Author:
L. Romero-Orejon Frank,María Muñoz Ana,de la Fuente-Carmelino Luciana,Jimenez-Champi Diana,Contreras-López Eliana,Best Ivan,Aguilar Luís,Ramos-Escudero Fernando
Abstract
The South American Andes hide countless cacti and are part of valuable Andean biodiversity. Within this large family of Cactaceae are edible cacti that are highly valued for their medicinal properties and used as edible fruits. In this review, we will make a description of the overall chemical composition, main phytochemicals found in some edible cacti of the Andean region such as sanky (Corryocactus brevistylus), pitahaya (Hylocereus monacanthus, Hylocereus megalanthus) and tuna or prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). In addition, we will include its medicinal and therapeutic properties and its commercial applications and uses as a natural colorant.
Reference136 articles.
1. Nazareno MA. Phytochemical of nutraceutical importance from cactus and their role in human health. In: Prakash D, Sharma G, editors. Phytochemicals and Nutraceutical Importance. Oxfordshire, UK: CAB International; 2014. pp. 103-115
2. Ferreira MA, Bispo SV, Filho RRR, Urbano SA, Costa CTF. The use of cactus as forage for dairy cows in semi-arid regions of Brazil. In: Konvalina P, editor. Organic Farming and Food Production. London, UK: IntechOpen; 2012. pp. 169-189
3. Shetty AA, Rana MK, Preetham SP. Cactus: A medicinal food. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2012;49:530-536
4. Isaac AA. Overview of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L)): A myriad of alternatives. Ethno-Medicine. 2016;2:195-205
5. Guerrero-Beltrán JA, Ochoa-Velasco CE. Figo da india-Opuntia spp. In: Rodrigues S, Silva EO, de Brito ES, editors. Exotic Fruits Reference Guide. London, UK: Elsevier Inc; 2018. pp. 187-201