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.

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

Methanolic extract of Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. (Cactaceae) induces apoptosis in breast carcinoma, T47-D cell line.

Opuntia ficus indica cladodes possess a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer in the rat. The major components of cladodes are carbohydrate polymers, mainly mucilages and pectin. To clarify the cytoprotective effects of cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat, mucilages and pectin were extracted and were administered instead of cladodes. The above mentioned effects induced by cladodes may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly to pectin.

Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric mucosa in rat.

Ecdysteroid distribution during development of spinach

The influence of a daily administration of lyophilized cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) on lipid metabolism was investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats. The preparation was administered either for 15 or 30 days (by gavage at a dose of 1 g/kg in aqueous vehicle in a volume of 1.5 ml/100 g b.w.). Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride plasma levels were assayed. Statistically significant reductions in cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride plasma levels were found. The treatment was more effective after 30 days. The effects are probably due to the high fiber content of the cladodes, but other active ingredients could be operating in conjunction with this.

Joel E. Tocker

Papers

Dominance of Δ5-sterols in eight species of the cactaceae