Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsClaimed BenefitsAre Claims True?Nopalea DosageRisks/Side EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Claimed Benefits
Are Claims True?
Nopalea Dosage
Risks/Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Nopaleais a drink made from thenopal cactus. It’s marketed as a treatment for inflammation andjoint pain, such as from arthritis. It became popular largely due to late-night television infomercials.
But does it work?
This article looks into the claims behind Nopalea, what science says about them, and the side effects and risks you need to know about.
Julien Mcroberts / Getty Images
Claims About Nopalea’s Benefits
Nopalea is marketed as a “wellness drink.” It is derived from the fruit of the nopal cactus(Opuntia ficus-indica),also called the prickly pear.
TriVita, the manufacturer, says the Nopal cactus fruit contains a class ofantioxidantsknown asbioflavonoids(also called flavonoids) and that it can protect againstinflammationand neutralizefree radicals(unstable molecules in the body that are tied to disease).
Thecompany’s websitementions a 2020 scientific study, saying it showed Nopalea:
The TriVita website calls this an “independent” study. However, the study itself contains a conflict of interest statement that says TriVita sponsored the work.
Are the Claims True?
The claims made about Nopalea and the nopal cactus appear to be mostly true, if somewhat overstated.
Properties of the Nopal Cactus
A 2014 study says the nopal cactus has several beneficial properties, including being:
A 2020 study also found the nopal cactus to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties.
A 2018 study states that 80% of thepolyphenolsin the nopal cactus are bioflavonoids.Other studies have had similar findings about the bioflavonoid content and its benefits.
These studies were performed around the world and do not appear tied to the TriVita company. While results have been promising, the body of research is small and evidence should be considered preliminary.
More and larger studies need to be done before any final conclusions can be reached.
The Nopalea Study
The 2020 study mentioned on the TriVita website did, in fact, come to the conclusions the company claims, with one small exception.
The TriVita site says the product caused a “statistically significant decrease” in CRP. That statement should be qualified.
However, in a subgroup of people with mildly to moderately high CRPs at baseline, they found a 30% drop in the Nopalea group and a 31% increase in the placebo group.
The researcher justified the focus on this subgroup saying “higher CRPs could indicate recent infection or injury, which may skew the results.”
Other findings of this study included:
Again, TriVita sponsored this study, which may raise questions about its validity. It was published in a peer-reviewed journal, though, which means it met contemporary scientific standards.
The manufacturer advises people who are trying Nopalea for the first time to drink 3 to 6 ounces daily for 30 days.
After that, they recommend between 1 ounce and 3 ounces a day to maintain the benefits.
Nutritional supplements aren’t regulated in the United States and official recommended daily amounts of Nopalea, the nopal cactus, and its ingredients are not established.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any nutritional supplements or botanical products. Remember that natural products do come with risks and possible side effects.
Risks and Side Effects
Little is known about side effects of nopal cactus juice. Some research suggests it may be linked to:
The other ingredients of Nopalea juice, which mostly come from fruit, may also be tied to possible side effects.
Nopal juice is sometimes recommended for helping manage blood sugar in type 2diabetes.While this can be beneficial, it’s possible for nopal juice to lower blood sugar too much when combined with treatments for diabetes.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about nopal products before using them. You may need to monitor your blood sugar closely until you know how they affect you.
Allergic Reactions
It’s possible but rare to be allergic to the nopal cactus. Allergies to other ingredients in Nopalea are also possible.
If you have known allergies, be sure to carefully check the ingredients list and discuss it with your heathcare provider.
When you first take Nopalea, be alert to possible symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:
Severe Allergic ReactionsAnaphylaxis is always a medical emergency. Symptoms may come on suddenly and include:HivesSwollen throatWheezing, trouble breathing, and chest tightnessHoarse voiceTrouble swallowingPassing outStomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrheaPale, red, and/or inflamed skin
Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency. Symptoms may come on suddenly and include:HivesSwollen throatWheezing, trouble breathing, and chest tightnessHoarse voiceTrouble swallowingPassing outStomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrheaPale, red, and/or inflamed skin
Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency. Symptoms may come on suddenly and include:
Drug Interactions
The Nopalea manufacturer’s website states there are no known negative interactions between Nopalea and other medications.
However, this conflicts with some research, which suggestsquercetin, an ingredient in Nopalea, may interact negatively with:
It may also affect the way your liver processes medications. Your healthcare provider and pharmacist can help you check for potential drug interactions.
Summary
TriVita claims that Nopalea juice contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids that can lower inflammation and reduce joint pain.
Studies suggest these claims and others may have some merit. However, research is preliminary and no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting Nopalea. Watch for side effects, allergic reactions, and drug interactions.
A Word From Verywell
Looking at the company’s claims against the available research suggests TriVita’s product may in fact be effective, though marketing claims may overstate the benefits.
Other manufacturers sell nopal supplements and other products as well. You may want to look into the alternatives, especially if you may be allergic or sensitive to ingredients in Nopalea.
If you’re considering Nopalea or nopal supplements for any medicinal use, talk to your healthcare provider(s), make sure you’re familiar with the ingredients and associated risks, and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked QuestionsResearch suggests the nopal cactus juice in Nopalea may be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral/antibiotic, nerve-cell protector,cholesterolreducer, cancer fighter, and blood-sugar regulator.It may also help relieve symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).According to the seller’swebsite, a 32-ounce bottle of Nopalea is $34.99.* The recommended dosage is between 3 ounces and 6 ounces per day for the first month, then a maintenance dose of 1 ounce per day. The site offers lower prices per bottle for larger orders.**As of July 2023. Subject to change.Yes, research suggests nopal cactus juice may help with inflammation. It appears to lower certain inflammatory markers in the blood, reduce pain, and improve range of motion.
Research suggests the nopal cactus juice in Nopalea may be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral/antibiotic, nerve-cell protector,cholesterolreducer, cancer fighter, and blood-sugar regulator.It may also help relieve symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
According to the seller’swebsite, a 32-ounce bottle of Nopalea is $34.99.* The recommended dosage is between 3 ounces and 6 ounces per day for the first month, then a maintenance dose of 1 ounce per day. The site offers lower prices per bottle for larger orders.**As of July 2023. Subject to change.
Yes, research suggests nopal cactus juice may help with inflammation. It appears to lower certain inflammatory markers in the blood, reduce pain, and improve range of motion.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jensen GS.Improved joint mobility associated with reduced inflammation related to consumption of Nopal cactus fruit juice: results from a placebo-controlled trial using digital inclinometry to objectively document mobility of all major joints.Clin Interv Aging. 2020;15:2341-2352. doi:10.2147/CIA.S267451El-Mostafa K, El Kharrassi Y, Badreddine A, et al.Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease.Molecules. 2014;19(9):14879-14901. doi:10.3390/molecules190914879Kolniak-Ostek J, Kita A, Miedzianka J, Andreu-Coll L, Legua P, Hernandez F.Characterization of bioactive compounds ofOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill. seeds from Spanish cultivars.Molecules. 2020;25(23):5734. doi:10.3390/molecules25235734De Santiago E, Domínguez-Fernández M, Cid C, De Peña MP.Impact of cooking process on nutritional composition and antioxidants of cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica).Food Chem. 2018;240:1055-1062. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.08.039Sánchez E, Dávila-Aviña J, Castillo SL, Heredia N, Vázquez-Alvarado R, García S.Antibacterial and antioxidant activities in extracts of fully grown cladodes of 8 cultivars of cactus pear.J Food Sci. 2014;79(4):M659-M664. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12416Albergamo A, Potortí AG, Di Bella G, et al.Chemical characterization of different products from the TunisianOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill.Foods. 2022;11(2):155. doi:10.3390/foods11020155Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, et al.Opuntiaspp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2.Plants (Basel). 2022;11(18):2333. doi:10.3390/plants11182333López-Romero P, Pichardo-Ontiveros E, Avila-Nava A, et al.The effect of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) on postprandial blood glucose, incretins, and antioxidant activity in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of two different composition breakfasts.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(11):1811-1818. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.352García-Menaya JM, Cordobés-Durán C, Bobadilla P, Ledesma A, Pérez-Rangel I.Hypersensitivity systemic reaction to cactus fruit (opuntia ficus-indica): ALLERGYNet.Allergy. 2009;64(11):1689-1690. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02109.xAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Lawson MK.Improvement of Therapeutic Value of Quercetin with Chitosan Nanoparticle Delivery Systems and Potential Applications.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 7;24(4):3293. doi:10.3390/ijms24043293Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Vasto S, Pintaudi AM, Livrea MA, Allegra M.Short-term cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Mill] fruit supplementation ameliorates the inflammatory profile and is associated with improved antioxidant status among healthy humans.Food Nutr Res. 2018;62:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262. doi:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262Remes-Troche JM, Taboada-Liceaga H, Gill S, et al.Nopal fiber (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a randomized controlled trial.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021;33(2):e13986. doi:10.1111/nmo.13986
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jensen GS.Improved joint mobility associated with reduced inflammation related to consumption of Nopal cactus fruit juice: results from a placebo-controlled trial using digital inclinometry to objectively document mobility of all major joints.Clin Interv Aging. 2020;15:2341-2352. doi:10.2147/CIA.S267451El-Mostafa K, El Kharrassi Y, Badreddine A, et al.Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease.Molecules. 2014;19(9):14879-14901. doi:10.3390/molecules190914879Kolniak-Ostek J, Kita A, Miedzianka J, Andreu-Coll L, Legua P, Hernandez F.Characterization of bioactive compounds ofOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill. seeds from Spanish cultivars.Molecules. 2020;25(23):5734. doi:10.3390/molecules25235734De Santiago E, Domínguez-Fernández M, Cid C, De Peña MP.Impact of cooking process on nutritional composition and antioxidants of cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica).Food Chem. 2018;240:1055-1062. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.08.039Sánchez E, Dávila-Aviña J, Castillo SL, Heredia N, Vázquez-Alvarado R, García S.Antibacterial and antioxidant activities in extracts of fully grown cladodes of 8 cultivars of cactus pear.J Food Sci. 2014;79(4):M659-M664. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12416Albergamo A, Potortí AG, Di Bella G, et al.Chemical characterization of different products from the TunisianOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill.Foods. 2022;11(2):155. doi:10.3390/foods11020155Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, et al.Opuntiaspp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2.Plants (Basel). 2022;11(18):2333. doi:10.3390/plants11182333López-Romero P, Pichardo-Ontiveros E, Avila-Nava A, et al.The effect of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) on postprandial blood glucose, incretins, and antioxidant activity in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of two different composition breakfasts.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(11):1811-1818. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.352García-Menaya JM, Cordobés-Durán C, Bobadilla P, Ledesma A, Pérez-Rangel I.Hypersensitivity systemic reaction to cactus fruit (opuntia ficus-indica): ALLERGYNet.Allergy. 2009;64(11):1689-1690. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02109.xAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Lawson MK.Improvement of Therapeutic Value of Quercetin with Chitosan Nanoparticle Delivery Systems and Potential Applications.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 7;24(4):3293. doi:10.3390/ijms24043293Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Vasto S, Pintaudi AM, Livrea MA, Allegra M.Short-term cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Mill] fruit supplementation ameliorates the inflammatory profile and is associated with improved antioxidant status among healthy humans.Food Nutr Res. 2018;62:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262. doi:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262Remes-Troche JM, Taboada-Liceaga H, Gill S, et al.Nopal fiber (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a randomized controlled trial.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021;33(2):e13986. doi:10.1111/nmo.13986
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jensen GS.Improved joint mobility associated with reduced inflammation related to consumption of Nopal cactus fruit juice: results from a placebo-controlled trial using digital inclinometry to objectively document mobility of all major joints.Clin Interv Aging. 2020;15:2341-2352. doi:10.2147/CIA.S267451El-Mostafa K, El Kharrassi Y, Badreddine A, et al.Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease.Molecules. 2014;19(9):14879-14901. doi:10.3390/molecules190914879Kolniak-Ostek J, Kita A, Miedzianka J, Andreu-Coll L, Legua P, Hernandez F.Characterization of bioactive compounds ofOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill. seeds from Spanish cultivars.Molecules. 2020;25(23):5734. doi:10.3390/molecules25235734De Santiago E, Domínguez-Fernández M, Cid C, De Peña MP.Impact of cooking process on nutritional composition and antioxidants of cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica).Food Chem. 2018;240:1055-1062. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.08.039Sánchez E, Dávila-Aviña J, Castillo SL, Heredia N, Vázquez-Alvarado R, García S.Antibacterial and antioxidant activities in extracts of fully grown cladodes of 8 cultivars of cactus pear.J Food Sci. 2014;79(4):M659-M664. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12416Albergamo A, Potortí AG, Di Bella G, et al.Chemical characterization of different products from the TunisianOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill.Foods. 2022;11(2):155. doi:10.3390/foods11020155Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, et al.Opuntiaspp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2.Plants (Basel). 2022;11(18):2333. doi:10.3390/plants11182333López-Romero P, Pichardo-Ontiveros E, Avila-Nava A, et al.The effect of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) on postprandial blood glucose, incretins, and antioxidant activity in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of two different composition breakfasts.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(11):1811-1818. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.352García-Menaya JM, Cordobés-Durán C, Bobadilla P, Ledesma A, Pérez-Rangel I.Hypersensitivity systemic reaction to cactus fruit (opuntia ficus-indica): ALLERGYNet.Allergy. 2009;64(11):1689-1690. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02109.xAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Lawson MK.Improvement of Therapeutic Value of Quercetin with Chitosan Nanoparticle Delivery Systems and Potential Applications.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 7;24(4):3293. doi:10.3390/ijms24043293Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Vasto S, Pintaudi AM, Livrea MA, Allegra M.Short-term cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Mill] fruit supplementation ameliorates the inflammatory profile and is associated with improved antioxidant status among healthy humans.Food Nutr Res. 2018;62:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262. doi:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262Remes-Troche JM, Taboada-Liceaga H, Gill S, et al.Nopal fiber (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a randomized controlled trial.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021;33(2):e13986. doi:10.1111/nmo.13986
Jensen GS.Improved joint mobility associated with reduced inflammation related to consumption of Nopal cactus fruit juice: results from a placebo-controlled trial using digital inclinometry to objectively document mobility of all major joints.Clin Interv Aging. 2020;15:2341-2352. doi:10.2147/CIA.S267451
El-Mostafa K, El Kharrassi Y, Badreddine A, et al.Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease.Molecules. 2014;19(9):14879-14901. doi:10.3390/molecules190914879
Kolniak-Ostek J, Kita A, Miedzianka J, Andreu-Coll L, Legua P, Hernandez F.Characterization of bioactive compounds ofOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill. seeds from Spanish cultivars.Molecules. 2020;25(23):5734. doi:10.3390/molecules25235734
De Santiago E, Domínguez-Fernández M, Cid C, De Peña MP.Impact of cooking process on nutritional composition and antioxidants of cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica).Food Chem. 2018;240:1055-1062. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.08.039
Sánchez E, Dávila-Aviña J, Castillo SL, Heredia N, Vázquez-Alvarado R, García S.Antibacterial and antioxidant activities in extracts of fully grown cladodes of 8 cultivars of cactus pear.J Food Sci. 2014;79(4):M659-M664. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12416
Albergamo A, Potortí AG, Di Bella G, et al.Chemical characterization of different products from the TunisianOpuntia ficus-indica(L.) mill.Foods. 2022;11(2):155. doi:10.3390/foods11020155
Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, et al.Opuntiaspp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2.Plants (Basel). 2022;11(18):2333. doi:10.3390/plants11182333
López-Romero P, Pichardo-Ontiveros E, Avila-Nava A, et al.The effect of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) on postprandial blood glucose, incretins, and antioxidant activity in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of two different composition breakfasts.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(11):1811-1818. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.06.352
García-Menaya JM, Cordobés-Durán C, Bobadilla P, Ledesma A, Pérez-Rangel I.Hypersensitivity systemic reaction to cactus fruit (opuntia ficus-indica): ALLERGYNet.Allergy. 2009;64(11):1689-1690. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02109.x
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Lawson MK.Improvement of Therapeutic Value of Quercetin with Chitosan Nanoparticle Delivery Systems and Potential Applications.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 7;24(4):3293. doi:10.3390/ijms24043293
Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Vasto S, Pintaudi AM, Livrea MA, Allegra M.Short-term cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Mill] fruit supplementation ameliorates the inflammatory profile and is associated with improved antioxidant status among healthy humans.Food Nutr Res. 2018;62:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262. doi:10.29219/fnr.v62.1262
Remes-Troche JM, Taboada-Liceaga H, Gill S, et al.Nopal fiber (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a randomized controlled trial.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021;33(2):e13986. doi:10.1111/nmo.13986
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