Nopalea cochenillifera/Prickly pear is a shrub or a small tree that is found growing in hammocks, fields, sandy soils at low altitudes and on mountain slopes in its native range. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions — water storage, photosynthesis, and flower production. It is an edible cactus and has many medicinal properties. It also makes an attractive, drought-tolerant landscape plant.

It is a xerophyte producing about 200-300 species, mainly growing in arid (less than 250 mm annual precipitation) and semi-arid (250-450 mm) zones, and is produced and consumed in several countries. It is native to North America, where archeological and phylogenetic evidence confirms that central Mexico is the center of domestication of these species, and it is densely produced in the desert zones of the southern United States, north-central Mexico, and Peru. Because of its high adaptability, remarkable genetic variability, and multiple uses, it has been dispersed from its native habitats in North America to other regions in the world including Africa and Europe. The plants thrive well in a subtropical, semi-arid climate. It is adapted to grow and produce under low water regimes and poor soils. Cactus are well adapted to extreme climate and edaphic conditions, especially high temperature and scarce water, in arid and semi-arid regions, and therefore several species are dominant in these regions; some are used for food from the fruit or other parts such as cladodes or stems.

Cactus plants serve as sources for fruit and vegetables, for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, forage, for building materials, and as a source for natural colors, among other uses. However, many of these uses are still restricted to very few countries, and in light of global desertification and declining water sources, Opuntia spp. is gaining importance as an effective source of food. Internationally, about 100,000 ha are devoted to Opuntia fruit commercial production; however, more than 3 million ha of Opuntia are grown in native habitats. In Mexico over 77,500 ha of cactus pear cactus are commercially cultivated. Opuntia ficus-India is cultivated in more than 20 countries. Cactaceous plants are of great importance in Mexico for the production of foodstuffs as well as for popular medicinal uses and cosmetics.

Plant

Prickly pear is a shrub or small tree growing up to 2–4 m tall. It is found growing in sunny, desert-like conditions and prefers coarse, well-drained soil in dry, rocky flats or slopes. The trunk is terete and woody. Stem segments are green, elliptic to narrowly obovate, 8–40 (−50) × 5–7.5 (−15) cm, thick, margin entire, base, and apex rounded. Areoles are 2 mm in diameter and are 2–3 cm apart. Spines usually absent when present: 1–3 per areole, spreading, greyish tan, acicular, 3–9 mm; glochids inconspicuous and early deciduous. Leaves are conic, 3–4 mm, early deciduous. Flowers are 1.2–1.5 cm in diameter, erect, and are red, yellow, or purple colored.

Fruit

Almost all prickly pear cactus has flat, fleshy pads that look like a large leaf. These pads are actually modified branches and stems that have several functions like photosynthesis, flower production, and water storage. Pads are normally flat, fleshy, green-colored, and are oval to round in shape. The size of the pads ranges from 4 in (10 cm) to 18 in (46 cm) in length. Bigger pads can grow as wide as 9 in (23 cm) or more.

Similarly, the prickly pear plant bears cylindrical, pear-shaped, deep red to purple fruit, about 2.5 in (7 cm) long. The fruit grows at the very edge of the spiny leaves of these imposing cacti. Color may vary from yellow and light green to orange, pink, and red, depending on the variety and ripeness. The flesh is normally white, green, yellow, red, or purple colored and has a raspberry-like taste. Within the fruit, Gray or tan-colored seeds are present that is thickened discoid, 3 mm in diameter, slightly pubescent. Fruits are ready to harvest from September to November. Both pads and fruits of the plant are consumed in a variety of ways since ancient times.

History

The prickle pear cactus is considered to have originated from Mexico. Wild distribution is found in tropical Central America, Mexico, and Jamaica. This cactus is often grown in tropical and subtropical America, also in the Mediterranean, Canary Island, tropical Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Nowadays due to its considerable nutritional value and delightful taste, it is grown throughout the world.

Nutritional Value

Apart from their refreshing taste, prickly pear is a good source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming 86 grams of prickly pear offers 0.393 mg of Manganese, 141 mg of Calcium, 45 mg of Magnesium, 8 mg of Vitamin C, and 0.51 mg of Iron. Moreover many Amino acids 0.012 g of Tryptophan, 0.034 g of Threonine, 0.042 g of Isoleucine, 0.066 g of Leucine, 0.051 g of Lysine, and 0.013 g of Methionine are also found in 86 grams of prickle pear.

Health benefits of Prickly Pear

The health-promoting properties of cactus fruit and other parts have been the object of great interest, with special attention to antioxidant phytochemicals. The nutritional and health benefits are associated with the antioxidant properties of compounds such as phenolics, ascorbic acid, and pigments. Opuntia ficus-indica is used as a folk medicine in Mexico for the treatment of burns, wounds, edema, and indigestion. Several studies have reported that different parts of the Opuntia species have various medical effects, such as diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti ulcerous among others. These properties are generally attributed to the ability of antioxidants to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or to suppress the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, all of which may induce oxidative injury, i.e. lipid peroxidation.

The prickly pears are used for food, as well as alternative medicine treatments, as it has a wealth of nutrients and potential health benefits. It can be consumed right after eliminating their robust, razor-sharp thorns. Raw cactus pears go effectively in fruit salads and also shakes and you may cook these types of fruits into jams or even utilize them in tasty dishes, just like chili.  Let’s take a closer look at the unique health components found inside prickly pears.

1. Immune System Booster

It is said that a single serving of prickly pears contains more than 1/3 of your entire daily requirement of vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C plays an important role in the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant all through the body. Additionally, vitamin C is an important component of various enzymatic and metabolic processes, including the creation of bone and muscle tissue.(1)

2. Digestion

Nopales are forms of cacti they are fibrous and contain a great deal of dietary fiber. As we all know dietary fiber is essential in the digestive process because it adds bulk to bowel movements that make it easier to pass through the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It also stimulates peristaltic motion to move the bowels along the tract and decreases symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, excess fiber within the body can actively reduce the amount of cholesterol, thereby protecting your heart health as well.(2)

3. Builds Strong Bones and Teeth

Calcium is an integral part of the human diet, and prickly pears contain a considerable amount of calcium in every serving. Calcium is an important element in the creation of bone tissue in the body; in fact, 99% of the calcium in your body is found in bones and teeth. By ensuring you have enough calcium in your system, you can prevent numerous dental issues, as well as age-related bone disorders like osteoporosis.(3)

4. Weight Loss

Several components found within prickly pear helps in weight loss.  Fiber helps to make the body feel full and inhibits the release of ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone, so overeating is decreased. Apart from that this plant is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but is packed with metabolic potential, so the body works at a higher level without gaining weight. The presence of vitamins B6, thiamin, and riboflavin also makes metabolic function work quickly, and they maximize fat burning and the transformation of food to usable energy.(4)

5. Heart Health

Prickly pear consists of several components that are good for heart health. Levels of fiber in the fruit help to lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body, while a sufficient amount of potassium can help to lower blood pressure, by relaxing the blood vessels and decreasing the stress on the cardiovascular system. Lastly, betalains found in prickly pear are directly related to strengthening the endothelial walls of blood vessels, thereby decreasing the chances of weakening or damage to the system. Reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening blood vessels can prevent atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and strokes.(5)

6. Metabolic Activity

Prickly pear cactus consists of a considerable amount of mineral and vitamin content. It consists of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin-B6, all of which are vital components of cellular metabolism and normal, regulated enzyme function all through the body. If your organ systems and hormonal balance are improved, then the body will run more efficiently, it will help to increase weight loss, promote healthy muscle gain, boost repair and maintenance of organs, and generally tone the entire body.(6)

7. Cancer Prevention

Prickly pears consist of high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains, all of which act as antioxidant compounds and help to neutralize free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. Research has shown lowered chances of cancer in people who frequently add these types of antioxidants into their diet. Prickle pear is assumed to be one of the most beneficial foods for overcoming cancer since it consists of an ample amount of antioxidants.(7)

8. Improve Sleep

Prickly pear contains magnesium, which is a beneficial mineral for encouraging feelings of sleep for people suffering from insomnia, long-lasting anxiety or restlessness. It encourages the release of serotonin in the body, which results in increased melatonin levels. Additionally, it has a somewhat sedative effect, which decreases nerve function and calms the body, helping you to fall asleep.

9. Ulcers

Prickly pear is traditionally used to cure gastric ulcers. Apparently, the mucilage and fibrous material present in prickly pear helps to inhibit the development of gastric ulcers and those that develop due to excessive consumption of alcohol, so for people, who regularly suffer from this painful condition, add some of these powerful plants to your diet and improve the quality of your life!(8)

10. Diabetes

The extracts from the leaves of prickly pear cactus are powerful regulators of glucose levels within the body. For patients with type 2 diabetes, it may cause a reduced spike in glucose levels after eating, which makes the management of diabetes easier. Regular consumption of prickly pear is recommended to decrease the chance of diabetes.

11. Skin Health

The phytochemical and antioxidants present in prickly pear makes them a good defensive mechanism against premature aging symptoms, like wrinkles and age spots. The free radicals left after cellular metabolism can completely impact the skin and by consuming prickly pear, you can keep your skin looking healthy, young, and refreshed.

How to Eat

• Fruit and cladodes are edible.
• Fruits are eaten fresh or processed into drinks, fruit salads, etc as with Opuntia ficus–indica.
• Fruit is best when it is made into candy, jelly, juice, or wine.
• Nopalea tender young pads or cladodes, are known as “nopalitos verdes”.
• They are commonly consumed as fresh or cooked green vegetables in Mexico and in some parts of the United States.
• Omelets containing prickly pear cactus are common in the southwestern United States.
• Tender leaves or pads of the cactus, called nopales, often appear in boiled or grilled vegetable dishes, particularly in Mexican cuisine.

Other Traditional uses and benefits of Prickly Pear

• Heating the pads and placing them on a cold sufferer’s chest to relieve congestion.
• It is commonly used topically to treat cuts, insect bites, sunburn, and windburn.
• Cooked pads help to reduce sugar levels.
• Prickly pear cactus pads are used to reduce inflammation and help relieve stomach problems.
• One of the most popular uses of prickly pear is as a hangover cure, and it has been used to reduce headaches associated with too much alcohol for hundreds of years.

Other Facts

• Plants have been used as host plants for cochineal insects.
• Dactylopius coccus is used for the commercial production of a dye.
• Dye is used as a natural coloring of foods, for soft drinks, and many cosmetics (including lipsticks).
• The stem segments, (pads or cladodes), of Nopalea cochenillifera are used as food, fodder, and poultices, and for rearing cochineal insects to obtain a red dye.
• This species may have been selected for spinelessness in Mexico, much like Opuntia ficus-indica, to ease the culturing and collection of cochineal scale insects for red dye.
• Cactus is also planted as an ornamental plant.
• Prickly pear cactus could be used to make a highly effective waterproof paint for homes.
• Juice from the pads has long been considered an effective mosquito repellent in central Africa.
• Pads are often fed to dairy cows in order to add a unique and sweet flavor to their milk in Northern Mexico.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Prickly pear is probably safe whenever utilized in food quantities, as Prickly pear is typical in Mexican and also southwestern American cuisine.
• Side effects related to Prickly pear might include moderate diarrhea, nausea, stomach fullness, headache, and also boost in stool volume as well as frequency.
• Use very carefully in patients along with diabetes or even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), high cholesterol levels reduced blood pressure level or even thyroid disorder.
• Use very carefully in people with rhinitis or even asthma, since Prickly pear may possibly aggravate symptoms.
• Avoid in patients along with immunosuppression, as Prickly pear may possibly control the defense mechanisms.
• Avoid in patients along with reduced liver function, since Prickly pear may possibly improve liver poisoning.
• Prickly pear just isn’t suggested in expecting or even breastfeeding ladies because of insufficient scientific proof.

Considerations

• Thorn injuries might result whenever cleansing the cactus pads or even fruits for usage. Getting in touch with dermatitis may appear along with contact with the small stickers referred to as glochids, which cover the cactus pads. Large gloves need to be utilized whilst harvesting and also cleaning fresh Prickly pear pads or even fruit.
• Make sure to inform your doctor regarding all over-the-counter medications and supplements you’re taking.
• The gel found in Prickly pear pads may change the absorption of various other medicines. Don’t take Prickly pear within just 2 hours of other medicines.

References

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