PARTE UTILIZADA= Used part: Flores.

ACCIÓN FARMACOLÓGICA= Pharmacological action: Antidiarréico (flores), sedante.

COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA= Chemical composition: Aim To study the chemical constituents of the stems of Opuntia vulgaris Mill (Cactaceae). Methods The compounds of Opuntia vulgaris were isolated by chromatography of Amberlite Dowex 50 and silica gel, and identified by means of UV, IR, MS, ID and 2D NMR. Results Three compounds were isolated and identified as: opuntin B(I), 4-hydroxyproline(II) and tyrosine(III). Conclusion Compound I is a new alkaloid.

ZONA GEOGRÁFICA= Geografical zone: América cálida hasta Argentina.

ÚLTIMOS AVANCES EN LA QUÍMICA Y ACTIVIDADES BACTERIOLÓGICAS EN LAS PLANTAS MEDICINALES= Medicinal plants, last advances on chemistry and bacteria activities on the medicinal herbs

1) The anthelmintic activity of aq. ext. of dried stems and the isolated saponin from fresh stems of Opuntia vulgaris were evaluated sep. on adult Indian earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) and the activities were compared with std. drug piperazine citrate.  Both aq. ext. and saponin exhibited dose dependent action on inhibition of spontaneous motility (paralysis) and death of earthworms.  Saponin showed remarkably higher anthelmintic activity than the std. drug piperazine citrate and the aq. ext.

2) Seven compds. (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, opuntiol, stearic acid, stigmasta-3,6-dione, daucosterol and beta-D-glucose) were isolated from the Opuntia vulgaris Mill. and their structures were identified by UV, IR, MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and DEPT and directly compared with authentic samples.

Stem: Bit of stem placed in water, and the water given for dropsy. Several thin slices of stem are warmed and placed in water, and the water is drunk for stomach inflammations. Slices of stem applied to inflammations of the joints, skin and intestines to draw off heat. Ground stem in an infusion used for treating stomach ulcers. Small piece of stem in a glass of water is used for removing mucus from inflamed eyes.

Fruit: Diuretic; makes red urine.

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Origin

Throughout the greater part of India.

Action:

In homoeopathy, a tincture made from the flowers and wood, is given for diarrhoea and splenomegaly.

1) TOURSARKISSIAN, Martín. Plantas medicinales de Argentina : sus nombres botánicos, vulgares, usos y distribución geográfica. Buenos Aires : Hemisferio Sur, 1980, p.19.

2) JIANG, J.-Q, et al. A new alkaloid from Opuntia vulgaris. Yaoxue Xuebao. 2003, vol.38, nº9, p.677-679.
 
3) PAL, D. K.; SAHOO, M.; MISHRA, A. K. Anthelminthic activity of stems of Opuntia vulgaris Mill.  Asian Journal of Chemistry. 2007, vol.19, nº1, p.793-795.
 
4) JIANG, Jianqin, et al. Studies on chemical constituents of opuntia vulgaris.  Zhongguo Yaoxue Zazhi (Beijing). 2000, vol.35, nº12, p.805-806.

5) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017.

6) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p  453.