The Opuntia, or prickly pear cactus, is commonly found in the southern area of North America such as Mexico, and the southwest area of the United States. The stem and flowers of this unique cactus have been a staple food in that region for centuries and they are also utilized in the medical community to treat various ailments.
Prickly pear cactus contains pectin, a complex carbohydrate found in plants, as well as fiber, which is the indigestible portion of the plant that aids in digestion. This plant is a wonderful source of flavonoids such as kaempferol, narcissin and quercetin.
Opuntia is used commercially in many products, such as jelly, juice, teas, and alcoholic beverages. Native Americans used prickly pear cactus to treat burns in a similar fashion to aloe Vera, and it is a staple of Mexican folk medicine.
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Prickly Pear Cactus Functions Prickly pear cactus has shown to be effective in treating Type 2 diabetes. The stem of the Opuntia Streptacantha species of the prickly pear cactus has been reported to lower levels of blood sugar by as much as 45% in only one dose. Other species of prickly pe... more
Prickly pear cactus has shown to be effective in treating Type 2 diabetes. The stem of the Opuntia Streptacantha species of the prickly pear cactus has been reported to lower levels of blood sugar by as much as 45% in only one dose. Other species of prickly pear cactus are not effective and the stems of the plant must be cooked. Raw stems are also ineffective.
Another common ailment that prickly pear is used to treat is hangover due to alcohol consumption. Prior to drinking alcoholic beverages, you can take an extract of this plant in order to reduce or eliminate nausea, dry mouth, and other uncomfortable hangover symptoms. Oddly enough however, prickly pear cactus does not treat soreness, headache, or dizziness all of which also usually accompany a common hangover.
Keep in mind that most of the research done on Opuntia was done by Mexico’s biomedical research unit at the Mexican Institute for Social Security located in Mexico City. There is little definitive evidence to prove whether the uses below are actually accurate, though many in the medical community see promising results in the primary research that has been done.
There is some inconclusive evidence that prickly pear can be used to treat various other ailments such as diarrhea, high cholesterol, colitis, lipid disorders, ulcers, inflammation, infections due to viruses, and men with a prostate that is enlarged. Men who have an engorged prostate usually feel fullness in their bladder even after urination as well as strong urged to go frequently. Some evidence proposes that taking a daily dose of Opuntia Streptacantha can reduce or eliminate some of these indications.
Athletes have also found many benefits regarding prickly pear cactus. Prickly pear is said to give an energy boost, and reduce soreness after strenuous activity such as weight training and exercise. According to many physicians who treat professional athletes prickly pear cactus is very useful as a performance enhancing supplement.
Occasionally prickly pear cactus may have some mild side effects. These typically include nausea, headache and diarrhea.
If you are pregnant or nursing you should refrain from taking Opuntia Streptacantha as there is not enough information on the possible hazards to determine a safe dose.
Because prickly pear cactus may alter the level of sugar in the blood stream, you should take care while using it if you are diabetic. Look out for symptoms of hyperglycemia (low levels of blood sugar) such as trembling, anxiety, sweating, hunger, confusion, clammy skin and irritability. This may also become an issue both as a surgery is happening and afterwards, so you should cease taking prickly pear cactus two weeks prior to a surgical procedure.
There are various medications that have adverse interactions involving prickly pear cactus. Prickly pear sometimes has adverse reactions when paired with anti-diabetes medications such as insulin, glipizide, glimepiride, and other medications that are used to lower blood sugar. Often the dosage of anti-diabetes meds must be adjusted.
The drugs Chlorpropamide, Metformin and Glyburide are used to lower diabetic’s blood sugar. As with other medications used for diabetics, blood sugar levels should be closely observed. Prickly pear cactus may force blood sugar levels to dip too low and your dose of these drugs may need adjusting.
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| Diarrhea |
| Nausea |
| Headaches |
| Lower Blood Sugar |
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| Athletic Performance |
| Diabetes |
| Digestion |
| Energy |
| Hangover |
| Lowering Blood Sugar Levels |
| Reduce Soreness After Workouts |