What if a fruit native to arid regions could lower blood sugar and protect the pancreas from cell damage without side effects?
This is what a study conducted on diabetic rats, published in the Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine , has demonstrated. The researchers found that fresh juice from the Opuntia dillenii fruit (FIGO TINTO®) has a hypoglycemic, antioxidant, liver-regenerating, and pancreatic-protective effect, without causing hypoglycemia in healthy animals. .
What did the study consist of?
Forty albino rats were used, divided into four groups:
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Control (healthy)
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Untreated diabetic (induced with streptozotocin - STZ)
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Group treated with FIG RED® juice
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Diabetic group + FIG RED juice®
The treatment consisted of administering 5 ml/kg/day of juice orally for 4 weeks. Parameters such as the following were measured:
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Blood glucose
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Liver glycogen
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Lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL)
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Oxidative stress (measured by MDA)
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Histology of the pancreas
Main results
1. Decreased glucose
Untreated diabetic rats had glucose levels of 325 mg/dL , while those treated with HIGO TINTO® dropped to 143 mg/dL , a decrease of 56% compared to the pathological group.
2. Restoration of hepatic glycogen
In the treated rats, the liver again accumulated glycogen at normal levels, indicating recovery of liver metabolism.
3. Improvement of the lipid profile
| Parameter | Diabetic | Diabetic + FIG RED® |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | 113.5 mg/dL | 85.4 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | 135.1 mg/dL | 101.5 mg/dL |
| LDL-C | 56.3 mg/dL | 22.7 mg/dL |
| HDL-C | 30.2 mg/dL | 42.8 mg/dL |
These results indicate a favorable effect on cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes.
4. Reduction of oxidative stress
Lipid peroxidation (measured as MDA) was significantly lower in the treated group, indicating potent endogenous antioxidant activity.
5. Regeneration of pancreatic tissue
Histological examination revealed that in rats treated with HIGO TINTO®, the pancreatic islets showed signs of regeneration and less structural damage.
How does FIGO TINTO® work?
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It contains antioxidant flavonoids , which protect the pancreas and blood vessels.
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Its high fiber content helps slow down glucose absorption
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It contains chromium , an essential mineral in the action of insulin.
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It stimulates hepatic glycogen synthesis
Most importantly: it did not cause hypoglycemia in healthy animals, indicating a regulatory, not a suppressive, effect.
Where is this knowledge reflected today?
As a result of research like this, formulas have been developed that take advantage of the benefits of FIGO TINTO® to contribute to metabolic balance, pancreatic health and cholesterol control, combining it with other functional ingredients such as fibers, adaptogens or spices.
Some of the current applications of FIGO TINTO® include:
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Digestive Creamer : a combination of FIGO TINTO® and prebiotic fiber, formulated to support digestion and regulate metabolism
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-digestive ) -
BOOST with FIG RED® : a plant-based blend with turmeric, ginger and FIG RED®, designed to support energy balance and cellular well-being
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-boost ) -
HIGO TINTO® Family Max : a mild and natural alternative to cocoa, with no added sugars, designed for families who want to take care of themselves every day.
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-family-max ) -
Organic powder of RED FIG® 100% : pure extract, used in smoothies, capsules or personalized homemade preparations
( https://tunocanarias.com/products/higo-tinto-eco )
Conclusion
The juice from the fruit of FIGO TINTO® has demonstrated in experimental models its ability to:
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Reduce blood glucose
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Protecting the pancreas
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Improve lipid profile
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Combat oxidative stress
A simple fruit, with a complex biochemical profile and real therapeutic potential.
Reference
Inas ZA Abdallah (2008)
Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity of Opuntia dillenii Fruit Juice in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine , Vol. 33: 544–558.
