Pharmaco-Analytical Study and Phytochemical Profile of Hydroethanolic Extract of Algerian Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica.L).

"Opuntia ficus-indica" prickly pear is the cactus member of the Cactaceae family as an important nutrient and food source.The purpose of this study was to characterize the phytochemical composition of hydroalcoholic extract of prickly pear seeds that are causing therapeutic effects.Phytochemical screening based on simple tests and determination of secondary metabolites was performed by HPLC-DAD analysis. For the pharmacological studies, the anti-inflammatory activity in rats was evaluated by carrageenan-induced inflammation, the description of the sedative activity was carried to the following behavioural tests, and the analgesic effect of extract by the resistance tests induced by acetic acid, tail immersion in mice.The test drug at 500 mg/kg dose showed a significant increase in mean latency in the TAIL FLICK test, and a decrease in the average number of twisting movements in the KOSTER test. Thus, significant Anti-inflammatory activity in pattern of paw edema induced by carrageenan, and an important sedative effect on the central nervous system.These data suggest that the seeds of the cactus "Opuntia ficus-indica" could be a potential source of natural compound and reveal that the hydro-ethanolic extract of this species are promising sources, as well as therapeutic agents for the research of new natural active ingredients.