Effect of OpunDiaTM (O. ficus-indica extract) on oral glucose tolerance and plasma insulin before and after exercise

Background High-intensity exercise typically leads to a depletion of body carbohydrate stores, primarily muscle glycogen. Therefore, typical ‘sports recovery drinks’ include a high carbohydrate dose, which stimulate muscle glucose uptake and glycogen re-synthesis via increased plasma insulin level. Thus, interventions that elevate plasma insulin following exercise could facilitate repletion of muscle glycogen stores, and serve as a useful ‘recovery agent’. There are some indications that extracts of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntiaficus-indica; OFI) can stimulate insulin secretion.