Abstract
Studies on the cacti of the genera, Tropical and Subtropical America are scarce. Cultivation and consumption of different species and varieties of (Hylocereus undatus) may represent a source of diversified agricultural activity since these species contain rich bioactive compounds that add a rustic beauty to the cultivation of the fruit in addition to the benefits they bring to the health of the population. The functional attributes assigned to this fruit, prompt the need to study its physical, chemical, nutritional, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the pitaya, investigating the relationship between post-harvest production, technological and pharmaceutical applications, in addition to nutritional properties, and the chemical components that are beneficial and toxic to health. Hence, a literature search at the PubMed and SciELO Medicine® sites, with descriptors Hylocereus and pitaya was held. Recent studies on the bioactive compounds in pulp and peel, antioxidant activity and the relationship between use and health were mainly selected, based on in vivo studies. Based on the articles studied, observation showed that the intake of bioactive compounds present in boosts immunity in individuals, thus inducing better health and improving physical and mental performance. However, additional research is necessary to obtain consistent and reliable data to explore unrestricted use by the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Key words: Cactaceous, pitaya, undatus.
Highlights
Brazil is the world's third largest fruit producer, ranked behind China and India (Duarte, 2013)
Cultivation and consumption of different species and varieties of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) may represent a source of diversified agricultural activity since these species contain rich bioactive compounds that add a rustic beauty to the cultivation of the fruit in addition to the benefits they bring to the health of the population
The literature review was conducted at the PubMed, SciELO Medicine® research sites with the descriptors "Hylocereus", "dragon fruit" and "Hylocereus undatus." Articles were selected on the cultivation of pitaya, the bioactive compounds in pulp and peel, antioxidant activity, the toxicological, as well as the pharmacological aspects and the relation between the potential use of pitaya, within the health context, through in vivo and in vitro studies
Summary
Nutritional pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus): A review of the literature. Cultivation and consumption of different species and varieties of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) may represent a source of diversified agricultural activity since these species contain rich bioactive compounds that add a rustic beauty to the cultivation of the fruit in addition to the benefits they bring to the health of the population. The functional attributes assigned to this fruit, prompt the need to study its physical, chemical, nutritional, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the pitaya, investigating the relationship between post-harvest production, technological and pharmaceutical applications, in addition to nutritional properties, and the chemical components that are beneficial and toxic to health.
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