PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is a Cactaceae family fruit cultivated for its nutritional benefits and antioxidant properties [PMID:39711595, PMID:34698395].
Background
Also known as pitaya or pitahaya, Hylocereus undatus is an epiphytic cactus originally domesticated in Mexico and the USA, characterized by triangular-shaped stems and large flowers [PMID:39711595, PMID:36632141].
Active compounds
The fruit contains vitamin C, betalains, and polyphenolic compounds [PMID:36014575]. Specifically, the peel of H. undatus contains flavonoids, hexadecanoic acid, linoleate, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and isoquercitrin [PMID:36014575, PMID:34070235].
Mechanism of action
Extracts from H. undatus have demonstrated the ability to inhibit cell migration and increase early apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells via upregulation of Bax and caspase-12 and downregulation of Bcl-2 [PMID:42234727].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DStress-induced impairments (C. elegans)
Microencapsulated pitaya extract was effective in preventing and/or reversing stress-induced damages to cholinergic and antioxidant systems in Caenorhabditis elegans [PMID:34698395]
Evidence DHuman colon cancer (HT-29 cells)
Peel extracts of white dragon fruit (H. undatus) showed cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells (IC50: 148.4 µg/mL) and inhibited cell migration [PMID:42234727]
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (C. elegans), indicating antioxidant and potential anticancer properties, but lacks human clinical trials.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36014575 (2022) — Pitahaya Peel: A By-Product with Great Phytochemical Potential, Biological Activity, and Functional Application. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 36632141 (2023) — Stem transcriptome screen for selection in wild and cultivated pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus): an epiphytic cactus with edible fruit. · PeerJ
- 3.PMID: 39711595 (2024) — Comprehensive mapping of molecular cytogenetic markers in pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) and related species. · Frontiers in plant science
- 4.PMID: 34698395 (2022) — Fruit extract of red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) prevents and reverses stress-induced impairments in the cholinergic and antioxidant systems of Caenorhabditis elegans. · Journal of food biochemistry
- 5.PMID: 34070235