Exploring the Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential of Cactaceae: An Ethnopharmacological Perspective Integrating Traditional Knowledge and Modern Research

Cacti have been the subject of some research, but the vast majority of their potential as food, medicine, and biotechnology remains unexplored. Indigenous communities have used cacti to fulfill nutritional and medicinal needs for thousands of years in arid regions of Mexico, Central & South America, Africa, and Asia. This review paper summarizes ethnobotanical studies, phytochemical analyses, and the medicinal/nutritional components of underutilized cacti. Three examples of such cacti that will be highlighted in this review are Opuntia ficus-indica, Hylocereus spp., and Stenocereus spp. Databases used for literature searches included PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, where searches were conducted for traditional uses/bioactive components of cactus species used medicinally/for human health. The ethnobotanical literature suggests that cactus fruits, cladodes, and flowers may have therapeutic effects on diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and skin disorders. A number of research studies are showing that there are beneficial phytochemicals in cacti (flavonoids, such as isorhamnetin and quercetin; alkaloids, like mescaline and hordenine; and betalains, comprising betanin and indicaxanthin) that demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and neuroprotective effects. Nutritional research has shown that cactus extracts can be added to functional foods, such as pasta, dairy products, beverages, and bread, to improve their quality and health benefits. There are many possibilities for the Cactaceae family within ethnopharmacology, functional foods, and sustainable biotechnology, but the current limitations on research are primarily due to the lack of agronomic standardization and the limited incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into scientific research. Building better bridges between Indigenous and scientific knowledge could lead to greater use of these plants and ultimately provide greater health benefits for all humankind and greater environmental sustainability.