Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Author(s):
Kartika V Patil and Amol C Dagadkhair

Abstract:
In the era of healthy living there is demand of nutraceuticals having natural source. The nutraceutical value of Opuntia fruit can fulfill this demand for healthy lifestyle in more natural way. Opuntia fruits from the family of Cactaceac are one of the underutilized fruit despites of its good nutritional value. The Opuntia fruits are known for its high betalain content which is comparable to the red beet. This betalains have 2-3-fold higher antioxidant value than standard trolox. Opuntia fruit also contains various polyphenols and flavonoids. Among which quercitin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin are very crucial flavonoids. The high levels of betalains, flavonoids, polyphenols, taurine, calcium, magnesium are noteworthy. The review paper focuses on the physico-chemical properties of Opuntia fruit and its various polyphenolic compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity of the fruit.