Research on the pharmacological potential associated with cactus pear fruit and cladodes is available. The research includes antioxidant capacity, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as lowering blood sugar and antidiabetic effects. Lowering of cholesterol, lipids, lipoproteins and fatty acid deposits in the blood and artery walls, as well as diuretic effects, are noted. Therapeutic influences of cactus pear fruit and cladodes are also described as anti-cancer and anti-viral. The treatment of ulcers and rheumatism has also been researched.