Opuntia Ficus Indica (Barbary pear, cactus pear, Indian fig, Indian pear, nopal, prickly pear)

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