Diarrhoea, with excessive nausea, is reputed to have been cured by Opuntia vulgaris. The bruised stems are employed as a discutient. The red berries of this and other species are said to impart a red color to the urine. The anhalonium is said to grow on high chalk-cliffs and on almost inaccessible mountain peaks. Anhalonine paralyzes the spinal-cord, and increases reflex action, and may produce tetanic symptoms.
Vomiting is induced by small doses of it.
The fruit has a somewhat prolonged intoxicant action.