Selenicereus undatus
Selenicereus undatus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Selenicereus undatus is a captivating plant known primarily for producing the vibrant dragon fruit from its specialized flower and fruit. The plant contains a rich profile of bioactive chemicals, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and rutin. Researchers have explored various preparations, such as pulp and peel extracts, to investigate their medicinal potential. These studies highlight significant activities, ranging from anticancer and acidulant properties to acting as an aldose-reductase inhibitor. However, users should remain mindful of potential allergenic effects and the risk of sunburn when interacting with certain plant components.
- Synonyms
- Selenicereus Undatus Subsp. Luteocarpus · Cereus Tricostatus · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Fruit
Classification
Synonyms
Selenicereus undatus is a plant known by several different scientific names throughout botanical history. This species is frequently identified by the synonyms Cereus tricostatus and Cereus undatus. It is also recognized under the nomenclature of Harrisia undata in certain taxonomic contexts. Furthermore, the plant has been classified as Hylocereus tricostatus and Hylocereus undatus in previous studies. Understanding these various relationships is essential for anyone studying its diverse botanical classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Selenicereus undatus belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse life of the botanical world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, grounding its biological structure. The plant is further organized into the order Caryophyllales, which connects it to a unique group of flowering species. It falls specifically under the genus Selenicereus, a designation that highlights its distinct evolutionary path. Finally, its placement in the family Cactaceae identifies it as a member of the iconic cactus lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Selenicereus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Selenicereus undatus exhibits a widespread geographical presence that stretches across several diverse regions. Its primary distribution encompasses much of Africa, including specific territories in Northern Africa such as Tunisia. The plant is also frequently found throughout the Macaronesia archipelago, with notable populations in the Canary Islands and Madeira. Furthermore, its range extends to remote Atlantic locations like Cape Verde and St. Helena. This broad reach highlights the plant's ability to thrive across various island environments and continental landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Selenicereus undatus is a remarkable plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. Unlike many climbing cacti, this species is entirely self-supporting as it matures. Depending on its environment, the plant can reach a minimum height of 1 meter or even 6.5 meters. In ideal conditions, it is capable of reaching a maximum height of 15 meters. This impressive range allows it to establish a significant presence in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Selenicereus undatus, commonly known as dragon fruit, serves as a promising reservoir of potent anticancer compounds. Recent research indicates that both the pulp and peel extracts of this plant exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines. Through the presence of high concentrations of chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids, the extracts demonstrate a strong ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cells. Notably, these extracts show a high selective index, meaning they target cancer cells while sparing normal lung and breast cell lines. These findings suggest that the plant could eventually become a vital natural source for developing new cancer therapies.
Compounds
Selenicereus undatus, commonly known as dragon fruit, serves as a significant reservoir for various potent anticancer compounds. Detailed phytochemical analysis of the plant's pulp and peel extracts reveals a high concentration of essential bioactive substances. Specifically, the plant contains chlorogenic acid and rutin, which are found in high amounts across both extracts. Furthermore, the presence of caffeic acid and ferulic acid contributes to its complex chemical profile. These identified compounds highlight the potential of the plant as a valuable natural source for developing future cancer therapies.
Conditions
Selenicereus undatus, also known as Hylocereus undatus, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by displaying cytotoxic activity against Caco-2 colon cancer cells. The plant extracts also effectively treat MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis through the overexpression of specific proteins like p53 and BAX. Beyond its anticancer properties, research into managing dragon fruit cultivation shows that specific treatments can be used to mitigate the effects of sunburn. These mitigation strategies, such as applying kaolin combined with neem soap, help reduce oxidative stress and canopy temperature caused by high radiation. Consequently, the plant serves as both a medicinal resource for treating cancer cells and a subject for improving resilience against environmental sunburn.
Preparations
Selenicereus undatus is prepared as peel extract to analyze its specific phytochemical components and antioxidant properties. The plant is also prepared as pulp extract to investigate its potential bioactive effects on various cell lines. Furthermore, Selenicereus undatus is prepared as pulp and peel extracts to allow for a comparative study of their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. These different preparations serve to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and apoptotic potential of each specific part of the dragon fruit. Utilizing these distinct extraction methods helps researchers identify the most effective plant sources for cancer therapy.
Parts used
Selenicereus undatus is a versatile cactus species that is highly valued for its various functional components. The plant is widely cultivated for its nutritious fruits, commonly known as dragon fruits or Pitaya, which are frequently studied for their significant antioxidant properties. In addition to the fruit, the flowers of the species, often referred to as Bawanghua, serve as an important source of medicinal food in Chinese culture. However, the production of these flowers can be severely impacted by diseases like anthracnose, which affects the young stems and reduces floral development. Understanding these different parts of the plant is essential for both commercial farming and pharmacological research.