Prickly pear belongs to the cactus family. This cactus grows all over the world, but native species are found in the Southwestern US and Mexico. It is a vital ingredient in OPTML Hangover Prevention. Studies have shown that it is effective in reducing hangover symptoms if ingested before drinking. 

Researchers conclude that the extract of the plant possesses hepatoprotective properties, because of evidence showing its ability to minimize inflammation in the liver after a night of heavy drinking. As a result, the person experiences reduced headaches, nausea, and other hangover symptoms.

What is Prickly Pear?

• Similar to many cactus species, the Prickly Pear is truly native only in America. But because of human actions over time, the plant has been introduced all over the world.
• Dr. Jeff Wiese’s study, conducted in 2004 at the Tulane Health Sciences Center, is still the leading research regarding the hangover treatment and prevention capabilities of the plant. His research revealed that the participants who took Prickly Pear experienced a significantly less severe aversion to food, dry mouth, and other hangover symptoms.
• Prickly Pear is also called sabra, tuna, nopal, and paddle cactus depending on what region you are in. It finds its origins from the Nahuatl word nōchtli, referring to its fruit, and nōpalli, referring to the pads - hence, paddle cactus.
• The OPTML Hangover Prevention formula is a blend of carefully concocted natural ingredients, including Prickly Pear, that help your body break down alcohol, protecting the liver from damage in the process. As a result, you experience fewer and less severe hangover symptoms the next day.

Why Do We Use Prickly Pear?

According to research, the subjects who took Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) before drinking suffered from less severe symptoms compared to those with the placebo. These symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. In addition, they showed lower C-reactive protein levels, which is a liver by-product that signifies inflammation. 

These findings prove the Prickly Pear tempers hangovers by fighting and dampening the inflammatory response of the body, particularly in the liver, during alcohol drinking and binging.

Together with other potent natural ingredients, our Hangover Prevention formula maximizes the liver’s cleansing properties while reducing the cognitive side effects of alcohol consumption

• OPTML Hangover Prevention

• In Australia, the original use of the Prickly Pear was for producing dye from cochineal (scale insects that frequent the plant), which was primarily used for coloring the British Army’s red uniforms.
• The Mexican coat of arms has a Prickly Pear as a symbol, signifying hard times that come and go.
• This plant started as merely an ornamental cactus. Soon, it was used as feed for cows, sheep, and other livestock.
• The edible fruit of Prickly Pear is known as tuna, cactus fruit, Indian fig, and cactus fig. It is commonly red in color and is rich in vitamin C. The fruit has the taste of a combination of watermelon and bubblegum. It can be eaten raw but is often made into jam or candy.

References:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/prickly-pear-cactus/faq-20057771
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/prickly-pear-may-be-hango/