**2.10. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy**

The GC-MS method separates different chemical compound and correct identifies the component of chemical constitute. It is one of the most accurate tools for analyzing environmental samples. The GC works on the principle that a mixture will separate in to individual substances when heated. Mass spectroscopy identifies the compound by the mass of the analyte compounds is stored on a computer. A 1 ml of test sample of methanolic extract of *Opuntia elatior* fruit was analyzed by GC-MS. Concentration of the test sample was 10 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis was done by electron impact ionization (EI) method on Auto system XL gas chromatography, coupled to a Turbo Mass Spectrophotometer at, Sophisticated and Instrumentation Centre for Applied Research and Training (SICART), Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat. The column was a fused silica capillary column.

**3.2. Nutritive value of** *Opuntia elatior* **fruit extract**

content and very low carbohydrate content.

seen that *Opuntia elatior* is a good source of nutrients.

*3.3.1. DPPH Method (1, 1diphenyl 2, picryl hydrazyl)*

**3.3. Antioxidant activity of different extracts of** *Opuntia elatior* **fruit**

samples were free radical scavengers the DPPH test positive.

May and June.

Appropriate knowledge about the nutritive value of fruit may enhance utility of the fruit. With the aim of increasing the utility, we have selected this fruit based on the ethno-botanical information and medicinal properties. For determination of nutritive value, various parameters were studied using fruit extract. *Opuntia elatior* fruit contained 84% moisture, as compared to *Opuntia ficus-indica* which had 87.07% moisture [18]. This shows that both the fruits have close moisture content and therefore are both great sources for reducing dehydration. This plant an indication of the stems adapted the storing water nature of the fruit pericarp. The small variation may result from difference in season whether wet or dry. Sample was collected during the driest month of the region when temperatures were over 35°C during

Evaluation of Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of *Opuntia elatior* Mill

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The percentage of various nutritional parameters that are analyzed in methanolic extract, distilled water extract and hexanoic extract of fruit are summarized in **Table 1**. Nutritive value of methanolic extract is higher than distilled water and hexanoic extract. As compared to Feugang *et al*. report *Opuntia spp.* contained 0.21–1.6% of protein, 0.09–0.7% of fat and 12–17% of carbohydrates whereas *Opuntia elatior* has 0.60%, 0.11% and 1.02% of protein, fat and carbohydrates respectively [19]. This shows that *Opuntia elatior* has an average protein and fat

*Opuntia elatior* fruit extract showed highest presence of vitamin C in distilled water extract that is 63.29 mg/ml. Hydrophilic extract of purple cactus pear fruit contains 36.6 mg/100 g of vitamin C [20]. From this we can say that *Opuntia elatior* is a rich source of vitamin C; this can help to reduce the oxidative stress in the human body. From the abovementioned, it can be

In a living organism, free radicals are constantly generated; few amongst those remain as the unregulated radicals, which can cause extensive damage to tissue and biomolecules leading to various disease conditions, especially degenerative diseases and extensive lysis. This is the most widely reported method for screening of antioxidant activity. The lipophilic radical uses the model of DPPH radical. The lipid autoxidation was initiated by chain of lipophilic radicals. The stable free radical of DPPH at room temperature and stable diamagnetic molecule accepts an electron or hydrogen radical. The DPPH reducing capacity was observed by the decrease in its absorbance at 516 nm, which is induced by antioxidants. The suggested that the

The best antioxidant activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract compared to hexanoic and distilled water extract. Methanolic extract exhibit the highest antioxidant activity that is 54.10% and the lowest antioxidant activity was exhibit by the hexanoic extract at 45.66% and the distilled water at 50.40% of antioxidant activity. The data obtained for different solvent
