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Dragon fruit: Its health benefits & nutraceuticals applications
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Thursday, 18 September, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Reeva Sood
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 Dragon fruit, also known by a variety of names such as pitaya, night-blooming cereus, strawberry pear, and the queen of the night, belongs to the family Cactaceae and is classified under the genera Hylocereus and Selenicereus. This tropical epiphytic cactus is characterised by its green, succulent stems with three-winged outlines, which can either have spines or be spineless. The plant’s distinctive features, including its vibrant pink or yellow skin, along with its rich and diverse nutritional profile, have made it an increasingly popular choice in the world of functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Dragon fruit is not only celebrated for its unique appearance but also for its versatile nutritional and phytochemical properties. The pulp, peel, and seeds are all nutritionally rich, containing essential components that make it a valuable dietary addition. The pulp of dragon fruit is packed with carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, fats enriched with essential fatty acids, vitamins (including B1, B2, B12, C, and E), and key minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. The seeds, in particular, are a notable source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, as well as tocopherols.
Dragon fruit’s peel, pulp, and seeds are also rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, betalains, and flavonoids, which contribute to its potent antioxidant activity. These compounds neutralise free radicals and prevent cellular damage, thus promoting overall health. Betalains, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids are present in high concentrations and are primarily responsible for the fruit's strong antioxidant capacity.
The health-promoting potential of dragon fruit stems largely from its bioactive substances, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. These compounds are known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties, all of which contribute to the fruit's role as a functional food and nutraceutical.
- Antioxidant Activity: Research has shown that dragon fruit contains significant levels of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, which have been proven effective in neutralising harmful free radicals. These antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of dragon fruit make it beneficial for managing conditions associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis, while its potential anti-cancer activity has been attributed to its flavonoids and betalains. Studies suggest that these compounds may inhibit cancer cell growth and promote apoptosis.
- Anti-Diabetic Effects: Dragon fruit has also shown promise in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a potential natural treatment for diabetes. Several studies have highlighted its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitising properties, particularly its ability to improve glucose tolerance and reduce blood sugar spikes.
- Gut Health and Colon Cancer Prevention: The high fibre content in dragon fruit contributes to its ability to enhance gut health. The presence of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in the fruit increases the beneficial microbiota in the gut, helping to prevent colon cancer. Additionally, its fibre content supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in detoxification.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Dragon fruit’s antioxidant-rich composition helps in managing cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. Its high levels of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, also contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving lipid profiles.
- Weight Management: Due to its low-calorie content and high fiber, dragon fruit has potential benefits for weight management. The fruit helps promote satiety, which may reduce overall calorie intake and prevent obesity.
- Immune Boosting: The rich vitamin C content, along with other bioactive compounds, supports the immune system by enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms against infections.
Due to its high concentrations of bioactive compounds, dragon fruit is increasingly being used in nutraceuticals and functional foods. The aqueous extracts of various parts of the plant, including the peel, pulp, and seeds, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in treating a range of health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Moreover, the fruit’s bioactive compounds have shown promising results in wound healing and anti-cancer applications, which are of significant interest in pharmacological research. As a nutraceutical, dragon fruit is incorporated into dietary supplements, juices, and health foods, offering an easy and effective way for individuals to harness its therapeutic benefits.
Originally native to Mexico and northern South America, dragon fruit has become a globally cultivated crop due to its adaptability to tropical and subtropical climates. Key producing countries, such as Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, have capitalised on the favourable climatic conditions for growing dragon fruit, which thrives in regions with annual rainfall between 25 and 50 inches and tolerates temperatures up to 40°C. To make it more challenging I have grown it at my farm at Gunghrala village, Tehsil Amb, District Una, Himachal Pradesh, India with best quality and also titled as Dragon fruit lady of Himachal Pradesh.
While initially valued for its exotic appeal and vibrant appearance, the growing awareness of its health benefits has led to increased commercial demand. Dragon fruit is now widely available in global markets, both fresh and processed into various functional food products, from juices to snack bars.
Dragon fruit stands out as a powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds, with remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. The diverse health benefits of this tropical fruit, coupled with its adaptability and nutrient-rich profile, have led to its growing recognition in the world of nutraceuticals and functional foods. As ongoing research continues to uncover the therapeutic potential of dragon fruit, it is expected to play a more prominent role in both dietary and medicinal applications in the future.
(The author is MD at Agriva Naturally Ltd, Una, H.P.
She can be reached at agrivanaturally@gmail.com)
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