Opuntia "prickly pear" as food and medicine

[fyzygy]

... its rich composition in polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids has been highlighted through the use of a large panel of extraction methods. The identified natural cactus compounds and derivatives were shown to be endowed with biologically relevant activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. -- "Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease"  Molecules (Sept. 2014). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25232708/

 

Another report (hinting at sexual-therapeutic benefits) lists 18 amino acids contained in prickly pear pads, fruits, flowers and seeds-- plus a host of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and other goodies: https://book4you.org/book/3690306/13b71a

 

No mention anywhere of certain alkaloids, which are also said to be present in trace amounts.