The prickly pear cactus, also known as Nopal, has been widely consumed as both a fruit and a vegetable since pre-Hispanic times for its therapeutic and nutritional purposes. In fact, it has played such an important role that hieroglyphics found in the great city of Tenochtitlan display a prickly pear cactus, a symbol which the flag of Mexico bears today.

There are more than 120 varieties of Nopal, but only one has attracted worldwide attention for its outstanding properties: Nopal Opuntia streptacantha.

Opuntia streptacantha has been used throughout the centuries as a therapeutic plant for its unique natural benefits and has been the subject of numerous scientific studies.