Caper Research Articles

Exploring the potential of bioactive compounds of Capparis spinosa L. from Morocco: Unveiling its antioxidant and antifungal powers against Alternaria alternata

Capparis spinosa L. is a Mediterranean shrub and one of the most important species of the gender Capparis due to its ecological, medicinal and economic importance. This species has strong adaptation characteristics to regions with fluctuating climates. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the locality’s climate and plant’s parts on the content of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant and antifungal activities of caper leaves and seeds. The present study was carried out in 7 localities in 2 Moroccan regions, Oriental and Fez-Meknes, where we collected leaves and seeds samples. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity was studied by DPPH and ABTS tests and an in vitro test of antifungal activity was achieved using Alternaria alternata. The analysis of variance showed no significant effect of locality, plant’s parts and their interaction on the phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antifungal activities of C. spinosa. Methanolic leaves extracts demonstrated the most favorable outcomes, yielding a maximum polyphenol content of 124.48 ± 0.05 mg EAG/g DW. Additionally, the maximum flavonoid content was recorded at 24.51 ± 0.01 mg EQ/g DW. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration at 50 % (IC50) is 2.06 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL using DPPH and ABTS tests respectively. These extracts exhibited the highest % of inhibition, 30.59 % at 1000 ppm against A. alternata. The richness of the caper plant in bioactive compounds reveals an interest in its therapeutic and pharmaceutical virtues. In addition, it could be an alternative to chemicals for the control of phytopathogenic fungi on fruits or vegetables.

Antimicrobial activity of Zn-nanoparticles synthesized by leaf extract of Capparis spinosa

In the last 2 decades, nanotechnology has developed significantly. It is now easy to perform materials reduction to a nano size called nanoparticles (NPs). One significant development is the use of plant extracts containing phytochemical compounds as reducing agent. Capparis spinosa, a shrub plant, was used in the synthesis of zinc oxide and iron oxide NPs. Synthesis and characterization of ZnONPs by consumed phytochemical compounds of C.spinosa leaf extract was performed. Synthesize ZnONPs from the aqueous leaf extract and characterize them using FT-IR, DLS and STEM and investigate the antimicrobial activity of NPs using agar well diffusion and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The aqueous leaf extract of C.spinosa contain flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, phenol and saponin. FT-IR analysis showed peaks in C spinosa extract and ZnONPs spectra where different functional groups with unique peaks for ZnONPs were detected indicating the formation of specific bonds. DLS spectroscopy revealed polydispersity index (PDI) values of 0.638 for ZnONPs and STEM images for ZnONPs showed irregular NPs with sizes ranging from 33.75 to 89.14 nm. Antimicrobial test by agar well diffusion showed an inhibition zone of ZnONPs against all test microbial genera except C. glabrata and higher effect was against P.vulgaris with diameter of inhibition zone equal to 15.5± 0.7 mm. The MIC values of ZnONPs against P.vulgaris and C.Kruesi were the same (0.25mg/ml) while S.aureus, S.pyogens and C.glabrata showed less MIC value (0.125mg/ml). In conclusion, green synthesized ZnONPs showed an antimicrobial effect on skin associated microbial which can be adopted and developed with the aim of using it as an alternative to completely chemically synthesized antibiotics.

The effect of debittering by sonication in brine, NaOH and water on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity of caper (Capparis ovata Desf.) young shoot and buds

SummaryThe total carotenoid amounts of the caper young shoot and buds debittered by sonication in brine, NaOH and tap water were reported to be between 19.99 (control) and 37.23 μg g−1 (water) to 4.36 (control) and 20.38 μg g−1 (NaOH), respectively. Total phenolic contents of sonicated caper young shoot and buds in brine, NaOH and tap water were specified to be between 34.96 (NaOH) and 299.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (control) to 45.04 (NaOH) and 373.12 mg GAE/100 g (control), respectively. Radical scavenging activity values of sonicated young shoots were measured between 1.26 (NaOH) and 7.58 mmol trolox equivalent (TE) kg−1 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (control). In addition to DPPH, antioxidant activity values of sonicated caper young shoot and buds were measured to be between 2.06 (NaOH) and 17.72 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), mg g−1 (control) to 1.70 (NaOH) and 13.44 FRAP mg g−1 (control), respectively. Kaempferol quantities of sonicated caper young shoot were identified between 40.08 (control) and 53.83 mg/100 g (Brine). In general, the most reduction in phenolic components was observed in caper young shoot and buds sonicated in NaOH solution. The phenolic components of the caper young shoot and buds sonicated in different solutions showed changes on the solution type when compared to the control.

EVALUATION OF WALNUT GREEN HUSK, CAPPARIS SPINOSA, CISTANCHES HERBA, ECLIPTA PROSTRATA, SCUTELLARIA BARBATA, SARGENTODOXA CUNEATA, AND SOPHORA FLAVESCENS EXTRACTS AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS, ESCHERICHIA COLI, AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS

Herbs are widely used in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses in humans and animals. They contain an array of natural antibacterial compounds and possess potent antibacterial properties, making them a promising source of low-toxicity, high-efficiency alternative antimicrobial agents that are less likely to develop drug resistance. In this experiment, total phenols and flavonoids, free radical scavenging ability of extracts derived from seven traditional Chinese herbs, including walnut (Juglans regia) green husk, Cistanche herba, Capparis spinosa, Eclipta prostrata, Sophora flavescens, Scutellaria barbata, and Sargentodoxa cuneata, were investigated. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis were assessed. The results showed that the concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids of the seven extracts ranged from 5.45 to 226.89 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL and 7.34 to 428.04 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/mL, respectively. S. cuneata extract exhibited the highest contents of total phenols and flavonoids, which were significantly higher than those of the other herbs extract (P < 0.05). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rates of the extracts were ranged from 28.25% to 85.33%. The extracts from S. cuneata and E. prostrata showed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other extracts (P < 0.05). Extract from the walnut green husk possessed the best antibacterial properties against S. aureus and S. enteritidis with inhibition zone diameters of 13.05 and 8.59 mm, respectively, which were significantly greater than those of the other herbal extracts (P < 0.05). For E. coli, S. barbata extract displayed the highest antibacterial activity of with a diameter of inhibition zone of 9.83 mm. Based on the findings of the current study, it is concluded that the extracts from S. cuneata and E. prostrata exhibited favorable antioxidant capacity and the extracts derived from the walnut green husk and S. barbata have the potential to serve as alternatives for antibiotics. Keywords: Herbs, phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties

Studies on pollen performance in some endangered medicinal and aromatic plants of cold desert Ladakh

The study was carried out at the Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden, located at the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa-Leh, from 2021 to 2023. An assessment of pollen viability was conducted using seven significant medicinal and aromatic plants from the Ladakh region. Analysis of pollen vitality was conducted using the acetocarmine staining technique. The pollen viability of Inula racemosa Hook. f. ranged from 91.08 ± 1.39 % to 82.44 ± 1.48 % in Ephedra gerardiana Wall. Among the genus Inula racemosa, the highest percentage (91.08%) of viable pollens indicates a normal meiosis, whereas Ephedra gerardiana recorded the lowest percentage. Among the chosen species, Inula racemosa, Verbascumthapsus, Hyoscyamus niger, and Dracocephalum heterophyllum stand out for their exceptional pollen viability. These species can be effectively utilized for conservation purposes and as male parents in hybridization. The result for the average pollen density varied from 1533.07 ± 106.32 in Capparis spinosa L. to 276.00 ± 10.20 in Dracocephalum heterophyllum.

Meta-heuristic optimization for drying kinetics and quality assessment of Capparis spinosa buds

This paper was conducted to model the drying kinetics of Capparis spinosa buds using dragonfly swarm optimized nonlinear regression and to compare the impact of drying treatments on their quality. Experiments included hot-air convective drying (HACD) from 40 to 120 °C, vacuum drying (VD) at 40, 60, and 80 °C, microwave drying (MD) ranging from 200 to 1000 W. Out of 30 models tested, the drying kinetics fitted best with Jena Das model in both HACD and VD and modified Midilli for MD. The comparison between the drying treatments used indicated that when taking into account the quality of the dried caper, VD at 80 °C was the most effective, resulting in a high-quality caper with a well-preserved color (ΔE = 7.47), high bioactives (TPC = 30.18mgGAE/gDW and TFC = 10.27 mg QE/gDW) and radical scavenging abilities (DPPH = 0.249 and ABTS = 4.448 mg/mL) at the expense of long duration (6h) and high specific energy consumption (50.667 kWh/kg). On the other hand, when considering the drying behavior MD ranked best with samples dried at 1000 W showing high diffusivities 2.04e−8 m2s−1 low energy consumption (MER 0.1216 kg/h), and short drying times (12 mn). This research is critical in selecting better drying conditions for increased usage in the culinary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Elemental Profiling of Common Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants of Swat and Peshawar Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan: An Investigation Using PIXE and ICP-OES.

The use of medicinal plants is integral to addressing liver, heart, lung, and other metabolic issues. These plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which collectively help in lowering intestinal glucose absorption and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic tissues. Elemental analysis, encompassing major, minor, and trace elements, was performed on various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants collected from different regions of Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. This analysis utilized proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Our PIXE and ICP-OES analysis revealed the presence of major (Ca, K, S, P), minor (Si, Cl), and trace (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, and Sc) elements in various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of the 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants studied. Specifically, elements such as Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se were detected, all of which are known to contribute in maintaining normal glucose metabolism. Notably, Zn and Se are crucial trace elements for the synthesis, secretion, and action of insulin. Significant Zn concentrations were observed in ten anti-diabetic medicinal plants: Albizia lebbeck (AL), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Citrus medica (CM), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), Hyoscyamus niger (HN), and Martynia annua (MA), and significant Se concentrations were observed in twelve medicinal plants, i.e., Albizia lebbeck (AL), Allium sativum (AS), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Cannabis sativa (CS), Capparis spinosa (CaS), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Datura alba (DA), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), and Hyoscyamus niger (HN). Our study's elemental analysis using PIXE and ICP-OES on various parts of 16 medicinal plants identified a significant number of useful elements. Elements such as Ca, K, S, P, Al, Si, Cl, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Cr were identified and quantified. These findings support the potential use of these plants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of elemental profiling in understanding their therapeutic properties.

Antibiotic delivery in the presence of green AgNPs using multifunctional bilayer carrageenan nanofiber/sodium alginate nanohydrogel for rapid control of wound infections

This study constructed bilayer nano-hydrogels using solvent casting and electrospinning techniques. The first layer consisted of a hydrogel containing sodium alginate and gellan gum, while the second layer was a carrageenan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous membrane. The nanohydrogels were prepared with different doses of doxycycline antibiotic (0.12, 0.06, 0.03 g) and a fixed amount of silver nanoparticles (0.012 g), which were synthesized using the green method including Capparis spinosa leaf extract. The films were tested for their mechanical properties, swelling behavior, XRD, and FTIR, and their morphology was characterized using SEM. The biological properties of the nanohydrogels were also extensively assayed. X-ray diffraction analysis showed peak 111 for silver nanoparticles. Incorporating silver nanoparticles significantly enhanced nanohydrogels' mechanical and antibacterial properties and improved their ability to heal wounds. Nanohydrogels exhibited biodegradability, biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory properties (57.63 %), and high cell viability (>85 %) in laboratory conditions. The study confirmed that wound dressings containing doxycycline with controlled release are highly effective against pathogenic bacteria and prevent the formation of biofilms (92 %). The rats in-vivo study demonstrated that 100 % wound closure was achieved in nanohydrogels containing SA/GG/PVA/CAR/AgNPs/DOX0.12 after 14 days. The films could potentially lead to the development of new treatments against bacterial infections and inflammatory conditions of wounds.

Spontaneous growth of plants enhances phytoextraction on abandoned coal mine wastes in Central Alborz coalfield, Iran

Coal mining disperses heavy metals into the environment, necessitating the identification of metal-tolerant plants for ecosystem restoration. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of plant species in abandoned coal wastes in northern Iran. Pollution indices indicated moderate contamination of Cu, Ni, V, Zn, Pb, Cr, and As in coal wastes. The plants varied in their ability to accumulate and translocate these metals, with most showing efficient root-to-shoot translocation. Artemisia scoparia (41.06 mg.kg−1) and Capparis spinosa (42.48 mg.kg−1) were effective for Cu phytoextraction. Most species, notably Cynodon dactylon (3.4 mg.kg−1), showed promise for phytoextraction of Cr. Capparis spinosa (7.67 mg.kg−1) exhibited potential for Pb phytoextraction. Most plants, particularly Hordeum vulgare and Melica persica, were effective phytoextractors of Ni. Sylibum marianum accumulated V beyond phytotoxic levels. Chenopodium album and Glaucium fimbriligerum were identified as phytoextractors of Zn while Cynodon dactylon and Hordeum vulgare, accumulating >100 mg.kg−1 Zn in roots, showed potential for phytostabilization. Sylibum marianum and Glaucium fimbriligerum, acted as excluders for As. Kochia prostrata and Artemisia aucheri were excluders for Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb. This study provided the role of multiple indigenous plants, including perennials and annuals with diverse life forms, in metal extraction and stabilization for sustainable coal waste management.

Essential Oil Emulsion from Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Leaves: Exploration of Its Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties for Possible Application as a Natural Food Preservative.

This study explored, for the first time, the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of a caper leaf essential oil (EO) emulsion for possible food applications as a natural preservative. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Capparis spinosa growing wild in the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy) and exhibited a pungent, sulphurous odour. The volatile fraction of the emulsion, analysed by SPME-GC-MS, consisted of over 100 compounds and was dominated by compounds with recognised antibacterial and antioxidant properties, namely dimethyl tetrasulfide (18.41%), dimethyl trisulfide (12.58%), methyl isothiocyanate (7.97%), and terpinen-4-ol (6.76%). The emulsion was effective against all bacterial strains tested (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, Pseudomonas fluorescens), with L. monocytogenes exhibiting the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 0.02 mg/mL) while E. coli had the highest (MIC = 0.06 mg/mL). The emulsion had a good DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging activity that was dose-dependent and equal to 42.98% at the 0.08 mg/mL level with an IC50 value of 0.099 mg/mL. Based on the results, the caper leaf EO emulsion has the potential to be proposed as a natural alternative to chemical preservatives in the food industry.

Nanoliposomal Encapsulation of Capparis spinosa Extract and Its Application in Jelly Formulation.

This research aimed to encapsulate the Capparis spinosa fruit extract to increase its stability for incorporation into food products such as jelly or jelly powder. After extraction, the nanoliposomes containing the extract were prepared in ratios of 60-0, 50-10, 40-20, and 30-30 lecithin-to-cholesterol. The effects of lecithin-to-cholesterol concentrations on the related parameters were then evaluated. The results showed that the average particle size was in the range of 95.05 to 164.25 nm, and with an increasing cholesterol concentration, the particle size of the nanoliposomes increased. The addition of cholesterol increased the zeta potential from -60.40 to -68.55 millivolt. Furthermore, cholesterol led to an increase in encapsulation efficiency, and even improved the stability of phenolic compounds loaded in nanoliposomes during storage time. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of the extract. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed nano-sized spherical and almost-elliptical liposomes. For jelly powders, the water solubility index ranged from 39.5 to 43.7% (p > 0.05), and the hygroscopicity values ranged between 1.22 and 9.36 g/100 g (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nanoencapsulated Capparis spinosa extract displayed improved stability and can be used in jelly preparation without any challenge or unfavorable perception.

The role of debittering process with normal water, NaOH and lye on chemical properties of brine, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds and sensory characteristics of fermented caper (Capparis ovata Desf. var. Ovata) buds

In this study, the effect of the application of salt water (brine), lye and caustic (NaOH) on salt content, acidity, pH in caper brine during fermentation was investigated. The total carotenoid quantity of the caper buds were assessed to be between 0.46 (lye) and 1.57 µg/g (hot water) on the 5th day, while the total carotenoid quantities of the buds on the 30th are found between 0.22 (normal water) and 0.94 µg/g (brine). The total carotenoid values of the caper buds on the 45th day were changed to be between 0.05 (hot water) and 0.75 µg/g (brine). The total phenol quantities of the buds on the 30th day were detected between 111.23 (caustic) and 194.48 mg GAE/100 g (hot water), while the total phenol quantities of the caper buds on the 45th day were assigned between 66.87 (lye) and 159.33 mgGAE/100 g (brine). The total flavonoid quantities of thecaper buds were assigned between 289.29 (lye) and 458.81 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g (normal water) on the 45th day. The highest decrease in phenolic components during fermentation was detected in catechin, rutin and resveratrol. Fermented caper buds, whose bitterness was removed with normal water on the 45th day, received the most appreciation. At the end of fermentation, the buds whose bitterness was removed with soda water, normal and hot water, normal water and caustic were most appreciated in terms of color, smell, taste and hardness.Graphical abstractIn this study, the effect of the application of salt water (brine), oak wood ash and caustic (NaOH) on salt content, acidity, pH in caper brine during fermentation and to determine the moisture, bioactive properties (antioxidant). activity, total phenol carotenoid, flavonoid), phenolic constituents and sensory characteristics of caper buds using hot water as an alternative to the bittering process with normal water in the production of fermented caper budswas investigated

Therapeutic potential of Capparis spinosa in experimental model of acute acetic acid-induced colitis: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

IntroductionThis study examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa L. (caper) in order to determine its medicinal potential in the treatment of acute colitis. MethodSixty male rats were divided into six groups. After the experimental period, distal colonic extension was collected for determination of colonic damage, oxidative stress markers, along with antioxidant markers. The impact of altered levels of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues on the underlying mechanisms examined. ResultsThe results showed that administering different doses of caper led to significant decreases in TNF-α and IL-6 levels when compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment effectively lowered elevated oxidative stress factors (MDA, NO, and MPO) compared to the control colitis group (p < 0.001). Caper treatment resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant factors (CAT, SOD, and GSH) compared with the control colitis group (p < 0.001).Significant improvements in tissue repair were observed in caper-treated groups compared to positives and control colitis (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study highlights caper may be useful in the treatment of acute colitis due to its ameliorative effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair.

Phenol content, potential antioxidant and anti-urolithic effects of fruit and leaf extracts from Algerian Capparis spinosa L.

Background: Ethnobotanical studies have historically documented the traditional medicinal use of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) in treating kidney stones and other chronic renal ailments. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and potential inhibitory effects of Capparis spinosa L. fruit and leaf extracts on calcium oxalate nucleation and aggregation. Material and Methods: Plant material was collected from the Tessala Mountains in Algeria. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Cioclateu method, while in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. In vitro anti-urolithic testing involved the use of turbidimetry in kinetic experiments to evaluate calcium oxalate nucleation and aggregation. Results: The IC50 values for antioxidant activity against DPPH were 8.67 mg/mL for fruit extracts and 0.57 mg/mL for leaf extracts. Furthermore, the investigated extracts exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation. At the highest concentrations of leaf and fruit extracts, the corresponding inhibition rates were 74.47% and 66.06% for the nucleation test and 67.75% and 54.19% for the aggregation assay, respectively. Conclusions: These findings substantiate the traditional usage of Capparis spinosa L. in managing urinary lithiasis, suggesting its potential application as either a preventive measure or a therapeutic intervention for urinary stone formation. Keywords: Antioxidant, Calcium oxalate, Capparis spinosa L., Urolithiasis, Polyphenols.

Capparis spinosa L waste activated carbon as an efficient adsorbent for crystal violet toxic dye removal: Modeling, optimization by experimental design, and ecological analysis

Textile dyes are dramatic sources of pollution and non-aesthetic disturbance of aquatic life and therefore represent a potential risk of bioaccumulation that can affect living species. It is imperative to reduce or eliminate these dyes from liquid effluents with innovative biomaterials and methods. Therefore, this research aims to highlight the performance of Capparis spinosa L waste-activated carbon (CSLW-AC) adsorbent to remove Crystal Violet (CV) from an aqueous solution. The mechanism of CV adsorption on CSLW-AC was evaluated based on the coupling of experimental data and different characterization techniques. The efficiency of the CSLW-AC material reflected by the equilibrium adsorption capacity of CV could reach more than 195.671 mg·g–1 when 0.5 g·L–1 of CSLW-AC (Particle size ≤250 μm) is introduced into the CV of initial concentration of 100 mg·L–1 at pH 6 and temperature 65° C and in the presence of potassium ions after 60 min of contact time according to the one parameter at a time studies. The adsorption behavior of CV on CSLW-AC was found to be consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Frumkin's linear isothermal model. The thermodynamic aspects indicate that the process is physical, spontaneous, and endothermic. The optimization of the process by the Box Behnken design of experiments resulted in an adsorption capacity approaching 183.544 mg·g–1 ([CV]=100 mg·L–1 and [CSLW-AC]=0.5 g·L–1 at 35 min). The results of the Lactuca sativa seeds germination in treated CV (70%), adsorbent solvent and thermal regeneration (more than 5 cycles), and process cost analysis (1.0484 $ L–1) tests are encouraging and promising for future exploitations of the CSLW-AC material in different industrial fields.

Derivative Spectrophotometric Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Quercetin and Gentisic acid in Capparis spinosa L.

الشفلح هو أحدی النباتات الطبية الذي یستخدم في الطب التقليدي و یتضمن المواد الكيميائية النباتية العديدة مثل المركبات بوليفينولیة. تعتبر كلتا المركبتين، كویرستین وحامض الجینتسیك، کمركب فينولية مهمة اللتان توجدان في النباتات ولهما الخصائص الطبية الکثیرة مثل مضاد الالتهابات، مضاد الميكروبات، مضاد الأكسدة ومضاد للسرطان. لم يتم التحقق بعد من تحديد كلا المركبين معًا في مزیج ثنائي باستخدام طرق القياس الطيفي. في هذه الدراسة، تم تطوير طريقتين طيفيتين مشتقتين بسيطتين سريعتين و دقيقتين لاستخدامهما للتقدير الكمي الآنی لمادة كویرستین وحامض الجینتسیك في المزيج الثنائية وخلاصة أوراق الشفلح. الطريقة الأولی تعتمد على استخدام طریق العبور الصفري (المشتق الأول والرابع) ، بينما الطريقة الثانية هي المشتق الأول لأطياف النسبة. الخطية لمنحنيات المعايرة لكلتا الطريقتين الطيفية المشتقة يتراوح تركيزهما بين 2.0-30 ميكروغرام / مل و 4.0-80 ميكروغرام / مل لكویرستین وحامض الجینتسیك، على التوالي، في حين تراوحت نسب الاسترداد من 94.06٪ الی 105.98٪ (كویرستین) و 94.29٪ الی 113.37٪ (حمض الجینتسیك). تم استخدام الطرق المطورة بشكل فعال في التقدیر الكمي لكل من المركبات الفينولية في أوراق الشفلح..

Genetic differentiation of the Capparis spinosa group in the Mediterranean area

The Capparis spinosa group is represented in the Mediterranean by a complex of taxa widespread in North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. The taxonomy of this group used to be based on morphological characters with little work on the genetics of the group, and there is still much to be learned about its evolutionary history and diversification. We sampled 431 individuals of two subspecies and five varieties of C. spinosa and analysed them using highly informative EST-SSR markers to evaluate the population genetic diversity, structure and differentiation of the species in the Mediterranean. In addition, comparisons with the genetic profiles of C. spinosa subsp. cartilaginea, the putative ancestral taxon were made to investigate the phylogeographic history and possible gene flow across taxa. Integrated Bayesian approaches showed: i) a high divergence among C. spinosa subsp. spinosa var. canescens, C. spinosa subsp. spinosa var. aegyptia and the three varieties belonging to C. spinosa subsp. rupestris (var. rupestris, var. ovata and var. myrtifolia), with a clear separation between var. aegyptia and var. canescens which allows to consider var. aegyptia as a subspecies of C. spinosa; ii) a significant correlation between genetic divergence and geographic distance between the five varieties studied; iii) that the different varieties in the Mediterranean may have been derived from C. spinosa subsp. cartilaginea. Further genomic investigations are required to confirm our results. However, the findings presented allows us to suggest the genus Capparis can be considered a model for the study of the gene flow and differentiation in species occurring in a wide range of habitats.

Exploring the photochemical composition of indigenous Capparis Genus species in Iraq

This study presents a comparative analysis of the phytochemical compositions of the flowers and fruits of Capparis spinosa L. (Flora Iraq) sourced from Basra, southern Iraq. Soxhlet extraction and maceration methods were employed to prepare extracts for comparative phytochemical yield assessment. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using standard controls via spectroscopic analysis. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) facilitated the identification and quantification of specific antioxidants, including cinnamic acid. Comparative analysis revealed significantly higher levels of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids in the flowers of C. spinosa compared to the fruits. HPLC profiling highlighted the presence of essential bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, hexaoxane, vitamin E, and stigmasterol in both flower and fruit extracts. This study marks the first comprehensive report on HPLC profiles and quantification of prominent phytochemicals in C. spinosa (Flora Iraq) flowers and fruits from Basra, Iraq. The findings provide fundamental insights into the phytochemical compositions, serving as a valuable resource for future pharmacological research and the quality control of C. spinosa materials from this specific region.

Effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and temperature on seed germination of Capparis spinosa L.

Seed germination of Capparis spinosa L. is highly important for ecology, medicine, and economics. The present study aimed to determine the effects of six pretreatments and two temperature regimes, T1: 9/35.7°C (Laboratory) and T2: 1/43°C (Greenhouse), on Capparis spinosa L. seeds' germination rate and latency time. Different pretreatments were tested, including scarification (P1) and seed imbibition in water (P2 and P3) and gibberellic acid (GA3) (P4, P5 and P6).The results showed that the highest germination rate (68.33%) was observed in the laboratory for the control seeds (T1, P0), followed by (58,33%) for seeds soaked in water for 48 hours (T1 P3),(56,67%) for seeds soaked in 200 ppm ofGA3 (T1, P4),(53,33%)for seeds soaked in 400 ppm and 600 ppm of GA3 (T1, P5andT1, P6), (48,33%)for seeds soaked in water for 24 hours (T1 P2), and (51,43%) for the control seeds in greenhouse (T2, P0), whereas the lowest germination rate (12.86%) was recorded in the greenhouse temperature, which was detrimental to seed germination, for seeds soaked in 600 ppm of GA3 (T2, P6). Germination latency times were shorter after soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. Finally, seed germination of C. spinosa is subjected to several factors that may influence the total percentage of germination and latency time.

Phytotoxicity, antioxidant activity and chemical profile of aqueous extracts from Moroccan caper (Capparis spinosa L.)

Due to its therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits as well as its culinary applications, caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is quite interesting. This study aimed to evaluate some biological activities of the aqueous extracts of Capparis spinosa L. leaves, including the phytotoxic effect, antioxidant capacity, and the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The germination bioassay of the cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) was used to evaluate the phytotoxic effect. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was used as a determinant of antioxidant capacity. The results obtained showed an important antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 0.212 ± 0.096 mg/mL. Also, a total phenolic content of 116.3 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DM and 18.9 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DM for flavonoids were obtained. In addition, the extract showed a very significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the germination and root length of Lepidium sativum L. seeds. The qualitative study carried out by HPLC measurement allowed the detection of chlorogenic acid (3.2 %), vanillin (1.3 %), rutin (1.2 %), and some quercetin derivatives (6.9 %). The results obtained in this study revealed the potential of caper in bioactive molecules. In addition, it could be a natural bioactive product for therapeutic purposes, such as the prevention of oxidative stress and related disorders.