A research group led by Graduate Student Sayaka Yokoyama of the Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology at Chubu University, Associate Professor Mamoru Tanaka of the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Health and Nutritional Sciences Major and the Research Initiatives Center for Cactus and Succulent Plant Research, Professor Takumi Tochio of the Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics at Fujita Health University School of Medicine (gut microbiota assessment), and Professor Chikako Yamada of Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences (immune-related gene expression analysis) clarified that consumption of edible cactus enhances short-chain fatty acid production through the gut microbiota, exerting beneficial effects on cholesterol metabolism and intestinal immunity. This provides scientific evidence for new health functions of "edible cactus," a local resource of Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, and is expected to contribute to lifestyle-related disease prevention, functional food development applications, and regional brand strengthening. The findings were published in Nutrients.
Cactus is a useful plant that can be cultivated under diverse conditions due to its remarkable vitality, environmental tolerance, and cultivation characteristics. It has high nutritional value and is particularly rich in minerals and dietary fiber. Its antioxidant properties and effects in lowering blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol have been reported, and it is expected to prevent or improve lifestyle-related diseases such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes. Furthermore, in recent years, attention has focused on the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic diseases, and research on food materials that improve intestinal health is advancing.
Chubu University has conducted basic and applied research on cacti. In 2021, the University established the "Platform for Discovering and Promoting the Potential Applications of Cactus and Other Succulents Aimed at Promoting Cactus Utilization" jointly with Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, and multiple private companies. In 2024, the university established the Chubu University Research Initiatives Center for Cactus and Succulent Plant Research, building a foundation for promoting cactus utilization.
In this study, the research group investigated in detail through animal experiments the effects of consuming the prickly pear cactus Nopalea cochenillifera on gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and immune response.
Specifically, feed containing 10% cactus powder added to normal and high-fat diets was given to inbred mouse strain C57BL/6J for animal experiments for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota diversity and composition, short-chain fatty acids, serum lipids, fecal cholesterol excretion, and immune-related gene expression were comprehensively evaluated.
The results revealed decreases in body weight and liver weight, significant increases in gut microbiota diversity, and increases in the butyrate-producing bacteria Lachnospiraceae.
Furthermore, the study revealed increases in fecal cholesterol excretion and significant decreases in serum total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and free fatty acids. Moreover, under normal diet conditions, short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid increased, and changes in immune-related gene expression were observed, suggesting involvement in immune response.
These results suggested a mechanism whereby edible cactus consumption enhances short-chain fatty acid production through the gut microbiota, exerting beneficial effects on cholesterol metabolism and intestinal immunity.
Tanaka commented, "I am convinced that cactus has great potential as a functional food. Previously, we reported that prickly pear cactus improves the intestinal environment and enhances immune function in mice. In this study, in addition to the already-known blood cholesterol-lowering effect, we clarified the mechanism that improves lipid metabolism and intestinal environment through the gut microbiota. This demonstrated the potential to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases. This achievement advances our research toward our goal of 'bringing cactus to Japanese dining tables,' spreading its value as a new option for Japanese cuisine. In the future, we want to accelerate research toward practical application, including human intervention trials and component identification studies."
Tochio said, "The finding that prickly pear cactus consumption significantly increases gut microbiota diversity and promotes short-chain fatty acid production is a very important achievement from a prebiotic perspective. In particular, the increase in butyrate-producing bacteria directly relates to strengthening intestinal barrier function and inflammation suppression, and it is conceivable that it will also lead to improvements in lipid metabolism and overall health. This research demonstrated that cactus, rich in dietary fiber, has great potential as a 'food material that improves intestinal health.' In the future, we want to further develop research to verify its effects through human trials and apply it to lifestyle-related disease prevention and functional food development."
Yamada: "By advancing the analysis of immune-related genes, we obtained valuable insights showing that prickly pear cactus strengthens mucosal barriers, modulates intestinal immunity by changing cytokine production, and links with improvements in lipid metabolism. I sincerely look forward to the further development of future research and the day when these findings contribute to society."
Journal Information
Publication: Nutrients
Title: Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Nopalea cochenillifera (Prickly Pear Cactus) Contributes to Improved Lipid Metabolism and Immune Function
DOI: 10.3390/nu17172844
This article has been translated by JST with permission from The Science News Ltd. (https://sci-news.co.jp/). Unauthorized reproduction of the article and photographs is prohibited.