ABSTRACT
Mexican deserts possess 70% of the biotic and cultural richness in the country. Nearly 50% of Mexican desert flora is endemic and accompanied by ample insect and microorganism diversity associated with cacti species, for which there is local and traditional knowledge on these plants. Certain types of cacti are being technologically produced. However, other cacti species are underutilized and understudied to their sustainable use. Evidence indicates that the various genera of Cactaceae are sources for food or bioactive compounds in the stem, peel, fruit, seeds, roots, pulp, etc. Opuntia spp. is the most abundant and studied cactus in Mexico, and contains extensive bioactive compounds associated with health and biotechnological benefits. The purpose of this review is to compile the chemistry, nutritional, functional, and biotechnological properties of selected cacti from the Mexican deser0t, and their use in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, agricultural, and energy combustion industries to establish knowledge gaps and well-supported future research directions.
