Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ethnobotany, Medicinal Utilization and Systematics of Opuntia Species from Deserts of Pakistan

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications

Abstract

The genus Opuntia belonging to the family Cactaceae includes taxa, which are not sufficiently known from an ethnobotanical and systematics point of view in Pakistan. The present study is focused on taxonomic and comprehensive information on the floristic diversity and ethnomedicinal properties of cactus Opuntia plants. Detailed surveys of habitats containing naturalized populations of Opuntia spp. were made to select study sites. Although introduced at different times, they have adapted to the semi-arid environment and established in the wild for different uses. Based on field surveys and a literature review, we found an impressive population of an invasive Opuntia species. These semi-arid resistant plants are grown worldwide for its multifunctional proprieties. Research activities and comprehensive documentation on a different aspect of Opuntia species, e.g., Opuntia dillenii, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Opuntia monacantha from Pakistan, were provided about their morphology, geographic distribution, phenology, habitat, herbarium, and living materials. In addition, field collections (photographic records) were made. This study is also enriched by our observations on the palyno-anatomical features of three cactus Opuntia species. The ethnomedicinal studies on Opuntia spp. were accomplished to know about the species’ traditional knowledge record and varieties of its uses by the folk peoples. Due to their economic importance, Opuntia will remain an interminable source of products with functions for food and livestock and contribute to the population’s food security in marginalized areas. This book chapter summarizes current knowledge of Opuntia cacti’s taxonomic studies, emphasizing its use as food and medicine.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmed, M., Tanbouly, N. E., Islam, W., Sleem, A., & Senousy, A. E. (2005). Anti-inflammatory flavonoids from Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw. flowers growing in Egypt. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 19(9), 807–809.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alarcon-Aguilar, F. J., Valdes-Arzate, A., Santiago Xolalpa-molina, T. B., Jimenez-estrada, M., Hern, E., & Roman-ramos, R. (2003). Hypoglycemic activity of two polysaccharides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica and O. streptacantha. Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society, 46, 139–142.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, E. F. (2001). The cactus family. Timber Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Araújo, J. S., Azevedo, A. A., Silva, L. C., & Meira, R. M. S. A. (2010). Leaf anatomy as an additional taxonomy tool for 16 species of Malpighiaceae found in the Cerrado area (Brazil). Plant Systematics and Evolution, 286(1–2), 117–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arba, M., Falisse, A., Choukr-Allah, R., & Sindic, M. (2017). Biology, flowering and fruiting of the cactus Opuntia spp.: A review and some observations on three varieties in Morocco. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 60, 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arias, S., & Véliz, M. (2006). Di versidad y distribución de las cactáceas de Guatemala. Biodiversidad de Guatemala, 1, 219–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bari, M. N., Zubair, M., Rizwan, K., Rasool, N., Bukhari, I. H., Akram, S., Bokhari, T. H., Shahid, M., Hameed, M., & Ahmad, V. U. (2012). Biological activities of Opuntia monacantha cladodes. Journal of the Chemical Society of Pakistan, 34(4), 990–995.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barthlott, A. E., Brown, R., & Portland, T. P. (2001). The Cactus Family. Timber Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Britton, N., & Rose, J. (1919). The Cactaceae Juss.: Descriptions and illustrations of plants of the cactus family. Washington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Calvente, A. M., Andreata, R. H., & Vieira, R. C. (2008). Stem anatomy of Rhipsalis (Cactaceae) and its relevance for taxonomy. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 276(1–2), 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casado, R., Uriarte, I., Cavero, R. Y., & Calvo, M. I. (2008). LC-PAD determination of mescaline in cactus “peyote” (Lophophora williamsii). Chromatographia, 67(7–8), 665–667.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Castellar, M., Solano, F., & Obón, J. (2012). Betacyanin and other antioxidants production during growth of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) fruits. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 6(4), 337–343.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cervantes, A., Terrazas, T., & Hernández, H. M. (2009). Foliar architecture and anatomy of Bernardia and other genera of Acalyphoideae (Euphorbiaceae). Brittonia, 61(4), 375–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, S. F., Hsieh, C. L., & Yen, G. C. (2008). The protective effect of Opuntia dillenii Haw fruit against low-density lipoprotein peroxidation and its active compounds. Food Chemistry, 106(2), 569–575.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cho, J. Y., Park, S. C., Kim, T. W., Kim, K. S., Song, J. C., Lee, H. M., Sung, H. J., Rhee, M. H., Kim, S. K., & Park, H. J. (2006). Radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Opuntia humifusa Raf. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 58(1), 113–119.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Groot, S. J. (2011). Collecting and Processing cacti into herbarium specimens, using ethanol and other methods. Systematic Botany, 36(4), 981–989.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunthorn, M. (2009). Foliar anatomy and fiber motifs in Mammea (Clusiaceae, Kielmeyeroideae). Plant Systematics and Evolution, 280(3–4), 153–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eggli, U. (1984). Stomatal types of Cactaceae. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 146(3–4), 197–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Kossori, R. L., Villaume, C., El Boustani, E., Sauvaire, Y., & Méjean, L. (1998). Composition of pulp, skin and seeds of prickly pears fruit (Opuntia ficus indica sp.). Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 52(3), 263–270.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ElBehi, A., Orlandi, F., Bonofiglio, T., Romano, B., Fornaciari, M., Inglese, P., Sortino, G., & Liguori, G. (2013). Pollen Morphology and Reproductive Performances in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. VIII International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal, 1067, 217–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdtman, G. (1952). Pollen morphology and taxonomy. Angiosperms. Almquist & Wilksell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdtman, G. (1966). Pollen [and spoor] morphology, plant taxonomy: An introduction to palynology. Angiosperms. Hafner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faigón, A., Galati, B., Rosenfeldt, S., & Kiesling, R. (2011). Epidermal Characters of Pterocactus (Opuntioideae, Cactaceae). Haseltonia, 16(1), 57–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Felker, P., & Inglese, P. (2003). Short-term and long-term research needs for Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. utilization in arid areas. Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development, 5, 131–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-López, J. A., Almela, L., Obón, J. M., & Castellar, R. (2010). Determination of antioxidant constituents in cactus pear fruits. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 65(3), 253–259.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feugang, J. M., Konarski, P., Zou, D., Stintzing, F. C., & Zou, C. (2006). Nutritional and medicinal use of Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) cladodes and fruits. Frontiers in Bioscience, 11(1), 2574–2589.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Galati, E., Tripodo, M., Trovato, A., Miceli, N., & Monforte, M. (2002). Biological effect of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) waste matter: Note I: Diuretic activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 79(1), 17–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Galvez, M. J., Castro, H. A., & Villamil, C. B. (2009). Antigenic patterns of seed proteins in Opuntioideae (Cactaceae). Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 37(2), 91–97.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, J., Han, Y. L., Jin, Z. Y., Xu, X. M., Zha, X. Q., Chen, H. Q., & Yin, Y. Y. (2015). Protective effect of polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw. fruits on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Carbohydrate Polymers, 124, 25–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garralla, S., & Cuadrado, G. A. (2007). Pollen morphology of Austrocylindropuntia Backeb, Maihueniopsis Speg., Opuntia Mill. and Tephrocactus Lem. (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) of Argentina. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 146(1–4), 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gasson, P. (1981). Epidermal anatomy of some North American globular cacti. The Cactus and Succulent Journal of Great Britain, 43(4), 101–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hahm, S. W., Park, J., & Son, Y. S. (2010). Opuntia humifusa partitioned extracts inhibit the growth of U87MG human glioblastoma cells. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 65(3), 247–252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hartl, W. P., Klapper, H., Barbier, B., Ensikat, H. J., Dronskowski, R., Müller, P., Ostendorp, G., Tye, A., Bauer, R., & Barthlott, W. (2007). Diversity of calcium oxalate crystals in Cactaceae. Botany, 85(5), 501–517.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hernández-Pérez, T., Carrillo-López, A., Guevara-Lara, F., Cruz-Hernández, A., & Paredes-López, O. (2005). Biochemical and nutritional characterization of three prickly pear species with different ripening behavior. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 60(4), 195–200.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heuzé, V., & Tran, G. (2017). Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). In: Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ, and FAO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, D. J., Zhou, Q., Jin, W. G., & Liao, X. F. (2008). Study on extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw. Food Research and Development, 11, 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalegowda, P., Chauhan, A. S., & Urs, S. M. N. (2017). Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw cladode mucilage: Physico-chemical, rheological and functional behavior. Carbohydrate Polymers, 157, 1057–1064.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur, M., Kaur, A., & Sharma, R. (2012). Pharmacological actions of Opuntia ficus indica: A Review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2(7), 15–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kifayatullah, M., & Waheed, I. (2014). Evaluation of hydroethanolic extract of Opuntia monacantha haw cladodes for antipyretic activity. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3, 1021–1030.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kwon, J. H., Kim, T. Y., Kim, J. K., & Kim, J. Y. (2017). Characteristics of Opuntia monacantha Haw. for the functional raw material production. Applied Chemistry for Engineering, 28(2), 252–256.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Labra, M., Grassi, F., Bardini, M., Imazio, S., Guiggi, A., Citterio, S., Banfi, E., & Sgorbati, S. (2003). Genetic relationships in Opuntia Mill. genus (Cactaceae) detected by molecular marker. Plant Science, 165(5), 1129–1136.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Las Peñas, M. L., Kiesling, R., & Bernardello, G. (2019). Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Tephrocactus (Cactaceae) based on molecular, morphological, and cytogenetical data. Taxon, 68(4), 714–730.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leuenberger, B. E. (1976). Pollen morphology of the Cactaceae: An SEM-Survey of exine sculpturing and its tentative implications for taxonomy and phylogeny. The Cactus and Succulent Journal of Great Britain, 38(4), 79–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, H., Yuan, Q., Zhou, X., Zeng, F., & Lu, X. (2016). Extraction of Opuntia dillenii Haw. polysaccharides and their antioxidant activities. Molecules, 21(12), 1612.

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, W., Wu, D., Wei, B., Wang, S., Sun, H., Li, X., Zhang, F., Zhang, C., & Xin, Y. (2014). Anti-tumor effect of cactus polysaccharides on lung squamous carcinoma cells (SK-MES-1). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines, 11(5), 99–104.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Long, A. (2012). Opuntia ventanensis (Cactaceae), a new species from the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Haseltonia, 18(18), 79–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loza-Cornejo, S., & Terrazas, T. (2003). Epidermal and hypodermal characteristics in North American Cactoideae (Cactaceae). Journal of Plant Research, 116(1), 27–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, H., Jiang, B., Shen, Z., Shen, J., Peng, Q., & Cheng, C. (2008). Comparative leaf anatomy, FTIR discrimination, and biogeographical analysis of Camellia section Tuberculata (Theaceae) with a discussion of its taxonomic treatments. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 274(3-4), 223–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majure, L. C., & Puente, R. (2014). Phylogenetic relationships and morphological evolution in Opuntia s. str. and closely related members of tribe Opuntieae. Succulent Plant Research, 8, 9–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maki-Díaz, G., Peña-Valdivia, C. B., García-Nava, R., Arévalo-Galarza, M. L., Calderón-Zavala, G., & Anaya-Rosales, S. (2015). Características físicas y químicas de nopal verdura (Opuntia ficus-indica) para exportación y consumo nacional. Agrociencia, 49(1), 31–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-González, C. R., Gallegos-Vazquez, C., & Scheinvar, L. (2019). Re-evaluation of Opuntia matudae (Cactaceae). Phytotaxa, 423(3), 158–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mauseth, J. D. (2004). Wideband tracheids are present in almost all species of Cactaceae. Journal of Plant Research, 117(1), 69–76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mauseth, J. D. (2006). Wood in the cactus subfamily Opuntioideae has extremely diverse structure. Bradleya, 24, 93–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melgar, B., Dias, M. I., Ciric, A., Sokovic, M., Garcia-Castello, E. M., Rodriguez-Lopez, A. D., Barros, L., & Ferreira, I. (2017a). By-product recovery of Opuntia spp. peels: Betalainic and phenolic profiles and bioactive properties. Industrial Crops and Products, 107, 353–359.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Melgar, B., Pereira, E., Oliveira, M. B. P., Garcia-Castello, E. M., Rodriguez-Lopez, A. D., Sokovic, M., Barros, L., & Ferreira, I. C. (2017b). Extensive profiling of three varieties of Opuntia spp. fruit for innovative food ingredients. Food Research International, 101, 259–265.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mir, S., Ahmad, M., Khan, M. A., Zafar, M., Jahan, S., Sultana, S., Jabeen, M., & Majeed, S. (2019). Palyno-morphological investigations of subtropical endangered flora of Capparidaceae through light and scanning electron microscopy. Microscopy Research and Technique, 82(9), 1401–1409.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moussa-Ayoub, T. E., Jäger, H., Knorr, D., El-Samahy, S. K., Kroh, L. W., & Rohn, S. (2017). Impact of pulsed electric fields, high hydrostatic pressure, and thermal pasteurization on selected characteristics of Opuntia dillenii cactus juice. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 79, 534–542.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nishida, S., & van der Werff, H. (2007). Are cuticular characters useful in solving generic relationships of problematic species of Lauraceae? Taxon, 56(4), 1229–1237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nobel, P. S., & Castañeda, M. (1998). Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia ficus-indica. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 123(1), 47–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Novoa, A., Le Roux, J. J., Robertson, M. P., Wilson, J. R., & Richardson, D. M. (2015). Introduced and invasive cactus species: A global review. AoB Plants, 7, plu078.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Novoa, A., Rodriguez, J., Lopez-Nogueira, A., Richardson, D., & Gonzalez, L. (2016). Seed characteristics in Cactaceae: Useful diagnostic features for screening species for invasiveness? South African Journal of Botany, 105, 61–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyffeler, R. (2002). Phylogenetic relationships in the cactus family (Cactaceae) based on evidence from trnK/matK and trnL-trnF sequences. American Journal of Botany, 89(2), 312–326.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ortega-Baes, P., Sühring, S., Sajama, J., Sotola, E., Alonso-Pedano, M., Bravo, S., & Godínez-Alvarez, H. (2010). Diversity and conservation in the cactus family. In Desert plants (pp. 157–173). Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Otálora, M. C., Carriazo, J. G., Iturriaga, L., Nazareno, M. A., & Osorio, C. (2015). Microencapsulation of betalains obtained from cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) by spray drying using cactus cladode mucilage and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents. Food Chemistry, 187, 174–181.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panico, A., Cardile, V., Garufi, F., Puglia, C., Bonina, F., & Ronsisvalle, S. (2007). Effect of hyaluronic acid and polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus indica (L.) cladodes on the metabolism of human chondrocyte cultures. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 111(2), 315–321.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pareek, O., Singh, R., & Vashishtha, B. (2003). Performance of Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) Clones in Hot Arid Region of India. Journal of Professional Association of Cactus Development, 5, 121–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinto, N. D. C. C., & Scio, E. (2014). The biological activities and chemical composition of Pereskia species (Cactaceae)-A review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 69(3), 189–195.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ritz, C., Reiker, J., Charles, G., Hoxey, P., Hunt, D., Lowry, M., Stuppy, W., & Taylor, N. (2012). Molecular phylogeny and character evolution in terete-stemmed Andean opuntias (Cactaceae-Opuntioideae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 65(2), 668–681.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saleem, M., Irshad, I., Baig, M. K., & Naseer, F. (2015). Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of chloroform and methanol extracts of Opuntia monacantha in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits. Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 10(1), 16–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salgado, T. T., & Mauseth, J. D. (2002). Shoot anatomy and morphology. Cacti-biology and uses (pp. 23–40). University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sargın, S. A., Akçicek, E., & Selvi, S. (2013). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the local people of Alaşehir (Manisa) in Turkey. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 150(3), 860–874.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sargin, S. A., Selvi, S., & López, V. (2015). Ethnomedicinal plants of Sarigöl district (Manisa), Turkey. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 171, 64–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schepetkin, I. A., Xie, G., Kirpotina, L. N., Klein, R. A., Jutila, M., & A., & Quinn, M. T. (2008). Macrophage immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Opuntia polyacantha. International Immunopharmacology, 8(10), 1455–1466.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sepúlveda, E., Sáenz, C., Aliaga, E., & Aceituno, C. (2007). Extraction and characterization of mucilage in Opuntia spp. Journal of Arid Environments, 68(4), 534–545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shackleton, R. T., Witt, A. B., Piroris, F. M., & van Wilgen, B. W. (2017). Distribution and socio-ecological impacts of the invasive alien cactus Opuntia stricta in eastern Africa. Biological Invasions, 19(8), 2427–2441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shah, A., Ahmad, K., Aziz, N., Rahim, S., Batool, S., Suleman, S., Abbas, T., & Kanwal, M. (2016). Hepatoprotective activity of Opuntia Dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. fruit pulp extract against cadmium induced toxicity in mice. JAPS: Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 26(5), 1471–1478.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shetty, A. A., Rana, M., & Preetham, S. (2012). Cactus: A medicinal food. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 49(5), 530–536.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siddiqui, F., Abidi, L., Poh, C. F., Naqvi, S., Faizi, S., & Dar Farooq, A. (2016a). Analgesic potential of Opuntia dillenii and its compounds opuntiol and opuntioside against pain models in mice. Records of Natural Products, 10(6), 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siddiqui, F., Naqvi, S., Abidi, L., Faizi, S., Avesi, L., Mirza, T., & Farooq, A. D. (2016b). Opuntia dillenii cladode: Opuntiol and opuntioside attenuated cytokines and eicosanoids mediated inflammation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 182, 221–234.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva-Hughes, A. F., Wedge, D. E., Cantrell, C. L., Carvalho, C. R., Pan, Z., Moraes, R. M., Madoxx, V. L., & Rosa, L. H. (2015). Diversity and antifungal activity of the endophytic fungi associated with the native medicinal cactus Opuntia humifusa (Cactaceae) from the United States. Microbiological Research, 175, 67–77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Soffiatti, P., & Angyalossy, V. (2007). Anatomy of Brazilian Cereeae (subfamily Cactoideae, Cactaceae): Arrojadoa Britton & Rose, Stephanocereus A. Berger and Brasilicereus Backeberg. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 21(4), 813–822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stintzing, F. C., & Carle, R. (2005). Cactus stems (Opuntia spp.): A review on their chemistry, technology, and uses. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 49(2), 175–194.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stuppy, W. (2002). Seed characters and the generic classification of the Opuntioideae (Cactaceae). Succulent Plant Research, 6, 25–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sudzuki, F., Muñoz, C., & Berger, H. (1993). El cultivo de la tuna (Cactus pear), Departamento de Reproducción Agrícola. Universidad de Chile. 40–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teklehaymanot, T., & Giday, M. (2007). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by people in Zegie Peninsula, Northwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 3(1), 12.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Tilahun, Y., & Welegerima, G. (2018). Pharmacological potential of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus Indica): A review. Journal Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(3), 1360–1363.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trombetta, D., Puglia, C., Perri, D., Licata, A., Pergolizzi, S., Lauriano, E., De Pasquale, A., Saija, A., & Bonina, F. (2006). Effect of polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) cladodes on the healing of dermal wounds in the rat. Phytomedicine, 13(5), 352–358.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ullah, F., Zafar, M., Ahmad, M., Dilbar, S., Shah, S. N., Sohail, A., Zaman, W., Iqbal, M., Bahadur, S., & Tariq, A. (2018a). Pollen morphology of subfamily Caryophylloideae (Caryophyllaceae) and its taxonomic significance. Microscopy Research and Technique, 81(7), 704–715.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ullah, F., Zafar, M., Ahmad, M., Shah, S. N., Razzaq, A., Sohail, A., Zaman, W., Çelik, A., Ayaz, A., & Sultana, S. (2018b). A systematic approach to the investigation of foliar epidermal anatomy of subfamily Caryophylloideae (Caryophyllaceae). Flora, 246, 61–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, N., Zhao, M., Zhu, B., Yang, B., Chen, C., Cui, C., & Jiang, Y. (2008). Anti-diabetic effects of polysaccharides from Opuntia monacantha cladode in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 9(4), 570–574.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yasin, H., Zahoor, M., Yousaf, Z., Aftab, A., Saleh, N., Riaz, N., & Shamsheer, B. (2019). Ethnopharmacological exploration of medicinal mushroom from Pakistan. Phytomedicine, 54, 43–55.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zafar, M., Ahmad, M., Shaheen, S., Sultana, S., Rehman, S. U., & Amina, H. (2019). Micromorphological investigation of leaf epidermis and seeds of Vitaceae from Pakistan using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Microscopy Research and Technique, 82(4), 335–344.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zafar, M., Ahmed, M., & Khan, M. A. (2006). Palynological studies of Verbenaceae from Margalla Hills, Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Plant Science, 12, 21–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, M., Yang, N., Yang, B., Jiang, Y., & Zhang, G. (2007). Structural characterization of water-soluble polysaccharides from Opuntia monacantha cladodes in relation to their anti-glycated activities. Food Chemistry, 105(4), 1480–1486.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

We are also grateful to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for funding under project No. NRPU-7837.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Salman Majeed, Muhammad Zafar, Mushtaq Ahmad, Shazia Sultana, Ghulam Yaseen,  Lubna & Jamil Raza

  2. Islamabad, Islamabad, Capital Territory, Pakistan

    Mushtaq Ahmad

  3. Faculty of Science and Art, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey

    Fethi Ahmet Ozdemir

  4. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science of Pharmacy, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey

    Omer Kilic

  5. Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

    Mohammed Hamza

Authors
  1. Salman Majeed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Muhammad Zafar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mushtaq Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fethi Ahmet Ozdemir
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Omer Kilic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mohammed Hamza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Shazia Sultana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Ghulam Yaseen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Lubna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Jamil Raza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Muhammad Zafar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Biochemistry Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan

  2. Food Technology Department, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

    Tamer E. Moussa Ayoub

  3. Institute of Food Technology and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Sascha Rohn

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Majeed, S. et al. (2021). Ethnobotany, Medicinal Utilization and Systematics of Opuntia Species from Deserts of Pakistan. In: Ramadan, M.F., Ayoub, T.E.M., Rohn, S. (eds) Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78444-7_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation