The generative and vegetative components of cacti have long held a place in traditional

medicine, and some of their benefits have been supported by research. Due to their appealing
qualities, cacti, fruits, and cladodes are currently the subject of several studies. Therefore,
summarizing reports of useful medicinal plant qualities may be a smart strategy to introduce
researchers to a new source of medicines with fewer side effects and more efficacy. Opuntia
dillenii, a well-known Cactaceae family member, grows in tropical, subtropical, desert, and
semi-arid regions and is utilized as a medicine in many different nations. It demonstrates a range
of pharmacological effects, including hypotensive, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-
inflammatory, and antioxidant. OD fruit also contains beneficial components including betalains,
ascorbic acid, total phenol, protein as well as essential elements which suggest the signifcant
potential of this plant as a complementary therapy against several pathological conditions. Tis
review describes experimental evidence about pharmacological and therapeutic potential of OD
in order to give the basis of its application in the prevention and treatment of some chronic
diseases. More studies on OD can help better understanding of its pharmacological mechanism
of action to explain its traditional uses and to identify its potential new therapeutic applications.