Abstract
Prickly pear cactus is commonly known to both the Mexican and Mexican American population by its Nahuatl or Aztec name, Nopal . Prickly pear cactus includes various species of foodstuff and fodder plants which people on both sides of the United States/Mexico border have used for both nourishment and medicine for hundreds of years. In the recent past, various species of prickly pear cactus have been studied for their hypoglycemic properties, and their potential application for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This chapter mentions the principal studies that have investigated the effects of prickly pear cactus on blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes. Preliminary trials in both humans and animals suggest that certain species of prickly pear cactus may have value in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, more clinical research is necessary regarding this plant's potential benefit as a botanical hypoglycemic agent.
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