Review of medicinal uses of cactus

NEFZAOUI, A.; NAZARENO M. A.; EL MOURID, M.

Cactusnet Newsletter

Cactusnet -FAO

Lugar: Tunis, Tunisia; Año: 2008 vol. 11 p. 3 - 17

Cactus is a xerophytic plant and an emergent crop, which evolved commercially during the second half of the XX century. The plant probably originated in Central Mexico, the region presenting the widest germplasm variability as well as the larger number of uses. Cactus species have developed phenological, physiological and a structural adaptation favourable to their development in aridenvironments, in which water is the main factor limiting the development of most plant species. Among these adaptations stand out its asynchronous reproduction, and its CAM metabolism, which combined with structural adaptations such as succulence allow this plant to continue the assimilation of carbon dioxide during long periods of drought and in this way reach acceptable productivity levels even in years of severe drought. Cactus cladodes, fruits, and flowers were traditionally used as medicines in several countries, and particularly in Latin America. Recent scientific investigations showed that cactus products may be efficiently used as a source of foods additives, mainly fibre, red dye and mucilages. Tablets, cookies and other forms of fibre derived from cactus cladodes are currently marketed in several American countries. Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes were directly administrated in tests to hypercholesterolemic rats. It was found a decrease of their blood plasma of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. It was also noted an inhibition of carragenan-induced oedema, a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer, as well as other favourable effects. Similar tests were carried out by employing, instead of cladodes, mucilages and pectins extracted from cladodes, it was demonstrated that the above mentioned effects may be attributed to mucilages, and not significantly pectins. It is also reported that the consumption of young cladodes or nopalitos reduces significantly obesity and blood glycaemia.Infusion of cactus flowers petals prevents prostates cancer. The use of cactus products as cosmetics iseven more developed than medicinal applications. The most world wild known red dye or carmenic acid produced from cochineal growing on cactus cladodes are recognized by WHO as hypoallergenic dye thoroughly used in agro-industries and for cosmetics as lipsticks and powder. Shampoo, shower gels, and other forms of cosmetics aremanufactured and marketed in several European and American countries.