New Potential Discovered in Edible Cactus 'SABOVEG'! Patent Filed for Improving Gut Health, Sleep, Skin Condition, and Quality of Life

Mawaha Trading Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takeshi Iwamoto; hereinafter 'the company') and BioSis Lab Inc., a gut-health promotion venture originating from Fujita Medical University (Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture), have jointly filed a patent application based on research findings related to edible prickly pear cactus (brand name: SABOVEG).

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

This patent application is based on the discovery that continuous consumption of edible prickly pear cactus increases the population of beneficial gut bacteria known as 'Eubacterium' and 'Monoglobus' genera within the intestinal microbiota (gut flora).

[Overview of the Patent Application]

In a clinical trial involving healthy adults, participants who consumed edible prickly pear cactus for four consecutive weeks showed improvements not only in gut health markers but also in bowel movements, anxiety and tension levels, sleep quality, skin condition, and overall quality of life (QOL).

Microbiome analysis confirmed an increase in the abundance of 'Eubacterium' and 'Monoglobus' genera. The research team suggests these changes may be attributed to dietary fiber and pectin-rich components in the cactus that modulate the gut microbiota.

This patent filing is part of ongoing efforts to scientifically validate the health benefits of edible prickly pear cactus by focusing on its impact on gut microbiota.

[Edible Cactus: A Globally Recognized 'Future Food']

Edible prickly pear cactus is rich in dietary fiber, calcium, and polyphenols. It can be cultivated in arid regions and requires relatively little water, making it a low-environmental-impact crop gaining global attention as a sustainable food source.

The company is cultivating edible cactus on a domestic scale in Okinawa and Nagano Prefectures and plans to officially launch the 'SABOVEG' brand in summer 2026.

Moving forward, the company will continue researching its potential as a functional food, health supplement, and food ingredient to unlock new value from edible prickly pear cactus.

[Comments]

Takeshi Iwamoto, President and CEO, Mawaha Trading Co., Ltd.:

'Edible prickly pear cactus is a food with untapped potential to contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to human health. With this patent application, we aim to further enhance the value of SABOVEG and pioneer a new vegetable culture in Japan.'

Takumi Tochio, President and CEO, BioSis Lab Inc.:

'Our research focusing on gut microbiota has revealed new possibilities for edible prickly pear cactus. We will continue evidence-based R&D to support healthier lifestyles through food.'

*This press release contains information about technology currently under patent application. The content is based on research findings and is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any specific disease.