opuntia ficus indica

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The antioxidants flavonoids and betalains found in opuntia ficus indica assist the body combat damaging free radicals. By doing so, you can lessen oxidative stress and shield your cells from harm. 

The plant includes substances with anti-inflammatory properties, such as betalains, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Supplements containing opuntia ficus indica may help the body’s natural inflammatory processes, which may be beneficial for treating inflammatory diseases like arthritis. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

There is currently no black box warning for opuntia ficus indica herbal supplement. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• opuntia ficus-indica may cause adverse reactions in people who have known cactaceae family allergies or sensitivities. 
• It is important to take caution or refrain from using supplements containing opuntia ficus indica if you have a history of adverse responses to plants. 
• opuntia ficus indica has a history of supporting gastrointestinal health, people with specific gastrointestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal obstructions should exercise caution. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Antioxidants found in abundance in opuntia ficus indica include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and betalains. These substances contribute to their antioxidant action by having the capacity to scavenge free radicals and guard cells from oxidative damage. 

Many plant’s constituents, including betalains, polyphenols, and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties. These substances might prevent the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which could lessen inflammation in the body. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains are among the substances present in opuntia ficus indica that have the capacity to influence inflammatory pathways. Pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) can be inhibited by them, and they can also stop the release of inflammatory mediators including cytokines and prostaglandins. 

Dietary fibres from opuntia ficus indica that are soluble, such pectin and mucilage, congeal in the digestive tract to produce a gel-like material. This gel can slow down the absorption of glucose, causing blood sugar levels to rise more gradually. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The pads or fruits of the opuntia ficus indica plant are commonly consumed to gain the bioactive components found in the herbal supplement. These substances are absorbed in the digestive system. The make-up of the supplement, the presence of dietary fibers, and the person’s digestive system are all variables that could affect absorption. 

Distribution 

The bloodstream may help the bioactive substances of opuntia ficus indica spread throughout the body after absorption. The distribution may change depending on the physical characteristics of the substance, such as its molecular weight and lipophilicity, as well as its affinity for tissues. 

Metabolism 

In the body, the herbal supplement opuntia ficus indica may go through metabolic changes. Through enzymatic mechanisms, its bioactive components can be metabolized in a variety of organs, including the liver and intestine.  

Elimination and excretion 

Renal excretion in the urine is the main route by which opuntia ficus indica chemicals and their metabolites are eliminated. Some substances may also be excreted by the biliary system through the feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Supplements made from the opuntia ficus indica plant are available as capsules, tablets, powder and liquid extracts. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: opuntia ficus indica  

Why do we use opuntia ficus indica? 

Antioxidants found in abundance in opuntia ficus indica include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and betalains. These antioxidants may lessen oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidative damage brought on by free radicals. 

Supplements containing opuntia ficus indica have long been used to promote normal blood sugar levels. The soluble dietary fibres and specific chemicals in opuntia ficus indica may help control insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption.