Overview

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a plant native to Mexico. Its fruit and stems are commonly eaten and used as medicine in Mexican cultures.

Prickly pear cactus might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels by reducing how much the stomach absorbs.

People most commonly use prickly pear cactus for diabetes. It is also used for enlarged prostate, hangover, high cholesterol, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Diabetes. Taking prickly pear cactus by mouth can help to lower blood sugar levels after eating in people with diabetes. It's unclear if long-term use can consistently lower blood sugar levels.
There is interest in using prickly pear cactus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Prickly pear cactus is likely safe when the fruit and cactus pads are eaten as food. The pads and fruit are possibly safe when taken as medicine for a short period of time. Prickly pear cactus can cause minor side effects in some people, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and heartburn.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Prickly pear cactus is likely safe when the fruit and cactus pads are eaten as food. The pads and fruit are possibly safe when taken as medicine for a short period of time. Prickly pear cactus can cause minor side effects in some people, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and heartburn.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if prickly pear cactus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgery: Prickly pear cactus might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using prickly pear cactus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS

    Prickly pear cactus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking prickly pear cactus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of prickly pear cactus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.