Prickly Pear Extract

Meratol

Prickly Pear fruit water extract, with antioxidant and diuretic properties. Prickly Pear  is 100% natural and clinically tested. It can be incorporated into your dietary supplements and/or functional food and beverages for weight management and antioxidant protection.

Applications	Weight management action Diuretic, detoxifying Strengthenned antioxidant protection
Nature	Cactus fruit water extract from Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear cactus)
Active content	Betalains (natural pigment from this particular fruit), Including highly bio-available indicaxanthin (65 to 85%)
Scientific Background	Clinical study on Prickly Pear (August 2009) ·         Positive effect on body composition (fat / lean mass) ·         Significant reduction of the water mass ·         Positive effect on the silhouette ·         No side effect concerning blood pressure ·         Mineral balance preservation In vivo study on Prickly Pear (January 2007 - PUBLISHED RESULTS) ·         Diuretic activity ·         Preservation of minerals ·         Strengthened antioxidant protection In vivo study on fresh fruit: ·         Chronic and acute diuretic activity Clinical studies: ·         L. Tesoriere, et al. : Absorption, excretion, and distribution of dietary antioxidant betalains in LDLs : potential health effects of betalains in human. Am. J Clin Nutr 2004; 80:941-5. Prickly pear is an exceptional source of bioavailable betalains, including indicaxanthin, which is particularly involved in LDL protection against oxidation. ·         L. Tesoriere, et al. : Supplementation with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruit decreases oxidative stress in healthy humans: a comparative study with vitamin C. Am. J Clin Nutr 2004; 80:391-5. Cactus fruit consumption not only helps to preserve the cells from oxidative stress , but also allows to increase plasma concentration in vitamin C and E.