A Comprehensive Review on the Pharmacological Activities of Hylocereus Polyrhizus and Ananas Comosus

Fruits are integral components of the human diet, not only because of their palatability and nutritional value but also due to their medicinal properties. Among the wide variety of fruits consumed globally, Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) have gained prominence due to their vibrant appearance, rich phytochemical content, and diverse pharmacological activities. These tropical fruits are cultivated in many regions of the world and are appreciated not only for their exotic flavor and texture but also for their functional and therapeutic benefits. Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) , also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit belonging to the Cactaceae family. It is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and more recently, in parts of India and Australia. The fruit originates from several species within the genus Hylocereus, with the most commonly cultivated being Hylocereus undatus, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Hylocereus costaricensisn. Types and Color Variants Red dragon fruit can be broadly classified into the following main types, based on the color of the skin and pulp: White-fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) – This variety has a bright pink or red peel with white flesh and small black seeds. It is the most commonly available type in the global market.  Red-fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis / Hylocereus polyrhizus) – Characterized by both red skin and deep red to magenta-colored pulp. This type is rich in betalains, giving it its distinctive hue and superior antioxidant potential.  Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) – Though technically from a different genus, this variety has a yellow peel with white pulp and is known for its higher sweetness and lower acidity. The intense coloration in red and yellow varieties is due to natural pigments such as betalains, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, which not only contribute to the fruit’s visual appeal but also enhance its pharmacological efficacy, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Pineapple (Ananas comosus), a tropical fruit belonging to the family Bromeliaceae, is native to South America and is now widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is valued not only for its unique sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture but also for its rich phytochemical profile and medicinal properties that support various pharmacological applications. Traditionally used in folk medicine, pineapple has garnered scientific attention due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and anticancer effects. Pineapple fruits are cylindrical or conical in shape, composed of fused berries, and exhibit a vibrant yellow to golden flesh when ripe. The skin may range from green to reddish-brown, depending on the maturity and cultivar. The edible pulp is succulent, fibrous, and aromatic, with the characteristic sweet acidity attributed to the presence of organic acids such as citric and malic acids. Several varieties or cultivars of pineapple are cultivated globally, including:

• Smooth Cayenne – the most common commercial variety, known for its juiciness and high sugar-acid balance.
• Queen – smaller in size with a more fragrant aroma and deeper yellow flesh.
• Red Spanish – more fibrous and resistant to disease, commonly grown in the Caribbean.
• MD2 (Del Monte Gold) – a newer hybrid known for its sweeter taste, longer shelf life, and higher vitamin C content.

Pineapple is a reservoir of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, including vitamins (A, B1, B6, C), minerals (calcium, potassium, manganese), and dietary fiber. A key component that distinguishes pineapple from many other fruits is bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex predominantly found in the stem and fruit. Bromelain exhibits wide-ranging therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, and digestive properties, making pineapple highly relevant in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations.

1. Plant Profile:
   1. Red Dragon:

Red dragon fruit, also called Hylocereus polyrhizus, is a tropical fruit with bright red flesh. It is grown in many countries, including India. The peel of the fruit contains natural compounds like antioxidants and flavonoids, which help protect the stomach lining. Because of these properties, red dragon fruit is studied for its ability to prevent and heal stomach ulcers.

Fig: 1 Red Dragon Fruit

• Synonym: Hylocereus Monacanthus, Cereus Monacathus, Hylocerus Triangularis Varmonacanthus, Selenicerus Triangularis Var.Monacanthus.
• Biological Source:  The biological source of Red Drgon fruit is Hylocereus polyrhizus
• Family:  Cacteacae.

2.1.1 Taxonomy Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Clade:   Tracheophytes
• Clade:   Angiosperms
• Clade:   Eudicots
• Order:   Caryophyllales
• Family:  Cacteacae
• Genus:  Selenicereus
• Species: Selenicereus monacanthus

2.1.2 Vernacular names:

• Spanish:  Pitahaya Roja
• Peru:       Pitahaya silvestre
• English:   Red Dragon Fruit
• Tamil:      ??????? ??????? ????

2.1.3 Description:

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a bright pink fruit with red flesh and tiny black seeds. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and grows on a climbing cactus plant.

2.1.4 Morphology:

Plant type– Selenicereus monacanthus is a climbing, epiphytic cactus with triangular green stems and small spines along its ribs. It produces large, fragrant, white night-blooming flowers. The fruit is red-skinned with vibrant red pulp and edible black seeds. Aerial roots help the plant cling to surfaces. It is widely cultivated for its fruit, known as red dragon fruit.

Habit: Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R. Huntisa climbing, epiphytic actus with fleshy, green,3-angled(occasionally4-angled)stems,2–4cm wide, bearing undulate ribs with small areoles and 1–3 short, stiff spines

Leaves: Selenicereus Monacanthus does not have true leaves. Like most cacti, it has highly reduced leaves that are modified into spines, which emerge from small areoles along the stem ribs. The green, fleshy stems function as the main photo synthetic organs and are often mistaken for leaves due to their flattened, ribbed appearance.

Fruit: The fruit is a fleshy, oval to oblong berry, typically red or reddish-pink on the outside with scaly bracts (small leaf-like structures). The inner pulp is bright red to magenta, juicy, and contains numerous small black seeds. The fruit is edible, sweet, and commonly marketed as red dragon fruit. It develops after successful pollination of the large, nocturnal flowers.

Seed:  Seeds are tiny, black, and embedded in the red, juicy pulp of the fruit. They are numerous and dispersed along with the edible flesh. Red dragon Fruit Peel, the Americas, and parts of Australia and Israel. The plant is drought-tolerant and well-suited to tropical and subtropical regions

Fig: 2 Different Types of Red Dragon Fruit

2.1.5 Chemical Consituents:

Betacyanins:  such as betanin and Phyllocactin exhibit strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress in gastric tissues—a key factor in ulcer pathogenesis.

Flavonoids: like quercetin and kaempferol modulate gastric acid secretion, inhibit the H?/K?-ATPase pump, and enhance mucosal defenses.

Phenolic:  compounds such as gallic acid and ferulic acid further contribute by reducing inflammation and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) plays a role in mucosal healing and collagen synthesis, accelerating ulcer repair.

Tannins:  form protective layers on the gastric lining, helping resist irritants such as NSAIDs.

2.1.6 Chemical Structure:

Flavanoids

Fig: 3 Chemical Structure

2.1.7 Medicinal Uses:

• Anti-Ulcer-Protects gastric mucosa, enhances mucus secretion, reduces acid and inflammation.
• Antioxidant-High in Betacyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C — fights oxidative stress.
• Anti-Inflammatory-Reduces inflammation in tissues by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Antibacterial -Inhibits bacteria including Helicobacter pylori and other pathogens.
• Antidiabetic- Regulates blood glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Anticancer-Exhibits cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines due to polyphenols and flavonoids.
• Cardioprotective-Improves lipid profile, reduces LDL cholesterol, and supports heart health.
• Hepatoprotective-Protects liver from toxins and supports detoxification.
• Wound healing -Accelerates healing due to antioxidants and vitamin C.
  2. Pineapple:

Pineapple leaf comes from Ananas comosus, a tropical plant of the Bromeliaceae family. It contains natural compounds like bromelain and flavonoids. These leaves are used in traditional medicine for their anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and healing properties.

Fig: 4 Pine Apple

• Synonyms: Ananas, Ananas comosus, Pina, pine apple, Nanas
• Biological Source: The Biological source of Ananas Comosus
• Family:  Bromeliaceae

2.2.1 Taxonomy Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Order: Poales
• Family: Bromeliaceae
• Genus: Ananas
• Species: Ananas comosus

2.2.2. Vernacular Names:

• Hindi: Ananas
• Tamil: ???????
• Telugu: An?sa Pandu
• Kannada: Ananas Hannu
• Malayalam:  Anan?s
• Oriya (Odia):  Anan?sa
• Sanskrit: Madhuphala
• English: Pineapple
• Spanish: Piña
• French: Ananas

2.2.3 Description:

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit with a rough, spiky outer skin and sweet, juicy yellow flesh.

MORPHOLOGY:

Leaves: The inflorescence is a terminal spike bearing small purple or Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an herbaceous perennial with a short stem and a rosette of long, spiny, linear reddish flowers. Fruits are formed by the fusion of individual berries into a large, compound fruit. The plant grows about 1–1.5 meters tall. It belongs to the family Bromeliaceous.

Fruit: The pineapple fruit is a multiple fruit (also called a syncarp), formed by the fusion of individual berries from many flowers in a compact inflorescence. Each eye on the surface represents a single flower. The fruit is fleshy, juicy, and scented, with a tough, spiny outer rind and a central fibrous core.

Fig: 5 Different Types of Pine Apple

2.2.5 Composition of Phytochemicals:

Pineapple is rich in a variety of bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its nutritional and medicinal value. The most notable compound is bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex found mainly in the stem and fruit, known for its anti-inflammatory. Bromelain – A digestive enzyme with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

• Bromelain – A digestive enzyme with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
• Vitamin C – A strong antioxidant that boosts immunity and supports skin and tissue repair.
• Flavonoids – Compounds like quercetin and kaempferol that protect against oxidative stress.
• Phenolic Acids – Includes gallic and ferulic acids; they have antioxidant and anti-ulcer effects.

2.2.6 Chemical Structure:

Epicatechin

Fig: 6 Chemical Structure

2.2.7 Medicinal Uses:

• Digestive Aid: Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps in digestion by breaking down proteins, reducing bloating, and improving gut health.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, useful in reducing swelling, arthritis pain, and sinusitis.
• Immune System Booster: Rich in vitamin C, pineapple helps strengthen the immune system and protects against infections and common colds.
• Wound Healing: The antioxidants and enzymes in pineapple promote faster healing of wounds and post-surgical recovery.
• Antioxidant and Anti-cancer Effects:  Contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help in neutralizing free radicals and may reduce the risk of some cancers.
• Cardiovascular Health: Pineapple helps in reducing blood clot formation and may support heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
• Anti-ulcer Activity: Some studies have shown pineapple may help protect the gastric mucosa and reduce ulcer formation, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anti-microbial Activity: Pineapple extract exhibits antibacterial and antifungal effects against certain pathogens.

LITERATURE REVIEW:

3.1 Review for Red Dragon Fruit:

Table: 1 Review of Red Dragon Fruit