Martin Bauer North America launches its OpunDia line of extracts of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) for use in foods and beverages to support healthy glucose levels. OpunDia extract has been shown in animal studies to reduce blood glucose levels by as much as 20%. OpunDia extract is currently the subject of a 16-week, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human study to determine its ability to support healthy blood-glucose levels. Prickly pear has a long history in Mexico, and Central and South America of use in managing glucose, and has been used as a food for 9,000 years. OpunDia is produced from cactus cultivated in Northern California under Good Agricultural Practice guidelines and is manufactured in a EU Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices-certified facility. Its water-soluble, made from both the pads and the fruit of the cactus and has a low recommended dosage of 200-400mg. OpunDia also is available as fresh fruit puree, offering manufacturers a natural, antioxidant-rich ingredient for foods and beverages.
