ニュース本文

Watahan Trading Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Takeshi Iwamoto; hereinafter referred to as "our company") and Biosys Lab Inc. (a "Gut Health Promotion Venture" originating from Fujita Health University, located in Toyoake City, Aichi Prefecture) have filed a patent application for a gut environment improvement agent, based on the results of joint research concerning edible prickly pear cactus (product name: SABOVEG).*Image is for illustrative purposes.This patent is based on the discovery that continuous intake of edible prickly pear cactus increases the number of bacteria belonging to the genera "Eubacterium" and "Monoglobus," which are known as beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota (gut flora).[Patent Application Overview]In a study targeting healthy adults, continuous intake of edible prickly pear cactus for 4 weeks resulted in improvements in indicators related to gut environment, as well as changes in bowel movement status, feelings of anxiety and tension, sleep quality, skin condition, and QOL (Quality of Life) in the intake group.Furthermore, analysis of the gut microbiota revealed an increase in the number of bacteria from the genera "Eubacterium" and "Monoglobus." The research team believes that these changes may be attributable to the effects of components such as dietary fiber and pectin, which are abundant in cactus, on the gut microbiota.This patent application focuses on the effects of edible prickly pear cactus on the gut microbiota and is part of an initiative to scientifically elucidate its health value.[Edible Cactus Gaining Attention as a "Future Food Ingredient"]Edible prickly pear cactus is rich in dietary fiber, calcium, polyphenols, and other nutrients. It can be cultivated in arid regions and is attracting global attention as an environmentally friendly crop that uses relatively little water.Our company is engaged in cactus cultivation on the largest scale in Japan in Okinawa and Nagano prefectures, and will fully launch the "SABOVEG" brand in the summer of 2026.We will continue to research its potential applications as a food with claims on function, health foods, and food ingredients, and strive to create new value for edible prickly pear cactus.[Comments]Takeshi Iwamoto, President, Watahan Trading Co., Ltd."Edible prickly pear cactus is a food ingredient with the potential to contribute not only to the environment but also to people's health. With this patent application as an opportunity, we will further enhance the value of SABOVEG and challenge ourselves to create a new vegetable culture in Japan."Takumi Tochio, President, Biosys Lab Inc."Through research focusing on the effects on gut microbiota, we have discovered new possibilities for edible prickly pear cactus. We will continue to advance research and development based on scientific evidence and contribute to the realization of healthy eating habits."*This release contains information regarding technology under patent application. The contents are based on research results and are not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any specific disease.