RED FIG® AND LIVER HEALTH: The oil from its seed protects and regenerates the liver against toxins

Can a vegetable oil protect the liver from one of the most toxic substances used in the laboratory? Science says yes.

A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine in 2018 has shown that Opuntia dillenii seed oil (HIGO TINTO®) has a strong hepatoprotective effect against damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) , a toxic substance that causes inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver necrosis. .

What was investigated?

The objective was to evaluate whether the TINTO FIG® seed oil (ODSO) could protect the liver of adult rats against acute CCl₄ toxicity.

The following were evaluated:

• Liver enzymes: ALT, AST, ALP

• Levels of bilirubin, triglycerides, glucose and lipoproteins

• Liver weight and body gain

• MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels

• Renal function markers (urea, creatinine, uric acid)

Key results

Significant reduction of liver damage

Rats intoxicated with CCl₄ showed:

• Drastic increase in AST, ALT, and ALP

• Increased total and direct bilirubin

• Decrease in HDL and glucose

• Increase in triglycerides and VLDL

• Increased MDA (indicator of oxidative damage)

Following the administration of FIG TINTO® seed oil, all these values ​​improved significantly , approaching normal levels. .

Reduction of oxidative stress

The oil reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) , a marker of oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

This antioxidant effect is attributed to its content of:

• Linoleic acid (omega-6)

• Phenols such as catechol, syringic acid, and gallocatechin

• γ-tocopherol (vitamin E)
  

Improvement of the liver's excretory and metabolic function

• Bilirubin levels (direct and total) normalized

• Triglycerides were reduced and plasma glucose was restored

• VLDL levels were corrected without negatively affecting LDL or total cholesterol

Furthermore, the oil did not cause adverse effects in healthy rats , suggesting an excellent safety profile.

Why does it work?

The hepatoprotective mechanism is due to the oil's ability to:

• Neutralize free radicals (antioxidant action)

• Reduce lipid peroxidation in cell membranes

• Stabilize liver enzymes

• Stimulate liver cell regeneration

Current application of this knowledge

Thanks to this and other recent studies, the oil and extract of the TINTO FIG® are currently integrated into modern formulas designed to support liver balance, digestive health and defense against cellular stress .

Tuno Canarias has developed products that reflect this knowledge:

• Digestive Creamer : designed to support liver and digestive function through a combination of prebiotic fiber and antioxidant extracts
  ( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-digestive )

• BOOST with FIG RED® : designed for daily vitality, includes ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and FIG RED®, ideal for combating oxidative stress
  ( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-boost )

• FIGO TINTO® Family Max : sugar-free antioxidant formula that takes care of the whole family with the power of the whole fruit
  ( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-family-max )

• Pure organic powder of RED FIG® : for those who wish to prepare capsules, infusions or smoothies with the purest base ingredient
  ( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-eco )

Conclusion

The seed oil of FIG TINTO® has been shown to be a potent liver-protective agent , capable of:

• Reduce damaged liver enzymes

• To curb oxidative stress

• Restore metabolic function

• Improve the overall condition of the body without toxicity

Protecting your liver starts with natural choices. And FIGO TINTO® is one of the most promising.

Reference

Bouhrim et al. (2018)
Hepatoprotective effect of Opuntia dillenii seed oil on CCl₄ induced acute liver damage in rat
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Vol. 8(5): 254–260