Nopal's main effect appears to be on postprandial glucose. Like aloe, it is also extremely popular among Hispanic diabetic patients, and since it is relatively benign and may have some benefit, it may play a role in diabetes management. Dosage is 500 g/day of broiled or fresh stems from the immature plant, she said.
Finally, Dr. Shane-McWhorter shared her way of responding to a patient who is reluctant to start on conventional diabetes medication and expresses a preference for a more “natural” approach.
“I tell them there's a product that comes from a chemical class called biguanides which is derived from the botanical Galega officinalis, also known as goat's rue. It's called metformin.”