A Review on the Phytochemistry and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Pereskia aculeata Miller
The genus Pereskia comprises leafy cacti with food and medicinal applications, notably Pereskia aculeata Miller, for which preclinical anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects have been reported. This review summarizes the available evidence and integrates findings on phytochemicals and their mechanisms. Phytochemical investigations have reported phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides in this species. Among the constituents reported in P. aculeata , β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, taraxasterol, and cynaroside are plausible contributors to the observed anti-inflammatory effects; however, their individual contributions within the extracts have not been fully established. A hexane fraction exhibited topical anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of dexamethasone in specific cutaneous models, whereas ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts modulated the p38/MK2/TTP pathway and attenuated adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Cynaroside reduced IL-6 levels, COX-2 expression, and COX-2 enzymatic activity. Further studies using standardized preparations and clinically relevant models are warranted to confirm these effects and advance their therapeutic application.