Cactus stems (Opuntia spp.): A review on their chemistry, technology, and uses

Abstract

Although traditionally used as a valuable health supporting nutrient, the vegetative parts of Opuntia spp. plants are scarcely used in modern nutrition and medicine. While all kinds of different Opuntia spp. have been studied, a systematic approach regarding the inter-relationships between the composition and the pre- and postharvest conditions is still missing. Therefore, the present review compiles and discusses literature on the chemical composition of cactus stems, the knowledge on uses in food, medicine, and cosmetics. It is concluded that much research is needed to get an insight into the multitude of bioactivities reported in the traditional literature but also to take advantage of the respective constituents for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Functional properties and proximate composition of cactus pear cladodes flours

“…The essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan were not quantified in this study. In respect to the amino acid profile, significant differences were found concerning the values reported by other authors (NEFZAOUI; SALEN, [19--]; STINTZING; CARLE, 2005), what is attributed to the cladodes variety and age, the weather, the type of soil and the growing conditions of the vegetable.…”

Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of the cladodes of Opuntia macrorhiza (Engelm.) and Opuntia microdasys (Lehm.)

“…1 Furthermore, the presence of quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol 3-Orutinoside and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside has been positively identified in Opuntia microdays flowers in a recent study of our group. 21 Thus, based on these precedents, the substituting sugars in the compounds detected in the present samples might be speculated to be rhamnose and glucose.…”

“…The young cladodes, also known as nopalitos, are consumed as vegetables. 1 Cladodes are modified stems and replace the photosynthetic function of leaves. These succulent and articulate organs have an ovoid or elongated form (30 to 80 cm long and 18 to 25 cm wide).…”

“…8 It is claimed to be an excellent source of natural oligoelements which may improve human health and nutrition. 1 Cactus pear extracts have shown antitumor 9 and antioxidant activities. 10 In this work, quantitative and qualitative aspects of Opuntia microdasys and Opuntia macrorhiza phytochemistry, two Opuntia species with close phylogenetic relationship 11 , were studied using hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts from cladodes further characterized by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques.…”

Cactus: a medicinal food

“…are scarcely used in modern nutrition and medicine. It also has applications in pharmaceutical industries (Stintzing and Carle 2005). Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) extracts have been associated with stimulating the central nervous system and regulating blood pressure, sleep, hunger and thirst (Franco et al 2003).…”