Pitaya Nutrition, Biology, and Biotechnology: A Review

Abstract

Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) is a member of the cactus family that is native to Central and South America but is now cultivated throughout the sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. It is of great importance due to its nutritional, ornamental, coloring, medicinal, industrial, and high consumption values. In order to effectively utilize and develop the available genetic resources, it is necessary to appreciate and understand studies pertaining to the usage, origin, nutrition, diversity, evaluation, characterization, conservation, taxonomy, and systematics of the genus Hylocereus. Additionally, to gain a basic understanding of the biology of the plant, this review has also discussed how biotechnological tools, such as cell and tissue culture, micropropagation (i.e., somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, somaclonal variation, mutagenesis, androgenesis, gynogenesis, and altered ploidy), virus-induced gene silencing, and molecular marker technology, have been used to enhance pitaya germplasm.

Genetic Analyses of Flower Main Traits from Two Pitayas and Their Progenies: A Cactus Plant

“…The pitaya has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ornamental and nutritional value, presenting substantial potential in both domestic and international markets [ 2 ]. Pitaya fruit contains betalain, dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals [ 3 ]. Pitaya fruit peel can be processed to food packaging and coatings [ 4 ], the seeds can be used to extract antioxidant-rich oil [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Pitaya fruit peel can be processed to food packaging and coatings [ 4 ], the seeds can be used to extract antioxidant-rich oil [ 5 , 6 ]. According to the peel and pulp color, pitayas can be divided into four categories: H. polyrhizus / H. monacanthus / H. costaricensis (red peel with scales and red pulp), H. undatus (red or yellow peel with scales and white pulp), H. megalanthus (yellow peel without scales and with white pulp), and H. stenopterus (green peel with scales and white pulp) [ 3 , 7 ]. Except for H. megalanthus , the other three Hylocereus species are diploid with a chromosome number of 2n = 22.…”

“…monacanthus/H. costaricensis (red peel with scales and red pulp), H. undatus (red or yellow peel with scales and white pulp), H. megalanthus (yellow peel without scales and with white pulp), and H. stenopterus (green peel with scales and white pulp) [3,7]. Except for H. megalanthus, the other three Hylocereus species are diploid with a chromosome number of 2n = 22.…”

A Hylocereus undatus Extract Enhances Skin Microbiota Balance and Delivers In-Vivo Improvements in Skin Health and Beauty

“…is an epiphytic cactus, originating from Central and South America. At present, it is very widely cultivated, mainly in sub-tropical/tropical climates, for food, ornamental, medicinal, and other applications [30]. White-fleshed pitaya (Hylocerus undatus) is a naturally rich source of prebiotic oligosaccharides.…”

“…Topical application of an H. undatus extract stimulated collagen synthesis (evidenced by elevated hydroxyproline and DNA content) and enhanced tissue integrity (reflected in increased tensile strength and epithelialization) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, promoting wound healing [34]. Pitaya has also been used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing [30]. In light of the fruit's composition and its demonstrated effects on microbial growth, and the relationships between wound healing and the skin microbiota, it is conceivable that some of the fruit's efficacy rests on its effects on that microbiota.…”