This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.(OFI), yellow (F1) and red (F2) varieties. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts on human sperm quality after thawing, the semen parameters (vitality, motility, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation) were analysed after 1 h of exposure. The results showed that OD has higher phenolic content and antioxidant power than OFI, and that they are higher in F2 than F1. Furthermore, regarding the activity of extracts on thawed sperm, the results showed a significant increase in motility in samples treated with OFI F1 and OD extracts, while an improvement in vitality and acrosome reaction and a reduction of DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed samples compared to the control. Finally, a reduction of oxidative stress was observed in samples exposed to OFI F2 and OD than control.
Keywords: Cactaceae; Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw; Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill; cryopreservation; flavonoids; phenolic acids; sperm quality.