Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a Source of Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition, Health and Disease

Abstract

• Scientific Name: Opuntia ficus-indica
• Common Names: Prickly pear, nopal cactus
• Family: Cactaceae
• Adaptation: Arid and semi-arid climates
• Nutritional Composition: Rich in polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids.
• Biologically Relevant Activities: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective.
• Objective of Review: Explore major classes of cactus components and their medical interest.

Introduction

• Distribution: Found in Mexico, Latin America, South Africa, Mediterranean countries.
• Historical Introduction: Brought to Spain in the 15th century from Central America.
• Varieties in Morocco:
  • Christians nopal (prickly): Used as a field fence.
  • Muslims nopal (spineless): Used as fodder.
  • Moses nopal: Grows in southern Morocco and produces a large pear.
• Uses: Health, nutrition, cosmetics (tea, jam, juice, oil).
• Traditional Medicine: Anti-ulcerogenic, antidiarrheal, anti-hemorrhoid, whooping cough treatment.
• Research Highlights: High content of polyphenols, antioxidants, and polysaccharides with health benefits.

General Compound Content of Cactus

• Nutrient-Rich: Ascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotenoids, fibers, amino acids, antioxidants.
• Health Benefits: Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic actions, antioxidant properties.
• Cactus Components: Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential fatty acids, polysaccharides.
• Medicinal Benefits: Antioxidant, antiulcerogenic, anticancer, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative.

Individual Classes of Cactus Compounds and Related Biological Activities

Phenolic Compounds

• Role: Antioxidants, prevention of inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, anticancer.
• Main Components: Gallic acid, isorhamnetin glycosides, flavonoid derivatives.
• Health Effects: Antioxidant activity, DNA damage reduction, tumoral cell cytotoxicity.

Fatty Acids

• Key Acids: Palmitic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic acids.
• Nutritional Value: High in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Vitamins

• Rich in: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, Vitamin B (trace amounts).
• Vitamin C Content: Higher than in apple, banana, or grape.

Sterols

• Major Sterol: Beta-sitosterol, campesterol.
• Source: Pulp, skin, seeds.

Mineral Compounds

• Rich in: Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium.

Amino Acids

• Important Amino Acids: Glutamine, leucine, lysine, valine.
• Proteins: High protein content in seeds and pulp.

Cactus and Compounds in Nutritional and Medical Practice

Nutrition and Prevention of Disease

• High Nutritional Value: Ascorbic acid, vitamin E, carotenoids.
• Natural Colorants: Betalains (betacyanins, betaxanthins).
• Health Benefits: Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic actions, antioxidant properties.

Health and Disease

• Therapeutic Potential: Metabolic syndrome, diabetes type 2, obesity, NAFLD, rheumatism, cerebral ischemia, cancers.
• Preventive Effects: Alcoholism, alcohol addiction.
• Traditional Uses: Burns, wounds, edema, hyperlipidemia, obesity.

Medical Relevance of Cactus Compounds

Experimental Models and Randomized Trials

• Research Focus: Therapeutic potential of cactus extracts in various diseases.

Pharmacological Potentials

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Studies: Indicaxanthin reduces IL-1, inflammatory mediators, NOX-1, NF-kB.
• Potential Uses: Degenerative disorders, endothelial function, atherosclerosis.

Effects on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• Animal Studies: Obese Zucker rats showed reduced hepatic triglycerides.

Antimicrobial Activities

• Effective Against: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Vibrio cholerae.

Targeting Alcoholism

• Studies: Cactus extract alleviates alcohol hangover symptoms.

Side Effects

• Known Side Effect: Low colonic obstruction due to seed consumption.

Conclusions

• Interest in Cactus: Growing due to benefits in lipid and glucose metabolism.
• Nutritional Benefits: Source of natural colors and nutrients.
• Future Potential: Development of cactus-sourcing branch for food industry.