Medicinal plants are extensively studied as source for discovery of new drugs. The study of the biological properties from medicinal species to provide security in its use. This study aimed toa literature review about Opuntia spp, related with antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor activities, in scientific databases, such as Scielo, LILACS, PubMed and CAPES/MEC Periodicals, using Opuntia spp. AND Antioxidant activity, Opuntia spp. AND Antimicrobial activity and Opuntia spp. AND Antitumor activity in Portuguese, English and Spanish, as descriptors. It were found 132 manuscripts in total, 25 containing antioxidant activity, 79 containing antimicrobial activity and 28 containing antitumor activity. The present study provides support for the development of new researches in area of medicinal natural products.