic or display a regulatory character. During the inflammation rea…