Nopal's therapeutic uses
Nopal, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is recognized for its numerous therapeutic uses and nutritional benefits, particularly in traditional Mexican culture. This plant has been utilized for various health purposes, particularly in managing diabetes, as studies have indicated its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, nopal has been studied for alleviating hangover symptoms, with evidence suggesting it reduces nausea, appetite loss, and dry mouth by addressing inflammation. Beyond these, nopal is also proposed to support high cholesterol management, prostate health, and digestive wellness, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research has highlighted nopal’s potential in promoting weight management by curbing appetite and aiding digestion. Furthermore, it is being explored for its topical applications, such as treating wounds and burns. While nopal is generally considered safe due to its common use as food, caution is advised for specific populations, including young children and pregnant or nursing women. Overall, nopal’s diverse uses in health and nutrition make it a subject of growing interest in both traditional and modern medicine.
Nopal's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Diabetes, hangover from alcohol use
OTHER PROPOSED USES: High cholesterol, prostate enlargement, regulate blood sugar, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, weight management, digestive health, skin health, immune support
Overview
The nopal, or prickly pear cactus, is one of the major national symbols of Mexico and appears on the Mexican flag. This cactus has a long history of use as food and medicine. Its fleshy, leaflike stems (cladodes), especially when young, are eaten as vegetables. The fruit is eaten raw, fermented into a beer, or turned into a cheeselike food. Medicinally, nopal fruit, stems, and flowers have been used to treat diabetes, stomach problems, fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising, prostate enlargement, and liver disease. Nopal is also a significant source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Therapeutic Dosages
The optimum dosage and the most active species of nopal cactus have not been established. Some double-blind studies have used a special extract made from the skin of the fruit of Opuntia ficus indica.
Therapeutic Uses
Although the results of animal studies and human trials are somewhat contradictory, they suggest that nopal fruit and stems might benefit diabetes. Emerging double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have shown nopal is effective for controlling blood sugar and may be a valuable adjuvant therapy for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
One study of nopal involved use of the cactus for treating hangover symptoms. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sixty-four people, use of an extract made from the skin of nopal fruit significantly reduced hangover symptoms compared with a placebo. The greatest improvements were seen in symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. Overall, the rate of severe hangover symptoms was 50 percent lower in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. The researchers involved in this study hypothesized that hangovers are caused by inflammation and that the herb reduced inflammation.
As the twenty-first century progressed, more clinical human studies of nopal's benefits were undertaken. A 2012 study found that nopal might be beneficial in regulating blood sugar. In 2013, researchers determined that nopal had antioxidant properties. Finally, in 2014, a study showed that nopal had neuroprotective benefits that prevented cellar nerve damage. Nopal is also believed to be an effective antiviral alternative treatment.
There is weak evidence that nopal fruit, leaves, or stems might be helpful for improving cholesterol profile. Other studies suggest that nopal stems and fruit might have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and stomach-protective effects. Finally, test-tube studies suggest that the flower of the nopal cactus might be helpful for prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
There is weak evidence that nopal fruit, leaves, or stems might be helpful for improving cholesterol profile. Other studies suggest that nopal stems and fruit have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and stomach-protective effects. Test-tube studies indicate that the flower of the nopal cactus might be helpful for prostate enlargement (BPH). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of nopal may protect free radicals, which can lead to chronic health conditions. Nopal is also being investigated for its role in weight management, as it has shown the ability to help control appetite by promoting feelings of fullness. Nopal is suggested to promote regular bowel movements, playing a role in digestive health, and it has been offered as a topical treatment for wounds and burns.
Safety Issues
As a widely eaten food, nopal is presumed safe. However, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Bacardi-Gascon, Montserrat, et al. "Lowering Effect on Postprandial Glycemic Response of Nopales Added to Mexican Breakfasts." Diabetes Care, vol. 30, no. 5, 1 May 2007, pp. 1264-1265, doi.org/10.2337/dc06-2506. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.
Linares, E., C. Thimonier, and M. Degre. "The Effect of NeOpuntia on Blood Lipid Parameters: Risk Factors for the Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)." Advances in Therapy, vol. 24, 2007, pp. 1115-1125.
Meeks, Sade. "Nopal Cactus: Benefits, Recipes, and Nutrition." Medical News Today, 25 Jan. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320293. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.
Wiese, J., et al. "Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on Symptoms of the Alcohol Hangover." Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 164, 2004, pp. 1334-1340.
Wilson, Debra Rose, and Ana Gotter. "Nopal Cactus: Benefits and Uses." Healthline, 26 May 2017, www.healthline.com/health/nopal. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.
Zerastsky, Katherine. "I've seen prickly pear cactus promoted as a superfood. What's behind the hype?" Mayo Clinic, 6 Dec. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/prickly-pear-cactus/faq-20057771. Accessed 18 Sept. 2024.