Opuntia Ficus Indica (Barbary pear, cactus pear, Indian fig, Indian pear, nopal, prickly pear)
Classes: Metabolic & Endocrine, Herbals; Neurology & Psychiatry, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Barbary pear, cactus pear (opuntia ficus indica)
Diabetes
Broiled stems: 100-500 g/ div TId
Opuntia streptacantha species only
Alcohol-Induced Hangover
Extract: 1600 international units PO taken 5 hours prior to alcohol ingestion
BPH
Dried, powdered flower: 500 mg PO TId
Suggested uses of Barbary pear, cactus pear (opuntia ficus indica)
Alcohol hangover, male urinary discomfort & BPH, type 2 diabetes
May contain hypoglycemic polysaccharides
Efficacy
Study provides evidence of reducing hangover symptoms [Wiese et al., Arch Internal Med., 164:1334-40 (2004)]
Studies support some hypoglycemic effect in Type 2 diabetes patients
Insufficient evidence to support use for BPH. More studies needed
Barbary pear, cactus pear (opuntia ficus indica) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
None significant
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy (roots)
Cautions
May not work effectively with high-fiber foods
Pregnancy, any medical condition
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: NA
Lactation: unknown
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Barbary pear, cactus pear (opuntia ficus indica)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Apparently in part through anti-inflammatory mechanisms