Evidence supporting the use of: Prickly Pear Cactus
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) has been studied for its potential effects in reducing symptoms associated with alcohol hangovers rather than for treating alcoholism itself. The most notable scientific evidence comes from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004. In this study, participants who consumed prickly pear extract five hours before drinking reported significantly reduced severity of hangover symptoms, particularly nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. The proposed mechanism is the plant's anti-inflammatory effects, as it appears to reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that rises after alcohol consumption. However, there is no robust evidence or tradition supporting prickly pear cactus as a treatment for alcohol dependence or alcoholism itself. Most available research addresses only the mitigation of acute aftereffects of alcohol intake, not the underlying disorder of addiction. No studies to date have demonstrated that prickly pear cactus influences alcohol craving, withdrawal, or relapse rates. While its use for hangover symptoms is backed by limited clinical research, its use for treating alcoholism lacks both scientific and traditional support.

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