Metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a leading chronic liver disease linked to high-fat, high-calorie diets. A study in the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry found that extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), rich in betalains and phenolics, reduced triglyceride accumulation in mouse liver cell and organoid models without toxicity. The effects involved regulation of fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis, with Colorada pulp extract showing the most consistent activity. Although limited to in vitro data, these results support further research into prickly pear extracts for MAFLD prevention.
Study Overview
In today’s fast-paced modern life, high-fat and high-calorie dietary habits are becoming increasingly common. As a result, metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide. It is estimated that the global prevalence of MAFLD is as high as 33%. Its severity can progress from simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, posing a major challenge to public health.
Recently, a study published in J Physiol Biochem, titled “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,” has provided a new perspective for the prevention and management of MAFLD. Extracts from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit, rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, were shown to exhibit significant anti–lipid accumulation effects in liver cells.
DOI:10.1007/s13105-025-01097-4
Research Background and Objectives
A core feature of MAFLD is the excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, and effective interventions targeting this issue remain limited. Prickly pear fruit is a plant food rich in various bioactive compounds. Previous studies have suggested that it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. However, reports on its effects on hepatic triglyceride accumulation have been scarce.
Based on this gap, the research team aimed to investigate the anti-steatotic effects of peel and pulp extracts from different prickly pear varieties (Pelota, Colorada, and Sanguinos) in in vitro liver models, and to further explore their potential mechanisms of action.
Figure 1. Fruits of different Opuntia ficus-indica varieties: Colorada, Sanguinos, and Pelota
Key Research Findings
Extracts effectively reduced triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes
The researchers used two in vitro models: mouse AML12 hepatocytes and liver organoids. Results showed that pulp extracts from the Pelota and Colorada varieties, as well as both peel and pulp extracts from the Sanguinos variety, significantly reduced palmitate-induced triglyceride accumulation in AML12 hepatocytes.
Among them, Pelota pulp extract showed the best effect at a dose of 50 μg/mL, while extracts from the Colorada and Sanguinos varieties demonstrated the strongest anti-steatotic effects at 100 μg/mL. Importantly, while effectively lowering triglyceride levels, these extracts did not produce adverse effects on the cells, supporting their in vitro safety under the tested conditions.
Figure 2. Effects of prickly pear extracts on triglyceride accumulation in AML12 hepatocytes
Mechanisms related to regulation of fatty acid metabolism
Further mechanistic studies revealed that the anti-steatotic effects of these extracts were at least partly associated with the inhibition of fatty acid uptake and triglyceride assembly. In AML12 hepatocytes, the extracts downregulated the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36, thereby reducing the amount of fatty acids entering the cells.
Some extracts also decreased the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), an enzyme involved in triglyceride synthesis, thereby inhibiting triglyceride assembly. In addition, although the extracts did not significantly affect the expression of key fatty acid synthesis enzymes ACC and FAS under basal conditions, they were able to suppress the palmitate-induced increase in FAS expression. This suggests that they may exert effects partly by inhibiting de novo fatty acid synthesis under lipotoxic conditions.
Validation in liver organoid models and variety-specific differences
In the liver organoid model, which more closely resembles the in vivo physiological environment, the researchers found that only the pulp extract from the Colorada variety (100 μg/mL) significantly prevented palmitate-induced triglyceride accumulation.
Further gene expression analysis showed that this extract downregulated the expression of fatty acid transport protein FATP2 and intracellular fatty acid binding protein Fabp1 at the transcriptional level, thereby inhibiting fatty acid uptake. These findings not only confirmed the anti-steatotic effect of the extract but also revealed differences among prickly pear varieties, providing direction for further research and potential applications.
Figure 3. Effects of prickly pear extracts on triglyceride accumulation in mouse liver organoids
Implications and Future Perspectives
This study is the first to systematically investigate the anti–liver fat accumulation effects of extracts from different varieties and parts of prickly pear fruit, providing new natural product candidates for the prevention and management of MAFLD. Among them, the pulp extract of the Colorada variety showed favorable anti-steatotic effects in both in vitro models, especially in the more complex liver organoid model, suggesting that it may have relatively higher potential for in vivo applications.
From a practical perspective, large amounts of by-products such as peels are generated during prickly pear processing. This study confirmed that extracts from these by-products also possess anti-steatotic activity, providing a scientific basis for the valorization of prickly pear processing residues and aligning with the concept of a circular economy.
Although the current research is still limited to in vitro models, these findings undoubtedly lay an important foundation for the development of MAFLD prevention strategies based on prickly pear extracts.
As understanding of the role of natural products in health management continues to grow, plant resources like prickly pear, which have both nutritional and traditional medicinal value, may play an increasingly important role in the prevention and management of metabolic diseases. This study not only expands our knowledge of the biological activities of prickly pear but also opens new avenues for exploring the application of natural products in liver health.