Phenolic compounds accumulation in wild and domesticated cladodes from opuntia spp. and its benefits in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

"Opuntia spp. are plants native from Mexico where the largest varieties of wild and semi-domesticated species are found. Nowadays the most domesticated species, O. ficus-indica is widely distributed worldwide. Since pre-Hispanic times, young cladodes or nopalitos have been used as a source of food and in folk medicine. Reports indicate that dietary intake of Opuntia spp. exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties, which emphasizes their nutritional benefit for preventing cardiovascular and most chronic non-infectious diseases. However the Opuntia biological properties may fluctuate depending on the cladode phytochemical composition, variations that can be quantitative and qualitative as function of the plant growing conditions. For these reasons cell tissue cultures represent an excellent alternative for the control of Opuntia metabolite production."