Nutritional pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus): A review of the literature

Abstract

Studies on the cacti of the genera, Hylocereus Tropical and Subtropical America are scarce. Cultivation and consumption of different species and varieties of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) may represent a source of diversified agricultural activity since these species contain rich bioactive compounds that add a rustic beauty to the cultivation of the fruit in addition to the benefits they bring to the health of the population. The functional attributes assigned to this fruit, prompt the need to study its physical, chemical, nutritional, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the pitaya, investigating the relationship between post-harvest production, technological and pharmaceutical applications, in addition to nutritional properties, and the chemical components that are beneficial and toxic to health. Hence, a literature search at the PubMed and SciELO Medicine® sites, with descriptors "Hylocereus" and "pitaya" was held. Recent studies on the bioactive compounds in pulp and peel, antioxidant activity and the relationship between use and health were mainly selected, based on in vivo studies. Based on the articles studied, observation showed that the intake of bioactive compounds present in pitaya boosts immunity in individuals, thus inducing better health and improving physical and mental performance. However, additional research is necessary to obtain consistent and reliable data to explore unrestricted use by the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

Maturation Process, Nutritional Profile, Bioactivities and Utilisation in Food Products of Red Pitaya Fruits: A Review

“…The high number of nutritional compounds in pitaya fruit has created interest in the food industry which regards to their use as economic, environmentally friendly, plant-based and clean-label ingredients [7]. Glucose, fructose and oligosaccharides are dominant carbohydrates present in red pitaya [8].…”

Review on the pharmacological and health aspects of Hylocereus or Pitaya: An update

“…Parts of white dragon fruit that have high effectiveness to help the wound healing process are leaves and flower water extract which have been blended in topical preparations 41 . In a toxicity study conducted in two groups, namely subchronic toxicity with a dragon fruit extract dose of (1250, 2500, 5000 mg/kg) and acute toxicity at the same dose showed no organ abnormalities that occurred in experimental animals 34 .…”

“…Pitaya has been used as traditional medication and consumption purposes in Central America, where it is also common for pitayas to be grown in family gardens 33 . The leaves and flowers of pitaya were used by the ancient Mayas for medicinal use as a diuretic and healing agent 34 . Mayas also utilizes the pitaya fruits as a diuretic, hypoglycemic, against heart disease, wound disinfectant, and tumor dissolution, and as a cure for dysentery 33 .…”

“…Mayas also utilizes the pitaya fruits as a diuretic, hypoglycemic, against heart disease, wound disinfectant, and tumor dissolution, and as a cure for dysentery 33 . In addition, the flowers can be consumed as it is or by drinking it as a tea, the seeds possess a laxative effect, the fruit has shown an effect on gastritis, and the stalk can also be used for kidney problems 34 .…”

“…Pitaya is considered as a fruit that is low in calories but high in nutrition, water content, sugars, minerals, and antioxidants 34 . H. polyrhizus or known as the red fleshed pitaya is rich in betalains which meets the trade interest for antioxidant products and also natural food colorant 13 .…”