Indigenous Cactus biodiversity: A viable genetic resource to fulfill multiform needs under rainfed ecosystems

Abstract

The constantly increasing demand for natural products is paralleled by a more pronounced request for natural ingredients and health promoting foods. Cactus Pear was largely ignored by the scientific world until beginning of 1980 but due to multifunctionality of the plant it is now considered as an important crop to human food in all its aspects. The review discusses cactus pear fruit with special emphasis on its functional components besides their nutritional importance as a neutraceutical, food, fodder and other health benefits.