Chromium(III) in cactus pad and its possible role in the antihyperglycemic activity

The antihyperglycemic activity of cactus pads and pulp fruit of species of Opuntia genus has been documented; however, the mechanism of action has not yet been clarified. Thus, cactus pad and pulp fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii were used to evaluate their effects on blood glucose concentration and glycemic curve of Sprague–Dawley rats. After acute administration, no significant differences were observed in the glycemic curve among cactus pad, pulp fruit and control groups. However, the glycemic peaks and glycemic curves obtained in the groups corresponding to both cactus pad and pulp fruit as well as the Cr(III) group were less pronounced than in the control group after 8 days of daily intake. Besides, a slight decrease of fasting blood glucose was observed, maintaining within the normal levels, after 8 days of daily intake of cactus pad extract. Therefore, the possible role of Cr(III) present in high amounts in these vegetable foods was suggested, for the first time, to explain their antihyperglycemic activity.

► High Cr contributions are observed for consumption of pads and fruits of Opuntia genus.
► After 8 days of Opuntia dillenii pads intake, the fasting blood glucose decreased.
► These high Cr contributions can explain the antihyperglycemic activity attributed.