DRENA

DRENA is a clinically proven product in which the richness of nature has been innovatively used to improve health status. Drena contains Prickly pear powder extract (Opuntia ficus-indica). Prickly pear is a perennial bushy plant derived from the cactus family whose fruits are traditionally consumed in the Mediterranean region. It was known as the plant of life in Aztec mythology because it apparently never dies, as a new plant can grow from it after it dries.

The Prickly pear is a valuable source of ingredients that show antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and diuretic effects. It is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, antioxidant components (polyphenols, flavonoids, betaxanthin, betacyanin) and pigments such as betalain derivatives (indicaxanthin and betanin). In terms of vitamin status, it is rich in B group vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K1, while potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium dominate among minerals. The seeds and pulp of Prickly pear are considered as important sources of amino acids. The seeds are dominated by glutamic acid, which is one of the 20 amino acids that participate in the protein construction, and the percentage of which can reach up to 20%, followed by arginine, which improves blood flow in the arteries, helps with erectile dysfunction, reduces oxidative cell damage, strengthens immunity, and together with lysine relieves anxiety symptoms. The two amino acids taurine (proper hydration and electrolyte balance in cells, prevents obesity, improves blood glucose regulation, cardioprotective effect) and proline (amino acid necessary for the collagen production) are dominant in the cactus fruit. Prickly pear also contains significant amounts of glutamine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine and phenylalanine. β-sitosterol as the main sterol is extracted from different parts of the fruit, and has anti- inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, blocks the reabsorption of cholesterol from the digestive system, stimulates testosterone production, and has a positive effect on prostate health.

Two polyunsaturated omega fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, because the body cannot synthesize them by itself, and these two omega acids are linoleic (omega-6) acid and alpha linolenic (omega-3) acid. Their concentration in Prickly pear powder is as much as 70%, so it is not surprising that Prickly pear is used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, regulation of elevated lipids, and as an aid in neurological and inflammatory diseases. The polyphenolic components of Prickly pear (gallic acid, nicotiflorin, isorhamnetin) achieve significant antioxidant potential, contributing to health benefits such as anti-inflammation and anticarcinogenic effects, cardiovascular dysregulation and neurodegenerative diseases. The plant pigment, indicaxanthin, has excellent bioavailability and strong antioxidant activity.

Through the synergistic action of all ingredients, Prickly pear extract increases the antioxidant capacity of cells by more than 50%, increasing the plasma concentration of vitamins C and E and the level of glutathione peroxidase. As a result of this, prickly pear achieves its anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects, and has been proven to be a powerful diuretic without affecting the loss of minerals, helping to reshape the figure and reduce the swelling and tiredness of the legs with a recommended dose of only 2 grams per day.