**Author details**

trace in **Figure 7**. Compounds are not separated properly because of its higher background value. Because of higher background peaks are not seen clearly. The peaks start forming at 70% and continued for minutes. The identifications of phytochemical compound were based on the peak area, retention time and molecular formula. The GC-MS data can be used to identify major bioactive, phytochemical constituent. The GC-MS analysis of the fruit sample revealed the presence of 19 compounds. Thus, the presence of unidentified compound initiated further investigation on the fruits of *Opuntia elatior*. Further analysis of the fruit extract is being done for the NMR studies for structural analysis of the compound. Thus, the presence of alkaloids and phytosterols present in the methanolic fruit extract of *Opuntia elatior* open ample scope for further investigations. Thus, chemical present of alkaloids and phytosterols present give activity of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The different author reported the ethanolic extracts present the 14 compounds compared to the methanolic extracts 19 chemical compound presents. This indication more support to the further analysis of the fruit extract is required for the NMR studies for structural analysis of the compound identification. It gives better idea of which chemical compound is responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

136 Phytochemicals - Source of Antioxidants and Role in Disease Prevention

This study shows the analysis of nutritional and medicinal properties of *Opuntia elatior* fruit. From the study, it is seen that the *Opuntia* fruit was rich in nutrients. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in the medical stream. The intake of proper nutrients helps increase your daily metabolism, improves the strength of your bones, increases blood flow to the brain and helps maintain a healthy life style. To date, around 25% of drugs that have alkaloid agent come from plant origin. Through the Qualitative phytochemical analysis of this fruit, alkaloids and phytosterols were found. TLC analysis of methanolic extract of *Opuntia elatior* exhibits the one band. The brownish color of band shows the presence of alkaloid. The alkaloid acts as a phytoprotective agent against invading microorganisms. These phytosterols play an important role in cell membrane function. This helps reduce blood cholesterol levels in the body. HPTLC analysis of methanolic extract showed the presence of three bands. From this result we can conclude that three different components are present in the *Opuntia elatior* fruit extract. By the analysis of GC-MS of *Opuntia*, fruit extract peaks were not shown clearly. It may be because of high background values that the peaks of

The authors are thankful to SICART (Sophisticated Instrument Centre for Applied Research and Testing), DST, India for GC-MS analyses. Charutar Vidya Mandal (CVM), Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India and Director of Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences (ARIBAS), New Vallabh Vidyanagar 388,121, Gujarat,

India, thankful for providing necessary support research and laboratory facility.

**4. Conclusion**

the compounds were not seen.

**Acknowledgements**

Krishna N. Patel and Kalpeshkumar B. Ishnava\*

\*Address all correspondence to: ishnavakb203@yahoo.com

Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, India
