June 29, 2004 – The nopal, also known as the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica), would alleviate certain symptoms subsequent to alcohol abuse, according to a study1 conducted at Tulane University, New Orleans.
Nopal would act more particularly against nausea, dry mouth and inappetence (or lack of appetite), these discomforts resulting from inflammation caused in particular by the impurities found in brown alcohols, such as bourbon, cognac and scotch.
The researchers made the findings after taking 55 adults aged 21 to 35 with nopal extract in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. These were randomly chosen to take the nopal extract or the placebo five hours before consuming alcohol. Then they drank their favorite drink for four hours. In the end, they must have taken more than 1.75 g of alcohol per kilogram, depending on their weight, that is, between five and seven glasses of alcohol.
The next day, they had to answer a questionnaire measuring nine specific ailments, in addition to undergoing a blood and urine test.
Two weeks later, we repeated the same routine, inverting the groups (nopal extract and placebo).
The experiment was conclusive, according to the researchers: in each participant, the symptoms of nausea, dry mouth and inappetence were less intense when they ingested the extract of nopal, compared to the placebo. .
As for migraine, nopal extract is of no use. Because it is caused by the dehydration caused by alcohol, the rifle headache will pass if you drink a lot of fluids (See our sheet on hangovers in Associated documents).
To return to the study itself, its authors believe that the characteristics of nopal could reduce the rate of absenteeism and decrease in productivity related to alcohol abuse. A working day per month would be lost in 15% of drinkers, according to the researchers.
It should be noted that the study was funded by the US government in conjunction with Extracts Plus, a supplement company that markets nopal extract. The authors, for their part, had no financial interest in the company.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
According to the BBC
1. Weise J, McPherson S, et al, Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on Symptoms of the Alcohol Hangover, Archives of Internal Medicine, Flight. 164, No. 12, 2004, 1334-40.
