Phytochemistry and biological activities of <i>Opuntia</i> seed oils: <i>Opuntia dillenii</i> (Ker Gawl.) Haw. and <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> (L.) Mill. A review

Summary Opuntia species belong to semi-arid and arid regions of Mexico the United States. O. ficus-indica dillenii are commonly used in alternative medicine treat various diseases. Up date, several scientific works have been carried out on different parts these plants. However, over last few years, studies focusing oil obtained from fruit seeds species. For this reason, study aims draw attention researchers toward phytochemical pharmacological effects two oils, which would help set up other projects that promote products. Phytochemical shown oils rich biologically active molecules, such as unsaturated fatty acids phytosterols (mainly linoleic acid β -sitosterol), well vitamin E, is represented only by γ -tocopherol. Besides, polyphenols protect them photo-oxidation. Moreover, their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective activities, hypolipidemic properties. The beneficial include also ability block weight loss, what makes more interesting safety, according literature.