Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes: bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action—A review

Abstract

Introduction Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes are widely used in food systems and traditional medicine across Africa, Latin America, and the Mediterranean. Their high content of bioactive compounds has attracted increasing scientific attention due to reported pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. However, current evidence remains fragmented and heterogeneous, limiting clear understanding of the relationships between phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. Purpose This study provides a critical and integrative review of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of O. ficus-indica cladodes. Methods A structured literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO reports. Keywords included “Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes,” “phytochemical composition,” “bioactive compounds,” and “pharmacological activity.” Peer-reviewed articles and reports published between 2014 and 2025 were included, while studies focusing on non-cladode plant parts were excluded. References were managed using Zotero. Results Cladodes contain diverse phenolic compounds, including p-coumaric acid (14.08–16.18 mg/100 g), narcissin (14.69–137.10 mg/100 g), rutin (2.36–26.17 mg/100 g), isoquercetin (2.29–39.67 mg/100 g), isorhamnetin derivatives, and nicotiflorin (2.89–146.50 mg/100 g), which significantly contribute to their bioactivity. Major phytosterols identified include β-sitosterol (16.17 mg/kg), stigmasterol (16.53 mg/kg), Δ7-avenasterol (13.40 mg/kg), and campesterol (11.60 mg/kg). Carbohydrates such as glucose (153.15 ± 6.50 µg/mg), xylose, and mannose, along with minerals including calcium (5.64–316.95 mg/100 g), iron, zinc, and manganese, further enhance their functional potential. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were reported in 91% of studies, while antimicrobial effects were documented in 69%. Conclusion The phytochemical richness of O. ficus-indica cladodes provides a strong scientific basis for their traditional and modern uses. Their pharmacological effects arise from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds acting through diverse mechanisms. Overall, cladodes represent a promising multifunctional resource for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. However, further clinical studies are required to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and human applications.