Background:
The exploration of the plant biodiversity as a natural source to obtain
sustainable food products and new bioactive pharmaceutical compounds has been growing
significantly due to their abundance, safety and economy. Natural pharmaceutical and edible
compounds present some advantages when compared to synthetic ones, such as being chemically
inert and widely available. In this sense, plants of the genus Pereskia belonging to the
Cactaceae family, have been studied. It is an unconventional wild edible plant that contains a
large amount of protein and minerals. Studies have demonstrated their biological activities
and potential application in different areas such as pharmaceutical, medicinal and food.
Objective:
This review is focused on the chemical composition, functional properties, applications
on pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food areas and formulation techniques to enhance
the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds from the underutilized wild edible
plant known as ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata or Pereskia grandifolia).
Conclusion:
The latest studies involving ora-pro-nobis demonstrated its great potential due to
its biological activities, which could stimulate further investigations. The utilization of this
plant as a natural source to supplement the diet, or to prepare new food products and pharmaceutical
formulations is an attractive approach to explore and fully realize the potential of the
rich biodiversity found in Brazil and in other countries.