MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Clin Ter. 2023 Nov-Dec;174(Suppl 2(6)):159-168. doi: 10.7417/CT.2023.2483.
Prickly pear (Opuntia) extracts have garnered con-siderable attention in recent years due to their promising medicinal and nutritional properties. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted potential of prickly pear extracts in mitigating various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, obesity, cancer, neuronal diseases, and renal diseases.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse therapeutic applications of Opuntia extracts in managing chronic diseases. The collective evidence underscores the potential of prickly pear as a valuable natural resource for addressing global health challenges. Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Studies have suggested that the bioactive compounds within prickly pear may influence glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance, and modulating gut microbiota composition. These pathways exhibit potential in the reduction of hyperglycemia, which is a fundamental aspect of metabolic syndromes. Opuntia extracts demonstrate also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory capabilities that can contribute to improving health in various conditions.
Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
近年来，仙人掌（Opuntia）提取物因其具有有前途的药用和营养特性而备受关注。本综述探讨了仙人掌提取物在缓解各种慢性疾病方面的多方面潜力，包括心血管疾病（CVDs）、糖尿病、肥胖症、癌症、神经疾病和肾脏疾病。
本综述全面概述了仙人掌提取物在治疗慢性疾病方面的多种治疗应用。综合证据强调了仙人掌作为解决全球健康挑战的有价值的天然资源的潜力。需要进一步的研究和临床研究来挖掘仙人掌在预防和治疗慢性疾病方面的全部潜力。
研究表明，仙人掌中的生物活性化合物可能通过改善胰岛素敏感性、降低胰岛素抵抗和调节肠道微生物群落组成来影响葡萄糖代谢。这些途径在降低高血糖方面具有潜力，高血糖是代谢综合征的一个基本方面。仙人掌提取物还具有抗氧化、抗炎作用，可以改善各种情况下的健康状况。
需要进一步的研究和临床研究来挖掘仙人掌在预防和治疗慢性疾病方面的全部潜力。
