Abstract
This book chapter describes the different uses of the cactus plant in traditional and popular medicine. It discusses the role of the cactus plant as a source of phytochemicals which can be obtained from its various parts (edible fruits, cladodes, seeds, and flowers). Also, the functional phytochemicals of cacti, including polysaccharides and mucilage, betalains, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, lipids, and nutraceutical products, are reviewed.