Exploring the Biomedical Potential of Pereskia grandifolia: A Comprehensive Review of Botanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Aspects.

Abstract

Pereskia grandifolia, Cactaceae, is a plant native to temperate and tropical regions. Its leaves and fruits are utilized in food and traditional medicine due to their therapeutic and nutritional properties, which have garnered interest in both pharmaceutical and food industries. This review provides an overview of the current biomedical research on P. grandifolia, encompassing botanical and phytochemical aspects, traditional uses, nutritional evidence, in vitro and in vivo preclinical pharmacological studies, and toxicological evaluation. Scientific articles were sourced from databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO, and Web of Science. Saponins, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids emerge as the main bioactive substances within P. grandifolia. Nutritionally, its leaves and fruits are valued for their high protein and fiber content. In traditional medicine, its leaves are employed to address various ailments, including headache, gastric pain, hemorrhoids, atopic dermatitis, inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. In vitro studies on the species have demonstrated antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activity, along with the ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. In vivo research corroborates its diuretic, antihypertensive, antiobesity, and molluscicidal effects. However, there is limited investigation into its toxicity, and notably, no reports of clinical studies with the species were found. In conclusion, while promising effects of P. grandifolia have been reported, further research is warranted to substantiate its efficacy in folk medicine as an anticancer, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agent.