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Dietary supplement

Nopal Cactus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Nopal Cactus label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Nopal Cactus against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Nopal Cactus is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, high cholesterol, hangover symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 27, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: a liquid extract of wildcrafted nopal cactus (Opuntia streptacantha) made from the dried whole cactus. The extract is prepared in menstruum, which is a liquid solvent used to draw out the plant's active compounds.

Nopal cactus, also called prickly pear cactus, is a traditional plant used in folk medicine and eaten as food in some cultures.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Prickly Pear Cactus's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Prickly Pear Cactus for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Diabetes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence supports nopal cactus as possibly effective for type 2 diabetes. For other uses listed on the label—age-related cognitive decline, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), indigestion, and high cholesterol—the evidence is insufficient to rate how well it works.

If diabetes support is your main interest, the data is more encouraging; for the other conditions, we simply don't have enough reliable research yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Prickly Pear Cactus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Nopal cactus is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal fullness, indigestion, mild diarrhea, and nausea.

A small number of trial participants experienced headache, insomnia, or dizziness. Rare cases of rectal obstruction have been reported, but only after ingesting very large amounts of cactus fruit seeds; the risk with this dried extract is extremely low.

The supplement safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not robust enough—the facts advise against using supplement amounts during these times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Prickly Pear Cactus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Prickly Pear Cactus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your antidiabetes medications before starting this product. Nopal cactus can increase the risk of low blood sugar, so your doctor or pharmacist needs to know you're taking it.

They can help you monitor your glucose levels safely.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Nopal cactus may help support blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, though you'll need to monitor your levels if you're already on diabetes medication. Most people tolerate it well with only mild digestive side effects.

Before you start, clear it with your doctor or pharmacist—especially if you take any diabetes drugs. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, hold off until you've talked it over with your healthcare provider.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Nopal Cactus, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429524029046
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234558
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429524029046
IngredientAmount% DV
wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Origin of plant material: Mexico.

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Alcohol free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Alcohol-free liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Optunia streptacantha

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Nopal Cactus label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
970 mg per serving

Prickly pear cactus is a desert plant whose pads and fruit are eaten as food and taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and hango...

Wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Nopal Cactus?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Nopal Cactus interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Nopal Cactus interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Nopal Cactus with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Combining prickly pear cactus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Case reports show that combining prickly pear cactus with antidiabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, glipizide, and metformin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Advise patients to monitor glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
wildcrafted Nopal Cactus (Optunia streptacantha) dried whole cactus liquid extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Nopal Cactus, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Nopal Cactus by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Nopal Cactus has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Nopal Cactus contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is nopal cactus?
Nopal cactus, also called prickly pear cactus (Opuntia streptacantha), is a plant used in traditional medicine and eaten as food in some regions. This product is a liquid extract made from the dried whole cactus.
Will this help my blood sugar?
Nopal cactus is rated possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, so there's some evidence it may help. That said, if you're already taking diabetes medication, combining them raises the risk of your blood sugar going too low—so you need to talk with your doctor or pharmacist first and keep close watch on your levels.
What are the side effects?
Most people have mild digestive side effects like bloating, indigestion, mild diarrhea, or nausea. A few people in studies experienced headache, dizziness, or insomnia. Very rare cases of rectal blockage have been reported, but only after eating very large amounts of cactus fruit seeds—the risk with this dried extract is extremely low.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know whether supplement amounts are okay during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The facts advise against it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on what's right for you.
How much should I take?
The product facts provided don't include dosage information. Check the label on the bottle or talk with a pharmacist for the right dose for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Nopal Cactus is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Nopal Cactus label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Nopal Cactus’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Prickly Pear Cactus

Interacts with 86 drugs

Prickly pear cactus is a desert plant whose pads and fruit are eaten as food and taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and hangover symptoms. Some small studies suggest...

Read the full Prickly Pear Cactus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Nopal Cactus's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 9 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Prickly Pear Cactus 9 references
  1. Meckes-Lozyoa M, Roman-Ramos R. Opuntia streptacantha; a coadjutor in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Am J Chin Med 1986;14:116-8.
  2. Rayburn K, Martinez R, Escobedo M, et al. Glycemic effects of various species of nopal (Opuntia sp.) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Texas J Rural Health 1998;26:68-76.
  3. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  4. Sobieraj DM, Freyer CW. Probable hypoglycemic adverse drug reaction associated with prickly pear cactus, glipizide, and metformin in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:1334-7. PubMed
  5. Kleiner, O., Cohen, Z., and Mares, A. J. Low colonic obstruction due to Opuntia ficus indica seeds: the aftermath of enjoying delicious cactus fruits. Acta Paediatr. 2002;91(5):606-607.
  6. Steinberg, J. M. and Eitan, A. Prickly pear fruit bezoar presenting as rectal perforation in an elderly patient. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2003;18(4):365-367. PubMed
  7. Meckes-Lozyoa, M. and Roman-Ramos, R. Opuntia streptacantha: a coadjutor in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Am J Chin Med 1986;14(3-4):116-118.
  8. Onakpoya IJ, O'Sullivan J, Heneghan CJ. The effect of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Nutrition. 2015;31(5):640-6. PubMed
  9. Han EH, Lim MK, Lee S, et al. Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten Stems for Improving Cognitive Function in Elderly Subjects 55-85 Years of Age: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Med Food 2020;23(11):11

See these in context on the Prickly Pear Cactus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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