Prickly Pear Cactus Side Effects

Prickly pear cactus is generally safe when consumed as food, but may cause some minor side effects when taken as a supplement:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and headache

• Prickly pear cactus may interact with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar to drop too low. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar carefully when using prickly pear cactus

• Prickly pear cactus may affect blood sugar control during and after surgery, so it's recommended to stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery

• There is insufficient evidence on the safety of prickly pear cactus for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it's best to avoid use

• Dermatitis is the most common adverse reaction to prickly pear cactus, which can be treated with topical corticosteroids

• Ingesting the seeds of prickly pear cactus can potentially cause large bowel obstruction requiring medical intervention

In general, prickly pear cactus appears to be relatively safe when consumed in food amounts, but caution is warranted with supplemental use, especially for those with diabetes or scheduled for surgery.