Nopal

Nopal/Drug Interactions:

  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: In vitro, glycoprotein isolated from Opuntiaficus-indica var. saboten Makino inhibited histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mice serum (3). It also suppressed the expression of MAPK (ERK1/2) and antiallergic proteins (iNOS and COX-2).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro, nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica var. villanueva L.) extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholerae, as evidenced by disruption of the cell membrane, causing increased membrane permeability, a decrease in cytoplasmic pH, cell membrane hyperpolarization, and a decrease in cellular ATP concentration (17).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In human research, significantly reduced platelet factor-4 and beta-thromboglobulin, as well as changes in plasma 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DH-TXB2), were observed following prickly pear consumption in healthy patients and in patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (25).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: According to human research, broiled nopal stems, nopal extract, or dietary cactus ingestion may lower blood sugar levels (35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40). Hypoglycemia due to combined use of hypoglycemics and nopal has been reported (41). In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). Conversely, a nonsignificant increase in blood glucose levels was observed following administration of Nopalea cochinellifera in mice (64).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In vitro, glycoprotein isolated from Opuntiaficus-indica var. saboten Makino inhibited histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mice serum (3). It also suppressed the expression of MAPK (ERK1/2) and antiallergic proteins (iNOS and COX-2).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: According to animal research, the methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii cladodes and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I, may lower blood pressure (44).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: In vitro (human chondrocytes), extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica had anti-inflammatory activity, potentially due to action on nitric oxide (NO), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), prostaglandins (PGE(2)), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (69). According to in vitro research, Opuntia humifusa Raf. chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions may block the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (4). Moreover, the ethyl acetate fractions may block the expression of IL-1beta from the RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In human research, an extract of the Opuntia ficus-indica plant had a moderate effect on reducing hangover symptoms, apparently by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators (47).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: According to human research, nopal may decrease serum lipids (43), while in another clinical trial, significant changes were lacking for triglycerides and HDL (6). In animal research, a diet supplemented with nopal pectin lowered plasma LDL cholesterol, lowered hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations, and increased hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression (Bmax) (70; 71; 72). However, in another animal study, LDL density was shown to be increased (71).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, Opuntia humifusa extracts inhibited the growth of U87MG human glioblastoma cells, as evidenced by G1 arrest, nonapoptotic cell death, and increases in ROS production (16).
  • AntispasmodicsAntispasmodics: In animal research, Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. extract reduced spontaneous contractions in the mouse ileum; this effect was unaffected by tetrodotoxin (a neuronal blocker), N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase blocker), tetraethylammonium (a potassium channel blocker), or atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) (73). Furthermore, it reduced carbachol-induced contractions without affecting those induced by high extracellular potassium.
  • Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAntiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: Prickly pear may act as an acid absorber (74). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: According to in vitro research, an extract of the cactus plant Opuntia streptacantha may inhibit DNA and RNA intracellular virus replication and inactivate extracellular viruses (12). In vitro, ethanol extracts containing pheophorbide A and pyropheophorbide A from the stem of Opuntia ficus-indica showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and influenza A virus (IFV-A); a lack of activity against polio virus type 1 (PV-1) was observed (13).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: According to human research, nopal may decrease serum lipids (43), while in another clinical trial, significant changes were lacking for triglycerides and HDL (6). In animal research, a diet supplemented with nopal pectin lowered plasma LDL cholesterol, lowered hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations, and increased hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression (Bmax) (70; 71; 72). However, in another animal study, LDL density was shown to be increased (71). According to animal research, the methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii cladodes and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I, may lower blood pressure (44).
  • ChlorpropamideChlorpropamide: According to a case study, use of prickly pear cactus and chlorpropamide concomitantly may increase the hypoglycemic effect and levels of insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (42).
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: In rats, Cacti-NeaT, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, significantly increased urine volumes, with a lack of observed differences in the urine concentration of sodium, potassium and uric acid (75).
  • Drugs that may lower the seizure thresholdDrugs that may lower the seizure threshold: In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63).
  • GlipizideGlipizide: A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63).
  • Hepatotoxic agentsHepatotoxic agents: According to an animal study, the juice of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit may protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity, possibly due to flavonoids, vitamin C, or betalains (21). In contrast, a subsequent animal study noted adverse effects in the liver and spleen following high doses of an oral methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I (44). The studies used different species, preparations, and doses, which may account for the conflicting conclusions. In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • Highly protein-bound drugsHighly protein-bound drugs: In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63)
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In vitro, polyphenolic compounds from nopal increased [Ca2+]i via the endoplasmic reticulum pool and opening of CRAC channels, potentially exerting immunosuppressive effects in Jurkat T cells (22).
  • MetforminMetformin: A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In mice, the n-butanolic extract of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten significantly increased the latency time in the passive avoidance task (24). In vitro, Opuntia ficus-indica extracts exerted neuroprotective action against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-, kainate (KA)-, and oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal injury in cultured mouse cortical cells (23). In an in vitro study, quercetin, (+)-dihydroquercetin, and quercetin 3-methyl ether were the active antioxidant principles in the fruits and stems of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten that exhibited neuroprotective actions against oxidative injuries induced in cortical cell cultures (76).
  • RanitidineRanitidine: In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • Thyroid hormonesThyroid hormones: According to a study in rats, consumption of Opuntia ficus-indica powder seeds [sic] may lead to a decrease in serum free thyroxin (FT4) (27).
  • Weight loss agentsWeight loss agents: A significant decrease in the body weight of rats receiving a diet partially substituted with Opuntia ficus-indica powder seeds [sic] was suggested to be due to a decrease in serum free thyroxine (FT4) (27). In a small study published by the producer of NeOpuntia? (Bio Serae), 2g of NeOpuntia? in 3g of sunflower oil added to an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, etc.) resulted in the prevention of absorption of 23% of the fat, according to the study conclusions. A similar study suggested that fat absorption was reduced to a greater extent following NeOpuntia? vs. a branded chitosan product. However, these findings have yet to be substantiated in the literature.

    • Nopal/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: In vitro, glycoprotein isolated from Opuntiaficus-indica var. saboten Makino inhibited histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mice serum (3). It also suppressed the expression of MAPK (ERK1/2) and antiallergic proteins (iNOS and COX-2).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica var. villanueva L.) extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholerae, as evidenced by disruption of the cell membrane, causing increased membrane permeability, a decrease in cytoplasmic pH, cell membrane hyperpolarization, and a decrease in cellular ATP concentration (17).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In human research, significantly reduced platelet factor-4 and beta-thromboglobulin, as well as changes in plasma 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DH-TXB2), were observed following prickly pear consumption in healthy patients and in patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (25).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In vitro, glycoprotein isolated from Opuntiaficus-indica var. saboten Makino inhibited histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mice serum (3). It also suppressed the expression of MAPK (ERK1/2) and antiallergic proteins (iNOS and COX-2).
  • Anti inflammatory herbsAnti inflammatory herbs: In vitro (human chondrocytes), extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica had anti-inflammatory activity, potentially due to action on nitric oxide (NO), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), prostaglandins (PGE(2)), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (69). According to in vitro research, Opuntia humifusa Raf. chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions may block the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (4). Moreover, the ethyl acetate fractions may block the expression of IL-1beta from the RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In human research, an extract of the Opuntia ficus-indica plant had a moderate effect on reducing hangover symptoms, apparently by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators (47).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: According to human research, nopal may decrease serum lipids (43) while in another clinical trial, significant changes were lacking for triglycerides and HDL (6). In animal research, a diet supplemented with nopal pectin lowered plasma LDL cholesterol, lowered hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations, and increased hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression (Bmax) (70; 71; 72). However, in another animal study, LDL density was shown to be increased (71).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, Opuntia humifusa extracts inhibited the growth of U87MG human glioblastoma cells, as evidenced by G1 arrest, nonapoptotic cell death, and increases in ROS production (16).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: According to human research, ingestion of nopal may decrease levels of plasma, serum, and urinary 8-epi-PGF(2alpha), as well as plasma malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione, and increase levels of reduced glutathione (6; 9). In rats, Cacti-NeaT, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, increased blood globular levels of glutathione peroxidase (75). According to animal research, nopal may decrease serum malondialdehyde and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (72). According to in vitro research, constituents of nopal may have antioxidant activities (77).
  • AntispasmodicsAntispasmodics: In animal research, Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. extract reduced spontaneous contractions in the mouse ileum; this effect was unaffected by tetrodotoxin (a neuronal blocker), N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase blocker), tetraethylammonium (a potassium channel blocker), or atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) (73). Furthermore, it reduced carbachol-induced contractions without affecting those induced by high extracellular potassium.
  • Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAntiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: Prickly pear may act as an acid absorber (74). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: According to in vitro research, an extract of the cactus plant Opuntia streptacantha may inhibit DNA and RNA intracellular virus replication and inactivate extracellular viruses (12). In vitro, ethanol extracts containing pheophorbide A and pyropheophorbide A from the stem of Opuntia ficus-indica showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and influenza A virus (IFV-A); a lack of activity against polio virus type 1 (PV-1) was observed (13).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: According to one human study, nopal may decrease serum lipids (43), while in another clinical trial, significant changes were lacking for triglycerides and HDL (6). In animal research, a diet supplemented with nopal pectin lowered plasma LDL cholesterol, lowered hepatic free and esterified cholesterol concentrations, and increased hepatic apolipoprotein B/E receptor expression (Bmax) (70; 71; 72). However, in another animal study, LDL density was shown to be increased (71). According to animal research, the methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii cladodes and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I, may lower blood pressure (44).
  • Cytochrome P450-modifying agentsCytochrome P450-modifying agents: A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: In rats, Cacti-NeaT, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, significantly increased urine volumes, with a lack of observed differences in the urine concentration of sodium, potassium, and uric acid (75).
  • Fat-soluble vitaminsFat-soluble vitamins: Nopal fiber (NeOpuntia?) may decrease the levels of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. There is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific research to support this. Also, in a paper published by the company (Bio Serae), NeOpuntia? lacked binding with vitamin A and vitamin E in vitro and lacked a negative affect on the level of these vitamins in the stool.
  • Hepatotoxic herbs and supplementsHepatotoxic herbs and supplements: According to an animal study, the juice of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit may protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity, possibly due to flavonoids, vitamin C, or betalains (21). In contrast, a subsequent animal study noted adverse effects in the liver and spleen following high doses of oral methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I (44). The studies used different species, preparations, and doses, which may account for the conflicting conclusions. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). In vivo, pretreatment with ranitidine and Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis in rats significantly reduced ethanol-induced-ulcer lesions and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total glutathione (GSH), and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat stomach tissues (11).
  • Hyperglycemics/hypoglycemicsHyperglycemics/hypoglycemics: According to human research, broiled nopal stems, nopal extract, or dietary cactus ingestion may lower blood sugar levels (35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40). Hypoglycemia due to combined use of hypoglycemics and nopal has been reported (41). In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63). Conversely, a nonsignificant increase in blood glucose levels was observed following administration of Nopalea cochinellifera in mice (64).
  • Hypertensives/HypotensivesHypertensives/Hypotensives: According to animal research, the methanolic extract of Opuntia dillenii cladodes and its pure compound alpha-pyrone glycoside, opuntioside I, may lower blood pressure (44).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In an in vitro study, polyphenolic compounds from nopal increased [Ca2+]i via the endoplasmic reticulum pool and opening of CRAC channels, potentially exerting immunosuppressive effects in Jurkat T cells (22).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In mice, the n-butanolic extract of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten significantly increased the latency time in the passive avoidance task (24). In vitro, Opuntia ficus-indica extracts exerted neuroprotective action against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-, kainate (KA)-, and oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal injury in cultured mouse cortical cells (23). In an in vitro study, quercetin, (+)-dihydroquercetin, and quercetin 3-methyl ether are the active antioxidant principles in the fruits and stems of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten that exhibit neuroprotective actions against oxidative injuries induced in cortical cell cultures (76).
  • Seizure threshold-lowering agentsSeizure threshold-lowering agents: In a diabetic male, 200mL of Opuntia sap daily in addition to chlorpropamide resulted in a further reduction of blood glucose (42). His condition improved. A 58 year-old male with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with metformin 1,000mg twice daily and extended-release glipizide 10mg daily reported four hypoglycemic events possibly resulting from consumption of prickly pear cactus (63).
  • Thyroid agentsThyroid agents: According to a study in rats, consumption of Opuntia ficus-indica powder seeds [sic] may lead to a decrease in serum free thyroxin (FT(4)) (27).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: In human research, consumption of cactus pear increased plasma levels of vitamin C (9).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: In human research, consumption of cactus pear increased plasma levels of vitamin E (9).
  • Weight loss herbs and supplementsWeight loss herbs and supplements: A significant decrease in body weight of rats receiving a diet partially substituted with Opuntia ficus-indica powder seeds [sic], was suggested to be due to a decrease in serum free thyroxine (FT(4)) (27). In a small study published by the producer of NeOpuntia? (Bio Serae), 2g of NeOpuntia? in 3g of sunflower oil added to an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, etc.) resulted in the prevention of absorption of 23% of the fat, according to the study conclusions. A similar study suggested that fat absorption was reduced to a greater extent following NeOpuntia? vs. a branded chitosan product. However, these findings have yet to be substantiated in the literature.

    • Nopal/Food Interactions:

  • FatFat: In a small study published by the producer of NeOpuntia? (Bio Serae), 2g of NeOpuntia? in 3g of sunflower oil added to an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, etc.) resulted in the prevention of absorption of 23% of the fat, according to the study conclusions. A similar study suggested that fat absorption was reduced to a greater extent following NeOpuntia? vs. a branded chitosan product. However, these findings have yet to be substantiated in the literature.

    • Nopal/Lab Interactions:

  • Bile acidsBile acids: In a paper published by the company (Bio Serae), NeOpuntia? increased levels of bile acids in the stool in a small number of subjects.
  • C-reactive proteinC-reactive protein: In human research, C-reactive protein levels were strongly associated with hangover severity; the mean symptom index was higher in subjects with morning C-reactive protein levels greater than 1.0mg/L. In addition, C-reactive protein levels were 40% higher after subjects consumed placebo compared with Opuntia ficus-indica (47).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In human research, significantly reduced platelet factor-4 and beta-thromboglobulin, as well as changes in plasma 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DH-TXB2), were observed following prickly pear consumption in healthy patients and in patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (25).
  • Fat-soluble vitaminsFat-soluble vitamins: Based on a potential mechanism of action, nopal fiber (NeOpuntia?) may decrease levels of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. There is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific research to support this. Also, in a paper published by the company (Bio Serae), NeOpuntia? lacked binding with vitamin A and vitamin E in vitro and lacked a negative affect on the level of these vitamins in the stool.
  • Fibrinogen levelsFibrinogen levels: According to clinical research, nopal may decrease fibrinogen levels (43).
  • Glutathione peroxidase testGlutathione peroxidase test: In rats, Cacti-NeaT, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, increased blood globular levels of glutathione peroxidase (75).
  • Heart rateHeart rate: In athletes, Opuntia ficus-indica decreased supine and standing heart rate and increased supine high-frequency and low-frequency activities (78).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: According to animal and human research, prickly pear cactus may reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels (79; 43). Human research has also shown that prickly pear may decrease of apolipoprotein B (9%) and triglycerides (12%) (43). An increase in HDL cholesterol has been noted in rats (27) but was lacking in humans (43). Apolipoprotein A-I and lipoprotein (a) were also shown to remain unchanged in a human study (43).
  • Liver panelLiver panel: According to an animal study, large doses of nopal may cause adverse effects on liver and spleen (44).
  • Plasma sodiumPlasma sodium: In animal research, an 80% ethanol extract of Opuntia megacantha resulted in decreased plasma sodium (80).
  • Serum glucose levelsSerum glucose levels: According to human research, broiled nopal stems, nopal extract, or dietary cactus ingestion may lower blood sugar levels (35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40).
  • Serum insulin levelsSerum insulin levels: According to human research, ingestion of Opuntia streptacantha Lem. may decrease serum insulin levels (51; 43).
  • Thyroid panelThyroid panel: According to a rat study, consumption of Opuntia ficus-indica powder seeds [sic] may decrease serum free thyroxin (FT4) (27).
  • UreaUrea: In animal research, an 80% ethanol extract of Opuntia megacantha resulted in increased plasma urea (80).
  • Uric acid levelsUric acid levels: According to clinical research, nopal may decrease uric acid levels (43).
  • Urinary sodiumUrinary sodium: In animal research, an 80% ethanol extract of Opuntia megacantha resulted in increased urinary sodium (80).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: In human research, consumption of cactus pear increased plasma levels of vitamin C (9).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: In human research, consumption of cactus pear increased plasma levels of vitamin E (9)