Opuntia (Cactaceae) plant compounds, biological activities and prospects – A comprehensive review

• Published in: Food research international Vol. 112; pp. 328 - 344
• Main Authors: Aruwa, Christiana Eleojo, Amoo, Stephen O., Kudanga, Tukayi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2018
• Subjects: adverse effects; antibiotic resistance; antioxidants; betalains; Biological activities; byproducts; carotenoids; chronic diseases; commercialization; Macromolecular antioxidants; Nutraceuticals; nutritive value; Opuntia; reaction mechanisms; taurine; toxicology; underground parts; Biological activities; Macromolecular antioxidants; Opuntia; Nutraceuticals
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.06.047

Opuntia species are utilized as local medicinal interventions for chronic diseases and as food sources mainly because they possess nutritional properties and biological activities. The Opuntia plant is distributed worldwide and has great economic potential. Differences in Opuntia species phytochemical composition exist between wild and domesticated species, and within species. Opuntia aerial and underground parts exhibit beneficial properties due to their phenolic content, other antioxidants (for example ascorbate), pigments (carotenoids, betalains), and other unidentified components. This work comprehensively reviews the phytochemical composition of the different aerial and underground plant parts of Opuntia species. The applications of Opuntia compounds and their biological activities are also discussed. Other topical aspects covered include Opuntia spp. taurine composition, Opuntia side effects, Opuntia by-products valorisation and the role of Opuntia spp. in tackling antimicrobial resistance. Although biological activities have been extensively researched, much less information is available on reaction mechanisms, herbal mixtures toxicology and commercialisation prospects – aspects which should be considered for future research in this area. [Display omitted] •Opuntia compounds possess a wide range of biological activities.•Opuntia spp. compounds possess novel subsistent and industrial applications.•Opuntia taurine amino acid content remains a subject of scientific debate.•Opuntia spp. compounds may help reduce antimicrobial resistance.•There are potential health risks associated with use of Opuntia herbal mixtures.