What if a Canary Island plant, until now undervalued, turned out to be one of the most promising for the natural health of the future?
An international review study has consolidated more than 90 investigations on Opuntia dillenii (TINTO FIG®), revealing its pharmacological potential in numerous areas: from chronic inflammation to neuroprotection, metabolic health, liver protection and cell regeneration.
Notable phytochemical composition
The FIG TINTO® contains:
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Betalains : betacyanins and betaxanthins, pigments with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action
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Polyphenols and flavonoids : quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, rutin
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Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and vitamin E
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β-sitosterol : LDL cholesterol reducer and immune modulator
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Unique compounds such as opuntiol and opuntioside-I, with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypotensive activity
Main pharmacological activities of HIGO TINTO®
Antioxidant
Confirmed in multiple DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assays.
The seed and pulp extract showed a great capacity to neutralize free radicals and protect DNA.
Anti-inflammatory
It inhibits mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, LTB4.
Dose-dependent effect on induced edema and pain tests (hot plate, writhing test).
Hepatoprotective
It protects against toxins such as cadmium and CCl₄. It improves ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels and promotes liver cell regeneration.
Hypoglycemic agent
It reduces blood glucose and improves the lipid profile in animal models and in clinical trials with patients with type 2 diabetes.
Neuroprotective
It protects neurons against oxidative stress, regulates Bax/Bcl-2 expression, and prevents damage to the cortex and hippocampus.
Antitumor
It induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells (SK-MES-1), associated with increased p53 and PTEN.
Immunomodulator
It stimulates lymphocyte proliferation and the production of IgM and IgG, restoring immune functions in immunosuppressed animals.
Analgesic
It reduces pain induced in rats and mice by both chemical and thermal stimuli.
Antimicrobial
Extracts inhibit bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus subtilis , E. coli , and fungi such as Candida albicans.
Current application of FIGO TINTO® in holistic health
At Tuno Canarias, functional formulas incorporating extracts of FIGO TINTO® have been developed based on solid scientific evidence. These products are not intended to replace medical treatments, but rather to complement daily health with natural solutions inspired by modern phytotherapy.
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BOOST with RED FIG® : antioxidant energy for body and mind, with ginger, turmeric and RED FIG®
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-boost ) -
Digestive Creamer : regulates the gut microbiota, supports the liver system and contributes to glycemic control
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-digestive ) -
HIGO TINTO® Family Max : sugar-free alternative for children and adults, rich in antioxidants for daily use
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-family-max ) -
100% Organic Powder of RED FIG® : versatile raw material for customized formulas in capsules or functional beverages
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-eco )
Conclusion
Far from being a botanical curiosity, the RED FIG® ( Opuntia dillenii ) is emerging as one of the most complete plants of the 21st century: antioxidant, hepatic, metabolic, neuroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial.
Forgotten in its homeland, rediscovered by science. The future of the TINTO FIG® is brighter than ever.
Reference
Shirazinia et al. (2019)
Opuntia dillenii: A Forgotten Plant with Promising Pharmacological Properties
Journal of Pharmacopuncture, Vol. 22(1): 16–27
