Cactus of the genus Opuntia is native to several arid regions, around the world such as Africa, Australia and in the Mediterranean. This cactus is a peculiar plant; their chemical composition, depend on the interaction with the climatic conditions and stages of maturity, their anatomy and physiology permits it survive under stress of extreme climate conditions, being an alternative harvest for regions where the availability of water is limited. Cactus prickly pads also can prevent or ameliorate the soil erosion and deforestation, because their adaptation to the water scarcity, also. The present review has been carried out to achieve and analyze the main knowledge in the implicated factors for the establishment of structural and chemical content of Opuntia. ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Prickly pads when fresh young are, have been consumed in Mexico and Unites States, cooking by different methods. Furthermore, the older prickly pads are frequently used as forage for livestock, especially when other fresh forage is scarce in dry station. Organic foods i.e. prickly pads, maintained without chemical substances like pesticides and insecticides treatments are alternative food sources since they contribute to human health maintenance, i.e. for prevent diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. The Cactus offer an opportunity to carry out studies related to their environmental interactions, nutritional values. Taking benefit of the fiber content of young prickly pads or the mineral content from oldest one pads, because their fluctuations along the life cycle at extremely environmental conditions, related with the plants sense a stressful environment conditions.