Cactaceae plants as sources of active bioavailable phytochemicals

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Nutritional Science
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Cactaceae plants, native to the Americas, are cultivated globally and recognized for their rich nutritional profile, including phenolic compounds, betalains, vitamins, and minerals.
• These edible matrices are considered functional foods, potentially offering health benefits due to their bioactive phytochemicals, making them a source for novel phytomedicine compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the feasibility of utilizing Cactaceae plants as sources of functional compounds.
• To explore the bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of these compounds, considering metabolic transformations and the influence of food processing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the properties and potential health impacts of bioactive compounds from Cactaceae.
• Analysis of factors affecting phytochemical release, stability, and absorption from food matrices.
• Examination of the role of food processing on the bioavailability of Cactaceae-derived compounds.

Main Results:

• Phytochemicals from Cactaceae must be released, resist digestion, and remain active to confer physiological benefits.
• Food matrix composition and processing significantly influence the stability and accessibility of bioactive compounds.
• Many Cactaceae species remain underexplored, with limited understanding of their health-promoting mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Cactaceae plants hold promise as sources of functional food ingredients and phytomedicines.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate the metabolic stability, safety, and assimilation mechanisms of cactaceous phytochemicals for understanding their physiological relevance and therapeutic potential.