Indicaxanthin, a multi-target natural compound from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit: From its poly-pharmacological effects to biochemical mechanisms and molecular modelling studies

Abstract

Over the latest years phytochemical consumption has been associated to a decreased risk of both theonset and the development of a number of pathological conditions. In this context indicaxanthin, abetalain pigment fromOpuntiaficus-indicafruit, has been the object of sound research. Explored, atfirst,for its mere antioxidant potential, Indicaxanthin is now regarded as a redox-active compound able toexert significant poly-pharmacological effects against several targets in a number of experimental con-ditions bothin vivoandin vitro. This paper aims to provide an overview on the therapeutical effects ofindicaxanthin, ranging from the anti-inflammatory to the neuro-modulatory and anti-tumoral ones andfavored by its high bioavailability. Moreover, biochemical and molecular modelling investigations areaimed to identify the pharmacological targets the compound is able to interact with and to address thechallenging development in the future research