Opuntia cus-indica is the most widespread cactus into the Mediterranean lands. To survive in a dry climate, the plant uses its “leaves” (cladodes) to save water. Under the prickly surface, the cladodes contain a juicy soft gel filled very rich in polysaccharide.
The Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes, polysaccharide-containing, are used in folk medicine for their wound- healing activities and are widely employed for the treatment of mucous membrane irritation.