Type 2 diabetes is a global epidemic, but nature already has some answers.
In the heart of the Canary archipelago grows a plant that has accompanied generations with its vibrant fruit and ancestral energy: Opuntia dillenii (TINTO FIG®). Beyond its characteristic flavor and color, this plant is capturing the attention of the international scientific community thanks to its potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and liver-protective effects.
A study published in the journal Phytomedicine confirms that polysaccharides isolated from the TINTO® FIG, particularly a fraction called ODP-Ia , have a positive impact on sugar and lipid levels and liver function in animal models of type 2 diabetes. In simple terms, what does this mean? That this fruit could help lower blood glucose without increasing insulin , acting as a natural metabolic regulator.
The study: what was investigated?
The researchers' objective was to identify which of the polysaccharides present in Opuntia dillenii had the greatest antidiabetic activity. To do this, they extracted three main polysaccharide fractions using advanced chromatographic methods:
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ODP-Ia
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ODP-Ib
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ODP-II
They were tested in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes , a substance that produces symptoms similar to those of type 2 diabetes in humans. For 3 weeks, the mice received these extracts orally, and multiple metabolic indicators were analyzed: glucose, body weight, lipids, oxidative damage, and liver activity.
Main results of the ODP-Ia extract
The most effective fraction was ODP-Ia, which produced a reduction in blood sugar of up to 53.4% compared to the untreated diabetic group. But that wasn't all:
Blood glucose
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It decreased significantly, without an increase in insulin levels.
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ODP-Ia improved cellular sensitivity to insulin, not its production.
Lipid profile
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Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased.
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HDL (good cholesterol) levels increased.
Liver function
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The content of liver glycogen , essential for energy metabolism, increased.
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The activity of the G-6-Pass enzyme, related to the excessive production of glucose by the liver, decreased.
Antioxidant effect
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It significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) , key enzymes in cellular defense against oxidative damage.
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It reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) , a marker of oxidative stress.
Physical improvements
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The mice gained body weight, a sign of metabolic recovery.
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They reduced polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyphagia (excessive hunger), classic symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes.
How does the ODP-Ia in FIGO TINTO® work?
The study suggests that ODP-Ia acts through several complementary mechanisms:
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Antioxidant : reduces oxidative damage in the liver, one of the main organs affected by diabetes.
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Hepatoprotective : improves liver function, especially in the synthesis and storage of glycogen.
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Metabolic regulator : helps to normalize glucose and lipid levels without the need to increase insulin.
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Tissue repairer : helps restore balance in altered metabolic processes, such as the handling of calcium, nitrogen and fat metabolism.
What exactly is ODP-Ia?
ODP-Ia is a naturally occurring, medium-molecular-weight polysaccharide (approximately 60 kDa) composed primarily of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose , with 15% arabinuronic acid. It is a white, water-soluble powder, free of proteins and starches, and exhibits a homogeneous structure according to chromatographic analysis. This profile contributes to its potent biological activity.
Importance for human health
Although this study was conducted on animals, its results open the door to new applications of FIGO TINTO® in the field of human health, especially in people with:
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Prediabetes or insulin resistance
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Type 2 diabetes in its early stages
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Imbalances in cholesterol or triglycerides
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Liver disease or overweight related to metabolic syndrome
And best of all: it is a natural compound, with no known side effects , and compatible with other health strategies such as physical exercise and a balanced diet.
How to incorporate FIGO TINTO® into your daily routine?
At Tuno Canarias we have developed safe, effective and tasty formulas based on FIGO TINTO®, which preserve its natural active ingredients and allow for daily use by the whole family:
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Family Max : sugar-free functional mix for preparing drinks or adding to recipes
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Digestive Creamer : ideal for caring for the microbiota and regulating intestinal transit
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Fit Boost : natural energy for athletes or active people
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100% pure TINTO FIG® powder : for those looking for a clean and straightforward formula
Conclusion
The study published in Phytomedicine demonstrates that the polysaccharides of Opuntia dillenii (TINTO FIG®), especially ODP-Ia, have a potent hypoglycemic, antioxidant and metabolic regulating effect .
It is not a miracle cure, but a natural tool with a scientific basis , ideal to complement a healthy lifestyle.
Scientific reference used
Zhao LY et al.
Antidiabetic effect of a newly identified component of Opuntia dillenii polysaccharides .
Phytomedicine, 18 (2011): 661–668.
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2011.01.001
