Opuntiaspp.: Characterization and Benefits in Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Opuntiaspecies have been used for centuries as food resources and in traditional folk medicine for their nutritional properties and their benefit in chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These plants are largely distributed in America, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin.Opuntiaspp. have great economic potential because they grow in arid and desert areas, andO. ficus-indica, the domesticatedO. species, is used as a nutritional and pharmaceutical agent in various dietary and value-added products. Though differences in the phytochemical composition exist between wild and domesticated (O. ficus-indica)Opuntiaspp., allOpuntiavegetatives (pear, roots, cladodes, seeds, and juice) exhibit beneficial properties mainly resulting from their high content in antioxidants (flavonoids, ascorbate), pigments (carotenoids, betalains), and phenolic acids. Other phytochemical components (biopeptides, soluble fibers) have been characterized and contribute to the medicinal properties ofOpuntiaspp. The biological properties ofOpuntiaspp. have been investigated on cellular and animal models and in clinical trials in humans, allowing characterization and clarification of the protective effect ofOpuntia-enriched diets in chronic diseases. This review is an update on the phytochemical composition and biological properties ofOpuntiaspp. and their potential interest in medicine.