Opuntia spp mucilage's:: a functional component with industrial perspectives

Opuntia genus is widely known for its mucilage production. Mucilage, a complex carbohydrate with a great capacity to absorb water, should be considered a potential source of industrial hydrocolloid. Mucilage contains varying proportions of L-arabinose, D-galactose, L-rhamnose, and D-xylose, as well as galacturonic acid. The mucilage content found in the cactus cladodes is influenced not only by the management of the crop but is also dependent on the temperature, irrigation and the rain. In some countries, small farmers use cactus mucilage to purify drinking water. Another traditional use is for improving house paint. Recently, a cactus cladode extract was tested to improve water infiltration in soils. Other properties of cactus mucilage, particularity culinary uses, have also been mentioned. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.