Cactaceae
Opuntia ficus-indica
Prickly Pear Cactus
Location
In front of School of Molecular Medicine, JNU
Traditional use
Traditionally used to help regulate blood sugar levels, support immunity and hydration, and manage cholesterol; regarded in folk use as having antioxidant properties.
Evidence status: Experimentally demonstrated
A 2022 comprehensive review confirms antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypercholesterolemic activity from the plant's phenolic and flavonoid content, and a 2026 rat study (oral glucose tolerance test, STZ-induced diabetes model) found measurable blood-glucose-lowering effects.
Evidence base: animal (rat) models
Abbas, E.Y., Ezzat, M.I., El Hefnawy, H.M., Abdel-Sattar, E. (2022). An overview and update on the chemical composition and potential health benefits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Journal of Food Biochemistry. doi:10.1111/jfbc.14310
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