What if a plant extract could regenerate the liver after severe heavy metal poisoning?
An experimental study published in The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences has demonstrated that the extract of the Opuntia dillenii fruit (FIGO TINTO®) has a powerful capacity to reverse liver damage caused by cadmium , one of the most aggressive toxic metals for the human body. The research concluded that this extract has a clear hepatoprotective, regenerative, and antioxidant effect, with visible histological improvements in the liver tissue of the treated animals.
What did they investigate?
The experiment was conducted on mice divided into three groups:
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Control (healthy, no treatment)
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Cadmium (Cd) group : exposed to 50 ppm of cadmium for 15 days
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Group Cd + OD : same treatment with cadmium, but from day 16 they also received 0.2 ml daily of Opuntia dillenii fruit extract
At the end of the experiment, the livers were extracted, processed, and analyzed to assess the degree of damage or recovery.
Main results
Improvement in the structural parameters of the liver
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The extract of FIG TINTO® significantly reduced hepatocyte swelling , cytoplasmic vacuoles , and disorganization of hepatic cords .
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Clear signs of cell regeneration were observed, including the appearance of hepatoblastic progenitor cells .
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Histology showed a lower number of damaged hepatocytes , and a higher number of normal hepatocytes in the treated group.
Protection against damage from free radicals
The study confirms that liver damage caused by cadmium is mediated by severe oxidative stress and the generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) , which leads to necrosis, edema, and apoptosis in liver cells.
The extract of FIG TINTO® reduced these effects thanks to its natural content of flavonoids, betalains, vitamin C and phenolic compounds , known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and protect DNA.
Generation of new cells
One particularly relevant observation from the study was the increase in the number of oval progenitor cells in the group treated with HIGO TINTO®. These cells are precursors to new hepatocytes, and their appearance indicates active liver regeneration .
This makes FIGO TINTO® not only a liver protector, but also a potential tissue regenerator , something very valuable in modern phytotherapy.
Practical application today
This study reinforces the usefulness of the TINTO FIG® fruit extract in formulas designed for:
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Support liver function
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Reduce systemic oxidative stress
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To promote recovery processes after poisonings or prolonged drug treatments
Tuno Canarias has developed several formulations that integrate this type of extract in combination with fibers, adaptogens or antioxidant vitamins, aimed at maintaining internal balance naturally:
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Digestive Creamer – ideal for supporting the digestive system and essential liver functions
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-digestive ) -
BOOST with RED FIG® – designed to support metabolism and offer defense against cellular stress
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-boost ) -
HIGO TINTO® Family Max – sugar-free, rich in functional compounds, designed for everyday family well-being
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-family-max ) -
Organic TINTO FIG® Powder – a versatile option for those seeking customized formulas
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-eco )
Conclusion
The RED FIG® has proven to be more than just a colorful fruit . It is a natural source of bioactive compounds capable of:
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Protecting the liver from aggressive toxins such as cadmium
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Stimulate liver cell regeneration
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Reduce oxidative stress at a systemic level
When nature meets science, the result is functional health. And FIGO TINTO® lives up to the hype.
Reference
Shah et al. (2016)
Hepatoprotective Activity of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. Fruit Pulp Extract Against Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Mice
The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences , Vol. 26(5): 1471–1478.
