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<p><i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> (L.) Mill. (syn. <i>Nopalea cochenillifera</i>), Cactaceae, commonly known as a cactus with significant ethnopharmacological value, is endemic to Central America and widely cultivated in Brazil. Despite being relatively understudied, it has garnered growing interest due to its therapeutic potential, as evidenced by recent research. This scoping review aims to compile and clarify information regarding the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of <i>N. cochenillifera</i>. A bibliographic search was conducted in seven electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, the Virtual Health Library, and the CAPES Thesis and Dissertation Catalog. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies were included in the review, most of which indicate that the species possesses a rich and diverse composition of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and organic acids. Notable molecules identified include quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin. <i>N. cochenillifera</i> extracts were found to be safe, with no evidence of acute toxicity even at high tested doses, and exhibited relevant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic properties in both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities were observed. The literature reviewed associates these pharmacological activities with the bioactive compound content found in this species. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying these activities, as well as additional ethnopharmacological investigations to explore other potential applications that have not yet been examined.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Prospection of Nopalea cochenillifera: A Scoping Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月21日

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  • Antônio André Cavalcante Nunes,
  • Elaine Cristine Souza da Silva,
  • Emanuella de Aragão Tavares,
  • Silvana Maria Zucolotto

摘要

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (syn. Nopalea cochenillifera), Cactaceae, commonly known as a cactus with significant ethnopharmacological value, is endemic to Central America and widely cultivated in Brazil. Despite being relatively understudied, it has garnered growing interest due to its therapeutic potential, as evidenced by recent research. This scoping review aims to compile and clarify information regarding the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of N. cochenillifera. A bibliographic search was conducted in seven electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, the Virtual Health Library, and the CAPES Thesis and Dissertation Catalog. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies were included in the review, most of which indicate that the species possesses a rich and diverse composition of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and organic acids. Notable molecules identified include quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin. N. cochenillifera extracts were found to be safe, with no evidence of acute toxicity even at high tested doses, and exhibited relevant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic properties in both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities were observed. The literature reviewed associates these pharmacological activities with the bioactive compound content found in this species. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying these activities, as well as additional ethnopharmacological investigations to explore other potential applications that have not yet been examined.

Graphical Abstract