Recent Advances in Opuntia ficus-indica: Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Contemporary Pharmacological and Toxicological Evidence

Abstract

The xerophytic cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., belonging to the family Cactaceae, is widely utilized worldwide for its medicinal, ethnomedicinal and nutritional properties. Various parts of the plant contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, vitamins, phenolic acids, betalains (betanin and indicaxanthin), flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol) and phytosterols. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and PubMed to identify relevant published studies. The available evidence demonstrates that O. ficus-indica exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antiulcer, analgesic, antioxidant, immunoprotective, antimicrobial, diuretic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, wound-healing, anti-acetylcholinesterase and antidiabetic effects. These pharmacological activities have been primarily attributed to the plant's high content of polyphenolic compounds and mucilage, which may shows their effects through free-radical scavenging, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses and modulation of inflammatory processes. Toxicological evaluations generally indicate that O. ficus-indica is safe for human consumption; however, potential adverse effects and safety concerns should be considered, particularly with excessive or prolonged use.