Food Plants in the Caatinga

Cacti such as Cereus jamacaru DC. (mandacaru), Opuntia fícus-indica (prickly pear), Nopalea cochenillifera (cochineal cactus), and Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique), found in the Caatinga biome, in the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil, have been highlighted for their environmental, economic, and medicinal importance, as well as their use in animal and human food. They are expressive sources of phenolic compounds, sugars and fibers, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Recent studies have verified their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The prebiotic effect and its benefits on the intestinal health and on an individual’s general health status have been increasingly evident. The fruits are appreciated when consumed in natura, and the pulp extracted from the stem is used in preparing various products such as cocada (coconut candy), cakes, cookies, sweets, jellies, flour, juices, bakery products, stews, etc. In addition, the use of xique-xique may be highlighted in popular medicine for constipation, gastritis, urethra and prostate inflammation, jaundice, and hypoglycemia; mandacaru has medicinal use for urethral problems, syphilis, cervical spine pain, respiratory problems, gastric ulcers, infections in the liver or kidneys, and diabetes and scurvy control; and prickly pear and cochineal have therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, ulcers, and bacterial and viral infections. Although they are mostly consumed in periods when there is a lack of food, its valorization and cultural recovery have occurred with their use as “unconventional food plants” due to the demand for functional foods and the search for new herbal medicines. This chapter aims to present the nutritional composition of Brazilian food plants of the Caatinga biome, especially xique-xique, mandacaru, prickly pear, and cochineal. Informative abstract: Cacti found in the Caatinga biome, in the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil, have been highlighted for their environmental, economic, and medicinal importance, as well as their use in animal and human food. They are expressive sources of phenolic compounds, sugars and fibers, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Recent studies have verified their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The prebiotic effect and its benefits on the intestinal health and on an individual’s general health status have been increasingly evident. Although they are mostly consumed in periods when there is a lack of food, its valorization and cultural recovery have occurred with their use as “unconventional food plants” due to the demand for functional foods and the search for new herbal medicines. This chapter aims to present the nutritional composition of Brazilian food plants of the Caatinga biome, especially Cereus jamacaru DC. (mandacaru), Opuntia fícus-indica (prickly pear), Nopalea cochenillifera (cochineal cactus), and Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique).