Biopharmaceutical applications of Opuntia ficus-indica : bibliometric map, bioactivities and extraction techniques

Opuntia ficus - indica (OFI), widely recognized as prickly pear, is a native species from Mexico, being also widely distributed in many other geographical regions worldwide. OFI is a plant with numerous beneficial properties, provide that it is a source of dietary fibres, vitamins and many other bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial properties. Various parts of this plant including the fruit pulp and peel, cladode, and seeds are scientifically proven to have therapeutic potentials and are safe for human use. The bibliometric map of the works published since 2020 dealing with all aspects of OFI in the field of pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics was generated, depicting the network of publications covering its ethnopharmacology, pharmacological properties, besides the extensive chemical characterization of the extracts, human and non-human uses, in vitro and in vivo studies, besides in silico tools. In this work, we review the scientific literature on the qualitative nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications, also summarizing examples of extraction techniques commonly applied to different parts of the plant.