Opuntia, typically grow with flat, rounded segments that are armed with two kinds of spines; large, smooth, fixed spines and small, almost hairlike spines called glochids that easily penetrate skin and detach from the plant. Many types of prickly pear can grow into dense, tangled structures. Prickly pears species are found in abundance in the West and Southwest of the United States and throughout much of Mexico. Prickly pears are also the only types of cactus normally found in the eastern United States. They are the most cold-tolerant of the cacti, extending into northern Canada; one species, Opuntia fragilis var. fragilis, has been found growing along the Beatton River in the province of Alberta, southwest of Cecile Lake at 56° 17’ N latitude and 120° 39’ W longitude.
Prickly pears for sale at a Mexican market, Zacatecas, MexicoChollas, classified in the subgenus Cylindropuntia, are distinguished by having cylindrical, not flattened, stem segments, with the large spines barbed. Some botanists treat Cylindropuntia as a distinct genus. The stem joints of several species, notably the jumping cholla (Opuntia fulgida), are very brittle on young stems, readily breaking off when the barbed spines stick to clothing or animal skin. This helps distribute the cholla because when the stem falls off the person or animal, it takes root and grows where it falls. The barbed spines often remain embedded in the skin, causing significant discomfort and sometimes injury.
The fruit of opuntias, called tuna, is edible, although it has to be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption. It is often used to make candies and jelly. The young stem segments, called nopales, are also edible. The fruit is a favourite in Sicilian cuisine, where it is called ficcudinia which is literally translated as Indian fig.
The gel-like liquid of a prickly pear cactus can be used like a conditioner. Prickly pears also have medicinal uses.
Diabetes
The stem of Opuntia spp. is used to treat type II diabetes, diarrhea, and stomach ache. However, usefulness of Opuntia (also known as Nopal or Nopalitos in Spanish) in treating diabetes is not at all clear at this time. Although some researchers have shown a glucose lowering effect of Opuntia streptacantha, another study of three other species of Opuntia (Opuntia lasiacantha, O. velutina, and O. macrocentra) showed no such effect Another study of Opuntia megacantha raised concern about toxic effects on the kidney. It may be that certain species are effective and useful in diabetes while others are not but this needs to be clarified with further research before recommending its use. Furthermore, when buying Nopalitos in the market it is impossible to know which species one is buying and therefore whether or not it is useful in treating diabetes.
Alcohol hangover
Opuntia ficus indica may have a reducing effect on alcohol hangover by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. Studies have yielded differing results, with some studies witnessing significant reductions in nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite as well as the risk of a severe hangover[4] while others witnessing no compelling evidence suggesting effects on alcohol hangover.
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