Articles
Main Cactaceae of the Canary Islands: an untapped source of bioactive compounds
Article number
1452_54
Pages
419 – 426
Language
English
Abstract
Plants of the genus Opuntia are among the most popular cacti established in the Canary Islands, with notable species such as Opuntia ficus-indica, which can be found at various altitudes, and O. dillenii, which is limited to coastal areas.
In recent decades, the cultivation of pitahaya or dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) has also gained significant importance and profitability in the islands.
The fruits of these cacti generally exhibit a highly interesting content of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidant compounds, and bioactive compounds that may aid in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases.
The pulp and peel of prickly pears are particularly notable for their carotenoid compounds, such as lutein and β-carotene, as well as diverse polyphenols.
In the case of dragon fruit, prominent compounds include phenolic substances and betalains, which are pigments responsible for the characteristic coloration of these fruits and possess strong antioxidant properties.
An initial characterization of the fruits was performed, measuring parameters such as weight, dimensions, pulp and peel colour, firmness, hardness, dry matter percentage, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids content.
The peels and pulp of the fruits were separated and stored frozen for further analysis of bioactive compounds.
In the three studied cultivars of O. ficus-indica fruits (white, orange, and purple), high levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and significant antioxidant capacity were observed.
The fruits of Opuntia dillenii and dragon fruit particularly highlighted their content of betalains.
The levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in the fruits of these cacti were found to be quite impressive compared to those of other commonly consumed fruits in the Canary Islands, such as bananas and avocados.
In recent decades, the cultivation of pitahaya or dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) has also gained significant importance and profitability in the islands.
The fruits of these cacti generally exhibit a highly interesting content of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidant compounds, and bioactive compounds that may aid in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases.
The pulp and peel of prickly pears are particularly notable for their carotenoid compounds, such as lutein and β-carotene, as well as diverse polyphenols.
In the case of dragon fruit, prominent compounds include phenolic substances and betalains, which are pigments responsible for the characteristic coloration of these fruits and possess strong antioxidant properties.
An initial characterization of the fruits was performed, measuring parameters such as weight, dimensions, pulp and peel colour, firmness, hardness, dry matter percentage, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids content.
The peels and pulp of the fruits were separated and stored frozen for further analysis of bioactive compounds.
In the three studied cultivars of O. ficus-indica fruits (white, orange, and purple), high levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and significant antioxidant capacity were observed.
The fruits of Opuntia dillenii and dragon fruit particularly highlighted their content of betalains.
The levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in the fruits of these cacti were found to be quite impressive compared to those of other commonly consumed fruits in the Canary Islands, such as bananas and avocados.
Authors
G.L. Díaz-Delgado, E. Dorta, I. Díaz-Marrero, N. Barroso Torres, S. Pérez García-Talavera, M.P. Cano, E.M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M.G. Lobo
Keywords
cacti, Opuntia, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, betalains
Groups involved
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