Is cactus an herbal medicine

Many species of cactus were traditionally used by Native Americans for a variety of medicinal purposes. The only species that has a modern medical use is the prickly pear cactus which is said to be a natural and effective Diabetes and cholesterol medication as well as being useful remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, skin ailments and viral infections. This cactus is becoming the subject of much scientific research, including blood cholesterol research trials sponsored by the American Heart Association. For former uses of this and other species of cactus you can search the Native American Ethnobotany Database.