Uses & EffectivenessPossibly Effective for...Diabetes. Single doses of prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels by 17% to 46% in some people. However, it is not known if EXTENDED daily use can consistently lower blood sugar levels. The broiled stems of one prickly pear cactus species (Opuntia streptacantha) seem to lower blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes. However, raw or crude stems of this species do not seem to work. Other prickly pear cactus species don't seem to work either.Hangover. Taking prickly pear cactus before drinking alcohol might reduce some symptoms of hangover the next day. It seems to significantly reduce nausea, anorexia, and dry mouth. However, it does not seem to reduce other hangover symptoms such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, or soreness.Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...Enlarged prostate. Men with an enlarged prostate often feel their bladder is full, and they experience FREQUENT, strong urges to urinate. Developing evidence suggests that taking powdered prickly pear cactus flowers may reduce these symptoms.Inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia). Early research shows that taking edible pulp of prickly pear cactus daily for 4 weeks, while following a diet, reduces total and low-density LIPOPROTEIN (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol levels in people with inherited high cholesterol.High blood cholesterol. Early research shows that taking edible pulp of prickly pear cactus daily, while following a diet, can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and TRIGLYCERIDE levels in people with high cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol levels do not seem to be affected.Metabolic syndrome. Early research suggests that taking a specific product containing dehydrated leaves of prickly pear cactus (NeOpuntia) daily for 6 weeks does not affect fat levels in the blood in women with metabolic syndrome.Obesity.Colitis.Diarrhea.Treating infections CAUSED by viruses.Other conditions.