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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Prickly Pear Extract

    Also known as: Opuntia ficus-indica, Nopal, Prickly pear

    Cactus fruit extract rich in betacyanins, indicaxanthin, and polysaccharides; provides antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    48/100
    HydrationAnti-crampHangover supportAntioxidant
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) extract supports hydration, has anti-cramping and antioxidant properties, and is studied for hangover symptom reduction.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Scavenges ROS, supports glycogen sparing, may reduce inflammatory markers post-exercise; preclinical data on muscle cramp threshold.

    Physiological Role

    Used in hydration and recovery formulas; emerging ergogenic evidence; supported by hangover symptom RCTs.

    Primary Pathways

    Betalain antioxidantPolysaccharide hydrationGlycemic modulationAnti-inflammatory cytokine signalling

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Hangover symptom RCT positive; cramping/recovery data is preliminary.

    Evidence Review

    Overall48/100
    Human Clinical52/100
    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic68/100
    Real-World48/100
    Safety90/100

    Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    500 mg
    Optimal Range
    1000–1600 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~3000 mg/day
    Timing
    With meals or pre-exercise
    Best Format
    Capsule, powder
    Bioavailability
    Moderate.
    Absorption Considerations
    Standard botanical absorption.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Loose stools

    Contraindications

    • Hypoglycaemia (lowers blood glucose)

    Drug Interactions

    • •Antidiabetic meds
    • •Diuretics

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy (limited data)

    Monitoring

    Blood glucose if diabetic.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Prickly Pear Extract typically used or indicated?

    Prickly Pear Extract is most commonly used for: Hydration, Anti-cramp, Hangover support, Antioxidant. Used in hydration and recovery formulas; emerging ergogenic evidence; supported by hangover symptom RCTs.

    How does Prickly Pear Extract work?

    Scavenges ROS, supports glycogen sparing, may reduce inflammatory markers post-exercise; preclinical data on muscle cramp threshold.

    What is the recommended dose of Prickly Pear Extract?

    The optimal range is 1000–1600 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 500 mg. Best taken: With meals or pre-exercise. Upper / caution level: ~3000 mg/day.

    What are the side effects of Prickly Pear Extract?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Loose stools. Monitoring: Blood glucose if diabetic.

    Does Prickly Pear Extract interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Antidiabetic meds; and Diuretics. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Prickly Pear Extract?

    Prickly Pear Extract is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy (limited data); and Hypoglycaemia (lowers blood glucose).

    How strong is the evidence for Prickly Pear Extract?

    Evidence level: Limited (overall score 48/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Opuntia ficus-indica for hangover symptoms

    RCT2004Moderate
    PubMed

    Significant reduction in severity of hangover symptoms vs placebo.

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    Research Overview

    Limited Evidence
    1Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2004Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceGeneral Population
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/prickly-pear-extract

    SuppIndex. (2026). Prickly Pear Extract: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/prickly-pear-extract

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.

    Goal Ratings

    Hydration
    Recovery
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with electrolytes, taurine, and HBCD for hydration.

    ElectrolytesTaurineHBCD