Phytochemistry & Nutritional Value of Selenicereus Polyrhizus

June 27, 2024 | Journal of Herbal Pharmacology |

The study conducted by Southern University and the University of Chittagong from Bangladesh provides a comprehensive review of Selenicereus Polyrhizus, commonly known as Red Dragon Fruit.

This cactus species, found in both America and South Asia, is recognized for its rich bioactive components and diverse therapeutic and nutritional applications.

The review covers various aspects of the plant, including its botanical description, traditional medicinal uses, nutritional values, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities. Key bioactive compounds identified include α-amyrin (15.87%) and β-amyrin (13.90%), known for their health-promoting properties. The fruit exhibits a wide range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects.

Additionally, its pigments, carbohydrates, and fat substitution properties make it useful in culinary and cosmetic applications.

This study highlights the potential of S. Polyrhizus as a source of beneficial compounds with significant therapeutic potential, opening new possibilities for its use in health and medical fields.

Antioxidant: Dragon fruit contains many phytochemicals, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and betalains, which have antioxidant properties.  Anti-inflammatory: Dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory properties.  Cardiovascular health: Dragon fruit may help protect against cardiovascular disease and improve cholesterol metabolism.  Blood sugar regulation: Dragon fruit may help regulate blood sugar.  Gut health: Dragon fruit contains prebiotics that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.  Antimicrobial: Extracts from dragon fruit stems, flowers, peels, and pulps have biological activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.  Hepatoprotective: Dragon fruit extracts may have hepatoprotective properties.  Low in calories: Dragon fruit is low in calories and contains zero cholesterol.  Magnesium: Dragon fruit is a good source of magnesium.  Dragon fruit's peel is also edible and may have antioxidant, prebiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In Indonesia, deep-fried dragon peel is a popular dish, and in China, dragon peel tea is made

Conclusion

Selenicereus Polyrhizus, commonly referred to as red dragon, is a botanical specimen with a diverse range of bioactive compounds, which give rise to various therapeutic

properties. This review article presented ethnobotanical descriptions and highlighted the various health benefits of red dragon fruit and its primary component through

its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, among others.

Further investigation into the various components of the product is necessary to ascertain the precise mechanism of action and the specific molecular processes involved in health management. This vital review provides a promising array for researchers to investigate the potential lead chemical compounds responsible for significant pharmacological activities at the molecular level and for pharmaceutical industries to build new therapeutics.

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