Exploring the nutritional composition and health benefits of Mammillaria: A review

Ruth Faleye Bosede; Omobola Adesina Grace; Ayodele-Alimi Azeez; A. Niño-Vásquez Iván; Esther-Adeola Opeyemi; Rodriguez-Herrera Raul

doi:10.14719/tcb.9464

Authors

Bosede Ruth Faleye School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9909-5147
Grace Omobola Adesina Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Moka 80837, Mauritius https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0970-8572
Azeez Ayodele Alimi School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4141-5926
Iván A. Niño-Vásquez School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0202-8635
Opeyemi Esther Adeola Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Umuahia 440 001, Abia State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7110-6920
Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6428-4925

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14719/tcb.9464

Keywords:

antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, nutrients, phytochemicals, polyphenols

Abstract

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest and ecologically diverse genera in the Cactaceae family, with a broad geographical distribution across the arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas. The species are characterized by tuberculate stems, specialized water-storage tissues and numerous spine arrangements that aid in their survival under extreme drought and temperature fluctuations. Biochemically, Mammillaria contain secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and betalain pigments, which contribute greatly to their ecological resilience, antioxidant defense and other biological activities. They are also potential sources of abundant mucilage polysaccharides, structural fiber and minerals. Despite their environmental significance and nutritional and pharmacological potential, there is a lack of a comprehensive synthesis of their composition and functional characteristics and limited research on the chemical properties of most species. Therefore, this review presents an overview of the description, taxonomy, distribution, nutritional composition, medicinal properties, bioactive composition and biological activities of the genus Mammillaria reported in the literature from various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and ResearchGate. In addition, the major limitations, strategic interventions and prospective research directions for maximum production and utilization of the species are discussed. With proper exploration and responsible utilization of the species, Mammillaria could offer great economic, technological and nutritional benefits to society.

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Exploring the nutritional composition and health benefits of Mammillaria: A review

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