Underutilized plants of the Cactaceae family: Nutritional aspects and technological applications

Abstract

This review examines the nutritional and functional aspects of some representatives of the Cactaceae family, as well as its technological potential in the most diverse industrial fields. The studied species are good sources of nutrients and phytochemicals of biological interest, such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, betalains, phytosterols, tocopherols, etc. They also have shown great potential in preventing some diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, and others. As to technological applications, the Cactaceae family can be explored in the production of food (e.g., cakes, yogurts, bread, ice cream, and juices), as natural dyes, sources of pectins, water treatment and in animal feed. In addition, they have great potential for many technological domains, including food chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and many others.

Keywords: Cereus jamacaru; Health benefits; Hylocereus polyrhizus; Hylocereus undatus; Industrial potential; Opuntia ficus-indica; Phytochemicals; Pilosocereus gounellei.