Prickly Pear Cactus
Other names for Prickly Pear Cactus
cactinea
cactus
cactus powder
certified organic nopal
certified organic nopal powder
dm33 prickly pear (opuntia ficus-indica) 9:1 flower extract
dm33(tm) prickly pear (opuntia ficus-indica) 9:1 flower extract
edible cactus
green nopal pad concentrate
insuspike prickly pear cactus extract
neopuntia
neopuntia extract
neopuntia prickly pear
neopuntia(r)
nopal
nopal 10:1 extract
nopal cactus
nopal/cactus
nopal cactus cladode
nopal cactus extract
nopal cactus fruit
nopal cactus fruit extract
nopal cactus (opuntia ficus-indica) leaf extract
nopal (cactus) powder
nopal cactus, powder
nopal cactus (prickly pear) extract
nopal cactus whole cactus extract, dry
nopal cladode powder
nopales
nopal extract
nopal extract concentrate
nopal (fruit) concentrate
nopal fruit concentrate
nopal fruit puree
nopal leaf extract
nopal (leaf) powder
nopal opuntia cactus
nopal opuntia spp.
nopal (opuntia streptacantha) cactus powder
nopal oputina cactus
nopal, powder
opuntia extract
opuntia ficus-indica
opuntia ficus-indica cladode extract
opuntia ficus indica extract
opuntia ficus-indica extract
opuntia ficus-indica leaf powder
opuntia ficus-indica, powder
opuntia ficus-indica whole cactus extract, dry
opuntia phaeacantha
opuntia streptacantha
organic certified nopal juice
organic freeze dried nopal cactus
organic nopal
organic nopal cactus
organic nopal cactus leaf powder
organic nopal cactus powder
organic prickly pear
organic prickly pear fruit extract
prickley pear cactus leaf extract
prickley pear extract
prickly pear
prickly pear cactus
prickly pear cactus cladode extract
prickly pear cactus extract
prickly pear cactus extract, powder
prickly pear cactus glycerite liquid extract
prickly pear cactus leaf
prickly pear cactus leaf extract
prickly pear cactus, powder
prickly pear cladode extract
prickly pear concentrate
prickly pear extract
prickly pear, freeze-dried
prickly pear, freeze-dried, fresh
prickly pear fruit extract
prickly pear fruit & pad extract
prickly pear fruit powder
prickly pear leaf extract
prickly pear leaf pad concentrate, freeze-dried
prickly pear leaf powder
prickly pear (opuntia ficus-indica) fruit powder
prickly pear (opuntiaficus-indica) (leaf) powder
prickly pear pad & fruit skins extract
prickly pear powder
prickly pear, powder
prickly pear puree
raw nopal cactus
red nopal fruit puree concentrate
wildcrafted nopal cactus
wildcrafted nopal cactus extract
wildcrafted nopal cactus (optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract
wild harvested nopal cactus extract
Prickly Pear Cactus Fiber
Prickly Pear Leaf
Synopsis of Prickly Pear Cactus
History
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia species) has a rich history of medicinal use, particularly among indigenous peoples of the Americas and in traditional Mexican medicine. For centuries, its pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) have served as natural remedies for a variety of health conditions. Ancient Aztecs and Native American tribes utilized prickly pear to address wounds, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions. The gel-like interior of the pads was applied to burns and wounds as a soothing, protective dressing, harnessing its hydrating and antimicrobial properties.
Internally, prickly pear was historically consumed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a traditional support for diabetes and metabolic health. Its high fiber content and abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals contributed to its reputation as a tonic for digestive wellness and general vitality. Folk remedies also included the use of prickly pear for supporting liver health, reducing hangover symptoms, and easing gastric discomfort.
In herbal combinations, prickly pear is often paired with other botanicals such as milk thistle, dandelion, or aloe vera to amplify liver and digestive support. Its unique blend of nutrients and bioactive compounds makes it a valuable addition to detoxification formulas, blood sugar management supplements, and blends aimed at promoting hydration and cellular health. Today, the prickly pear cactus continues to earn recognition for its remarkable contributions to holistic wellness, offering time-tested benefits in both traditional remedies and modern nutritional products.
Traditional and scientific validation
The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mexico and the Mediterranean region. Historically, both the pads (known as nopal) and the fruit (tuna) have been consumed as food and utilized for their purported health benefits, including support for blood sugar regulation, digestive health, and inflammation reduction.
Scientific investigations into prickly pear cactus have revealed a rich profile of bioactive compounds, such as fiber, antioxidants (notably betanin and indicaxanthin), vitamins, and minerals. Several clinical studies have explored its potential benefits. For example, some research suggests that prickly pear may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes in people with type 2 diabetes, likely due to its high soluble fiber content. Other studies have investigated its effects on cholesterol, with some indicating modest improvements in lipid profiles. Additionally, prickly pear’s antioxidant content has been examined for its potential to combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
While these early findings are promising, it is important to note that results across studies have been mixed, and more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages. Nonetheless, prickly pear cactus remains a popular ingredient in nutritional products due to its nutrient density and historical significance. Its inclusion may contribute to a healthy diet, especially as part of a balanced and varied nutritional plan.
Prickly Pear Cactus is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Alcoholism (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hangover (Scientific)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Prickly Pear Cactus is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Pancreas Head (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
