Anti-steatotic effect of Opuntia ficus-indica extracts rich in betalains and phenolics from fruit peel and pulp of different varieties in in vitro models

Opuntia ficus-indica exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic properties, making it a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. However, its effects on triglyceride accumulation remain largely unexplored. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anti-steatotic effect of peel and pulp extracts from different varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits (Pelota, Colorada and Sanguinos) in hepatic murine in vitro models, using both AML12 hepatocytes and hepatic organoids. The pulp extracts of Pelota and Colorada varieties, as well as both peel and pulp extracts of Sanguinos, were effective in reducing palmitic acid-induced triglyceride accumulation in AML12 hepatocytes. The doses that caused the greatest triglyceride reduction were 50 µg/mL of the pulp of Pelota and 100 µg/mL for the other extracts. The potential mechanisms underlying these effects seem to be associated, at least in part, with the inhibition of fatty acid uptake and triglyceride assembly. The pulp extract of the Colorada variety was able to prevent triglyceride accumulation also in hepatic organoids, likely due to downregulation of fatty acid transporters. These findings underscore the value of employing diverse in vitro models (e.g., 2D, 3D) to investigate the potential effects of these extracts, and suggest that the pulp extract of the Colorada variety may be effective in preventing steatosis.