Bioactive compounds and health benefits of Pereskioideae and Cactoideae: A review.

Several genera of the Cactoideae and Pereskioideae subfamilies (Hylocereus, Cereus, Pilosocereus, Stenocereus, Myrtillocactus, Melocactus and Pereskia genera) are often consumed as fresh fruits, processed foods and as functional plants. This review discusses the complete bioactive composition related to the genetic effects, the health properties and the safety of these succulent plants, aiming to provide some contributions for future research. Their cladodes, leaves and fruits are notable for water-soluble compounds, carbohydrate polymers, bioactive nitrogen compounds, polyphenols and some uncommon terpenoids. Mucilage, phenethylamines, flavonol glycosides, betalains and some uncommon triterpenoids have been related to the improvement of human health against general inflammation, metabolic disorders and disturbances of the digestive system. The intensive study of different species (and accessions) of both subfamilies, including their complete chemical profile related to genetic and environmental effects, biological properties and safety could represent a significant contribution to benefit human health and preserve biodiversity.