The juice from this cactus exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities against ulcerative colitis in rats

A study has found that a cactus plant called erect prickly pear (Opuntia dillenii) may be used as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis. The study, which was published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, reports that this protective effect may be attributed to the cactus’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Researchers from Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy in India evaluated the protective effect of fresh fruit juice of erect prickly pear on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.
• The researchers pre-treated the rats with fresh fruit juice of erect prickly pear or sulfasalazine for seven consecutive days.
• On the eighth day, they induced colitis by giving rats acetic acid.
• Then, the researchers assessed the damage in the colon of the rats.
• The results showed that the treatment with erect prickly pear juice significantly reduced the macroscopic damage, clinical activity score, and wet weight of the colon.
• Moreover, the researchers found that it significantly decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and serum lactate dehydrogenase and increased the levels of reduced glutathione in the colon.
• Erect prickly pear juice was also found to contain phenolics, flavonoids, and betalains – all of which contributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In conclusion, these findings suggest that treatment with erect prickly pear fresh juice may be used to protect against ulcerative colitis.

To read more studies on natural treatments for ulcerative colitis, visit NaturalMedicine.news.

Journal Reference:

Babitha S, Bindu K, Nageena T, Veerapur VP. FRESH FRUIT JUICE OF OPUNTIA DILLENII HAW. ATTENUATES ACETIC ACID–INDUCED ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN RATS. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 29 June 2018; 1-12. DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1470128