The hypoglucemic effect of Opuntia streptacantha studied in different animal experimental models.

Studies performed with Opuntia streptacantha sap in three different animal species using several experimental conditions are described. The Opuntia sap induced hypoglucemic effects when orally administered to intact animals under induced states of moderate increase of blood sugar. In normoglucemic and pancreatectomized animals the effect of the product was not detected. The results validate the popular use of this plant for treatment of Diabetes mellitus symptomatology.