Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract is a natural ingredient obtained by applying bespoke enzymatic treatment able to reduce the molecular dimension of the Indian fig polysaccharide to enhance the effectiveness of these macromolecules increasing the bioavailability.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica stem extract is produced using Indian fig cladodes. It was tested on keratinocyte cell lines in order to evaluate the capacity of the products to protect the skin.
Keratinocytes treated with Opuntia Ficus-Indica stem extract 1 % (w/w) showed a remarkable increase in the antioxidant capacity of the cell membrane around 180 % indicating that the product is able to increase the radical barriers of the cell. In the same in vitro model, it was able to suppress the production of interleukin 1-alpha reducing the pro-inflammatory responses of the cell acting therefore as a protectant and anti-inflammatory product.
An instrumental assessment of the effectiveness of Opuntia Ficus-Indica stem extract 3% (w/w) showed that the ingredient is able to increase skin moisturization by + 27 % and + 35 % after one or two weeks respectively. It was also able to reduce the redness insurgency after a mild irritation induced with SLS of – 37,5 % confirming the ability of the Indian fig phytocomplex to protect the skin.Related ingredients
