What is a cactus? A cactus (plural cacti or cactuses) is any member of
the succulent plant family Cactaceae. They are often used as ornamental
plants, but some are also crop plants.
Edible cactus is also known as nopales (no-PAH-les), nopalitos or cactus
pads. This vegetable is popular in Mexico and other Central American
countries, parts of Europe, the Middle East, India, North Africa and
Australia. Its popularity is increasing in the United States where it can be
found at Mexican grocery stores, specialty produce markets and farmer’s
markets. [1]
Edible cactus is characterized by its fleshy oval leaves (typically called pads
or paddles) of the nopal (prickly pear) cactus. [1] With a soft but crunchy
texture that also becomes a bit sticky (not unlike okra) when cooked, edible
cactus tastes similar to a slightly tart green bean, asparagus, or green
pepper. [1]
Cactus pads contain beta carotene, iron, some B vitamins, and are good
sources of both vitamin C and calcium. [1]
What is the difference between cactus leaves (edible
cactus or nopales) and the prickly pear?
As part of the cactus plant, the prickly pear is a fruit that is 2 to 4 inches
long and shaped like an avocado. Its skin is coarse and thick, not unlike an
avocados and it ranges in color from yellow or orange to magenta or red.
Tubercles with small prickly spines can be found on the prickly pear’s skin.
This fruit’s flesh, which ranges in color also from yellow to dark red, is sweet
and juicy with crunchy seeds throughout. [1]
The prickly pear can be diced like pineapple and used as a topping on
yogurt or cereal or blended into a smoothie. [1]
What are the health benefits of cactus?
Because of the great number of potentially active nutrients and their
multifunctional properties, cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) fruits have been
suggested for the production of health-promoting food and food
supplements. However, scientific findings are actually very limited to
support any health claims on these products or supplements. [2]
In traditional medicine, extracts of polysaccharide-containing plants are
widely employed for the treatment of skin and epithelium wounds and of
mucous membrane irritation. While, the extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica
cladodes are believed to benefit conditions such as anti-ulcer and wound-
healing activities. A study has showed the protective effects of the mucilage
of Opuntia ficus indica cladodes on ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. [3] In
another study, after application of polysaccharides extracted from Opuntia
ficus-indica cladodes topically to the wound of rats for 6 days, researchers
noted its beneficial effects. They also observed that polysaccharides with a
MW 10(4)-10(6)Da is more effective on wound healing than with MW>10(6)
Da. They believe the healing effects of these polysaccharides are related
to their hygroscopic, rheologic and viscoelastic properties. [5]
Studies found that O. ficus indica fruit juice contains many phenol
compounds, ascorbic acid, betalains, betacyanins, rutin and isorhamnetin
derivatives and a study of rats has demonstrated its hepato-protective
effects. [10] Researchers from University of Catania, Viala have shown the
protective effect of the extracts of Opuntia ficus indica cladodes in cartilage
alteration and these extracts were able to contrast the harmful effects of
proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in their in vitro study.
[4] While, researchers from Kangwon National University, Korea, found that
O. humifusa Raf. had a potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity.
In their study, all organic solvent fractions showed potent scavenging
effects. And, ethyl acetate fractions significantly blocked the expression of
IL-1beta from the RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. [6]
Researchers from Tunisia further explored the potential beneficial effects of
Cactus. They found diet with Opuntia ficus indica powder seeds had a
significant improvement in HDL-cholesterol of rats. They also found a
decrease of glucose concentration in blood and an increase of glycogen in
liver and skeletal muscle among these rats. [7] While, researchers from
Harbin Medical University, China, demonstrated that opuntia powder lower
levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in normal and
hyperlipemia wistar rats. The beneficial effect was more obviously in
hyperlipemia rats than that in normal rats in the study. [11]
Kim JH and co-workers from Cheju National University, Korea, found that
the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica has a neuroprotective action
against N-methyl-d-aspartate-, kainite- and oxygen-glucose deprivation-
induced neuronal injury in cultured mouse cortical cells. [8]
In Egypt, Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw has been used in folk medicine as
an antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agent. Ahmed MS from Cairo
University, Egypt, found that alcohol extracts of the flowers revealed a
potent anti-inflammatory effect and a pronounced analgesic action at a
dose of 200 mg/kg using a carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. [9]
NOTE There are over 100 articles about the potential benefits of cactus and its extracts, but most
of them are either animal studies or in vitro studies. Besides, the contents of the extracts vary
from studies to studies. Having edible cactus as a 5 A Day food is excellent. However, you must
consult with your doctor, if you use it as a supplement. The side effects or the toxic effects of
cactus extracts have not studied thoroughly.
[1] Vegetable of the Month: Edible Cactus 5 A Day [2] Feugang JM et al, Nutritional and medicinal
use of Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) cladodes and fruits. Front Biosci. 2006 Sep 1;11:2574-89. [3]
Galati EM et al, Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric
mucosa in rat. Phytother Res. 2007 Jan 12. [4] Panico AM, et al, Effect of hyaluronic acid and
polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus indica (L.) cladodes on the metabolism of human chondrocyte
cultures. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 2. [5] Trombetta D, et al, Effect of polysaccharides from
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) cladodes on the healing of dermal wounds in the rat. Phytomedicine. 2006
May;13(5):352-8. Epub 2005 Sep 13. [6] Cho JY, et al, Radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory
activity of extracts from Opuntia humifusa Raf. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006 Jan;58(1):113-9. [7]
Ennouri M, et al, Evaluation of some biological parameters of Opuntia ficus indica. 2. Influence of
seed supplemented diet on rats. Bioresour Technol. 2006 Nov;97(16):2136-40. Epub 2005 Nov 14.]
[8] Kim JH, et al, Opuntia ficus-indica attenuates neuronal injury in in vitro and in vivo models of
cerebral ischemia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):257-62. Epub 2005 Oct 21. [9] Ahmed
MS, et al, Antiinflammatory flavonoids from Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw. flowers growing in
Egypt. Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):807-9. [10] Galati EM, et al, Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. fruit
juice protects liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced injury. Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):796-800.
[11] Li CY, et al, Regulative effect of Opuntia powder on blood lipids in rats and its mechanism
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 May;30(9):694-6.
the succulent plant family Cactaceae. They are often used as ornamental
plants, but some are also crop plants.
Edible cactus is also known as nopales (no-PAH-les), nopalitos or cactus
pads. This vegetable is popular in Mexico and other Central American
countries, parts of Europe, the Middle East, India, North Africa and
Australia. Its popularity is increasing in the United States where it can be
found at Mexican grocery stores, specialty produce markets and farmer’s
markets. [1]
Edible cactus is characterized by its fleshy oval leaves (typically called pads
or paddles) of the nopal (prickly pear) cactus. [1] With a soft but crunchy
texture that also becomes a bit sticky (not unlike okra) when cooked, edible
cactus tastes similar to a slightly tart green bean, asparagus, or green
pepper. [1]
Cactus pads contain beta carotene, iron, some B vitamins, and are good
sources of both vitamin C and calcium. [1]
What is the difference between cactus leaves (edible
cactus or nopales) and the prickly pear?
As part of the cactus plant, the prickly pear is a fruit that is 2 to 4 inches
long and shaped like an avocado. Its skin is coarse and thick, not unlike an
avocados and it ranges in color from yellow or orange to magenta or red.
Tubercles with small prickly spines can be found on the prickly pear’s skin.
This fruit’s flesh, which ranges in color also from yellow to dark red, is sweet
and juicy with crunchy seeds throughout. [1]
The prickly pear can be diced like pineapple and used as a topping on
yogurt or cereal or blended into a smoothie. [1]
What are the health benefits of cactus?
Because of the great number of potentially active nutrients and their
multifunctional properties, cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) fruits have been
suggested for the production of health-promoting food and food
supplements. However, scientific findings are actually very limited to
support any health claims on these products or supplements. [2]
In traditional medicine, extracts of polysaccharide-containing plants are
widely employed for the treatment of skin and epithelium wounds and of
mucous membrane irritation. While, the extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica
cladodes are believed to benefit conditions such as anti-ulcer and wound-
healing activities. A study has showed the protective effects of the mucilage
of Opuntia ficus indica cladodes on ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. [3] In
another study, after application of polysaccharides extracted from Opuntia
ficus-indica cladodes topically to the wound of rats for 6 days, researchers
noted its beneficial effects. They also observed that polysaccharides with a
MW 10(4)-10(6)Da is more effective on wound healing than with MW>10(6)
Da. They believe the healing effects of these polysaccharides are related
to their hygroscopic, rheologic and viscoelastic properties. [5]
Studies found that O. ficus indica fruit juice contains many phenol
compounds, ascorbic acid, betalains, betacyanins, rutin and isorhamnetin
derivatives and a study of rats has demonstrated its hepato-protective
effects. [10] Researchers from University of Catania, Viala have shown the
protective effect of the extracts of Opuntia ficus indica cladodes in cartilage
alteration and these extracts were able to contrast the harmful effects of
proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in their in vitro study.
[4] While, researchers from Kangwon National University, Korea, found that
O. humifusa Raf. had a potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity.
In their study, all organic solvent fractions showed potent scavenging
effects. And, ethyl acetate fractions significantly blocked the expression of
IL-1beta from the RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. [6]
Researchers from Tunisia further explored the potential beneficial effects of
Cactus. They found diet with Opuntia ficus indica powder seeds had a
significant improvement in HDL-cholesterol of rats. They also found a
decrease of glucose concentration in blood and an increase of glycogen in
liver and skeletal muscle among these rats. [7] While, researchers from
Harbin Medical University, China, demonstrated that opuntia powder lower
levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in normal and
hyperlipemia wistar rats. The beneficial effect was more obviously in
hyperlipemia rats than that in normal rats in the study. [11]
Kim JH and co-workers from Cheju National University, Korea, found that
the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica has a neuroprotective action
against N-methyl-d-aspartate-, kainite- and oxygen-glucose deprivation-
induced neuronal injury in cultured mouse cortical cells. [8]
In Egypt, Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw has been used in folk medicine as
an antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agent. Ahmed MS from Cairo
University, Egypt, found that alcohol extracts of the flowers revealed a
potent anti-inflammatory effect and a pronounced analgesic action at a
dose of 200 mg/kg using a carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. [9]
NOTE There are over 100 articles about the potential benefits of cactus and its extracts, but most
of them are either animal studies or in vitro studies. Besides, the contents of the extracts vary
from studies to studies. Having edible cactus as a 5 A Day food is excellent. However, you must
consult with your doctor, if you use it as a supplement. The side effects or the toxic effects of
cactus extracts have not studied thoroughly.
[1] Vegetable of the Month: Edible Cactus 5 A Day [2] Feugang JM et al, Nutritional and medicinal
use of Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) cladodes and fruits. Front Biosci. 2006 Sep 1;11:2574-89. [3]
Galati EM et al, Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. mucilages show cytoprotective effect on gastric
mucosa in rat. Phytother Res. 2007 Jan 12. [4] Panico AM, et al, Effect of hyaluronic acid and
polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus indica (L.) cladodes on the metabolism of human chondrocyte
cultures. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 2. [5] Trombetta D, et al, Effect of polysaccharides from
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) cladodes on the healing of dermal wounds in the rat. Phytomedicine. 2006
May;13(5):352-8. Epub 2005 Sep 13. [6] Cho JY, et al, Radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory
activity of extracts from Opuntia humifusa Raf. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006 Jan;58(1):113-9. [7]
Ennouri M, et al, Evaluation of some biological parameters of Opuntia ficus indica. 2. Influence of
seed supplemented diet on rats. Bioresour Technol. 2006 Nov;97(16):2136-40. Epub 2005 Nov 14.]
[8] Kim JH, et al, Opuntia ficus-indica attenuates neuronal injury in in vitro and in vivo models of
cerebral ischemia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar 8;104(1-2):257-62. Epub 2005 Oct 21. [9] Ahmed
MS, et al, Antiinflammatory flavonoids from Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw. flowers growing in
Egypt. Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):807-9. [10] Galati EM, et al, Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. fruit
juice protects liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced injury. Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):796-800.
[11] Li CY, et al, Regulative effect of Opuntia powder on blood lipids in rats and its mechanism
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 May;30(9):694-6.
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What are the health
benefits of Cactus?
benefits of Cactus?