Caper Research Articles

Polysaccharide of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Leaf: Extraction optimization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity

Three-variable-three-level Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) based on the single-factor experiments was used to optimize the extracting parameters of crude polysaccharides (CPSs) from the Capparis spinosa leaves (CSL) including extraction time (ETi, 60–120min), extraction temperature (ETe, 60–80°C), and the water/solid ratio (W/S, 6–16). The optimal process conditions in order to the highest yield (6.73%) of CSL-CPSs were 119.8min ETi, 72.84°C ETe, and 15.97:1W/S.Structure of polysaccharide extracted at the optimal operating point were identified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). CSL-CPSs (50–300μg/L) revealed significantly scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)and OH free-radicals in vitro. A much more antimicrobial activity using this polysaccharide against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriaeandSalmonella typhi) was found than Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus panis and Staphylococcus aureus). CSL-CPSs can thus be used as anexcellent antioxidant and antimicrobial ingredient in food and medicinal preparations.

The Topical Effect of Cappariss spinosa Extract on Burn Wound Healing

Background: Skin burn is one of the most common complications and it still is considered as a major public health issue throughout the world. Objectives: This experiment was conducted in order to study the effects of Capparis spinosa leaves extract (CSLE) cream compared with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream to heal burn wounds in rats. Methods: Different parts of the plant (fruit, leaves and petals) were examined for antioxidant activity by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and leave extract was chosen for preparation CSLE cream. Ninety adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups; each group consists of 15 animals. After sedation, a metal heated in boiling water was used for type II skin burning in 1.5 cm diameter circle on the back of the rats. Group one was not treated and considered as control. The burned areas in 2 - 6 groups were covered twice a day with eucerin, SSD cream and CSLE cream (2.5, 5 and 10 %), respectively. The percentage of the burn wound contraction and histopathological examinations on days 4, 9, and 14 were regarded as the parameters of our study. The obtained data were compared between the groups and days, statistically. Results: Our finding showed that 5 and 10% CSLE cream are more effective to decrease burn wound area compared with other groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference between group 5 and 10% regarding wound-size reduction (P < 0.05). Therefore, 5% CSLE cream is the most effective for wound healing. Conclusions: This study indicated that Capparis spinosa leaves extract has potential effect to accelerate wound healing and decrease inflammation in the treated rats and it can be applied in the future, clinically.

Investigating the effects of Capparis Spinosa on hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid content in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of administration of Capparis spinosa (CS) fruit aqueous extract on liver metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract of CS was orally administered at a dose of 20mg/kg for 28 consecutive days and then its effects on blood glucose, lipid and insulin levels in normal and STZ diabetic rats were comparatively investigated. Furthermore, the effects of CS on the activity and expression of the key enzymes of gluconeogenesis and hepatic lipid content were investigated. The results showed that administration of CS extract in the STZ diabetic rats significantly decreased blood glucose level, while no significant influence on the insulin level. In addition, CS significantly decreased blood and liver triglyceride and cholesterol content in STZ diabetic rats. Furthermore, CS administration significantly reduced the mRNA expression and enzyme activities of glucose-6- phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in liver tissues. Our findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of CS on blood glucose and lipid levels in an insulin- independent manner. This study also showed that CS improved the circulating levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. In addition, direct inhibition of gluconeogenesis in liver may be a probable mechanism of action of this plant. Since CS also decreased liver lipid content, we suggest that CS administration might be a beneficial therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome and fatty liver.

Effect of flavonoids rich extract of Capparis spinosa on inflammatory involved genes in amyloid-beta peptide injected rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite vast ongoing researches focusing on the area, little is known about novel treatments. In this study, we aimed to survey the effects of Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) extract on amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ)-injected rat.Methods: For this purpose, hydroalcoholic extracts of caper leaf and fruit were prepared. Total phenolic content, DPPH, and FRAP assay were accomplished to determine antioxidant activity of C. spinosa. HPLC analysis was conducted to measure rutin and quercetin content of selected parts of the plant. Higher levels of flavonoids were observed in leaves of the plant. Twelve male Wistar Aβ-induced rats were randomly divided in four groups of (1) Aβ−/DW+: Sham-operated group (2) Aβ+/DW+: Aβ-injected group (3) Aβ+/RU+: Standard rutin treatment (4) Aβ+/CS+: C. spinosa extract treatment. After 6 weeks of oral administration, real-time qPCR were conducted to determine APP, BACE-1, PSEN-1, and PSEN-2 genes expression in the hippocampus of rats.Results: HPLC analysis showed high levels of rutin and quercetin in leaves of Capparis. Rutin was 16939.2 ± 0.01 and quercetin was 908.93 ± 0.01 µg/g fresh weight. In fruit, 1019.52 ± 0.01 rutin and 97.86 ± 0.01 µg/g FW quercetin were measured. Expression of BACE-1, APP, PSEN-1, and PSEN-2 genes in comparison with the control group showed significant down regulation.Discussion: Results of the study demonstrated that C. spinosa has the potential to down regulate inflammation-involved genes in AD, due to its high levels of flavonoids and could be beneficial as a dietary complement in AD patients.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Capparis spinosa L. leaf extract and their antibacterial activity

Plant extracts have recently been used for nanoparticles green synthesis since they are rich in bioactive compounds. The potential of biomolecules present in plant extracts to reduce metal ions to NPs in a single–step green synthesis process is very important. In this study, we have reported the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by reducing the silver ions present in the solution of silver nitrate by the cell free aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa leaves. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized using C. spinosa extract and the nature of synthesized nanoparticles was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X–ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial effect of NPs produced C. spinosa was studied using different pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. From the disc diffusion results, the synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial property and a high antimicrobial activity compared to the ionic silver.

Acute effect of Capparis spinosa root extracts on rat articular pain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCapparis spinosa L. originates from dry regions of Asia and Mediterranean basin. In traditional medicine of these areas, infusions from caper root are considered to be beneficial for the treatment of rheumatism, gout and against abdominal pains. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the pain relieving properties of a Syrian cultivar of Capparis spinosa roots in rat models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methodsDecoction (DEC) and hydroalcoholic extract (EtH2O) were obtained from powdered roots; the latter was further separated in CH2Cl2 and aqueous (H2O-Res) fractions. The extracts were characterized in terms of spermidine alkaloids by HPLC/DAD/MS and stachydrine by NMR. Different amount of free and glycosilated forms of capparispine and analogues (from 0.5% w/w for DEC up to 7.6% w/w for CH2Cl2 fraction) were detected. Rat models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis were induced by the intra-articular administration of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) or monosodium iodoacetate (MIA), respectively. ResultsFourteenth days after CFA or MIA injection, the different preparations of Capparis spinosa (3, 30, 100 and 300mgkg−1) were acutely administered p.o.. Powdered roots (300mgkg−1), DEC (100mgkg−1), and EtH2O (300mgkg−1) significantly reduced hypersensitivity to mechanical noxious stimuli as well as spontaneous pain evaluated as hind limb bearing alterations in both models. The CH2Cl2 and the H2O-Res (30mgkg−1) were the most potent in reverting pain threshold alterations despite the different content of free alkaloids. ConclusionsCapparis spinosa extracts relieved pain related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis after single administration. A synergistic effect due to a specific “phytochemical mixture” is suggested.

Metabolomic study of wild and cultivated caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from different areas of Sardinia and their comparative evaluation.

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae), also known as caper, is widely known for its very aromatic flower buds (capers),that are largely employed as a flavouring in cooking. Capparis species are regarded as a potential source of important bioactive compounds, in fact, due to their botanical relationship with Brassica species; they contain glucosinolates, secondary plant metabolites, that have been studied for their potential anticarcinogenic properties. In addition, the presence of other numerous beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, alkaloids, lipids, vitamins and minerals have been reported. The aim of this study was to individuate and determinate the principal bioactive compounds occurring in different part (leaves, buds and flowers) of wild and cultivated C. spinosa collected from different area of Sardinia (Italy). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry methods were used for identification and simultaneous determination of 27 bioactive molecules. Analysis of different samples revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in the content of flavonoids, glucosinolates, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. In particular, glucocapparin resulted the most abundant with values ranging from 112 to 364 mg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW); followed by rutin with highest value of 126 mg/100 g FW, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin with highest value of 42 mg/100 g FW and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside with highest value of 24 mg/100 g FW. Based on this metabolomic targeted approach, quantitative results were treated by principal component analysis to explore and visualise correlation and discrimination among collections of C. spinosa samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Protective Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Capparis spinosa L. Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the most popular alkylating anticancer drugs despite its toxic side effects, including nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, mutagenicity, and immunotoxicity. Capparis spinosa is a multipurpose plant that contains a number of chemically active and diverse secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin are two major flavonoids in the caper plant. Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of Capparis spinosa L. extract on nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Swiss albino mice (20 - 25 g) were randomly divided into five groups with each group consisting of eight mice. Mice were pretreated with C. spinosa extract (CSE) orally in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for five consecutive days, and CP (200 mg/kg, ip) was administrated on the fifth day 1 hour after the last dose of extract. The animals were sacrificed on the sixth day. Blood samples were collected to determine the serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were assayed in kidney tissue. The right kidney was maintained in 10% formalin for hematoxylin and eosin staining and histological examination. Results: Different plant parts (fruit, leaves, and petals) were examined for antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, and leaf extract was used to determine nephroprotective effects. Results showed a significant increase in the levels of MDA, Cr, and BUN and a reduction of GSH by CP administration. Pre-treatment with CSE decreased the levels of MDA, Cr, and BUN. GSH increased in all doses, but the most significant alteration was observed in the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The nephroprotective effect of the CSE was confirmed by the histological examination of the kidneys. Conclusions: Our results indicate that CSE ameliorates biochemical indices and oxidative stress parameters against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Innate immune and growth promoting responses to caper (Capparis spinosa) extract in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Cytokine responses, non-specific immune activity and growth promotion effect of dietary caper (Capparis spinosa) supplementation were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout (12.04 ± 0.71 g) were fed diets containing three doses of caper methanolic extract [0 (Control), 0.1 and 0.5 g kg−1 of feed] for 30 days. At the end of the feeding trial, expression levels of cytokine genes that included IL-1β, IL-8, TGF-β, IL-12p40, TNF-α1 and IL-10 in head kidney was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and blood and serum were collected to determine superoxide anion production (SAP), phagocytic, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities. Expression levels of all cytokines, except TNF-α1 were elevated in the 0.1 g kg−1 caper extract fed fish group compared to other groups. In 0.5 g kg−1 caper extract treated fish, only IL-12p40 and IL-10 genes were up-regulated compared to control group fish. SAP was increased in both caper extract treated groups compared to the control, and the highest level was observed in the 0.1 g kg−1 group. Phagocytic activity in both the caper extract treated groups was increased compared to control with no differences observed between those groups. Lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities were recorded to be the highest in the 0.1 g kg−1 fed fish group compared to other groups. Growth promotion was affected positively when caper doses were increased. Survival rate was significantly higher in 0.1 and 0.5 g kg−1 caper extract treated fish groups compared to control (P < 0.05) after challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. These results indicate that caper extract stimulates innate immunity through cytokine-mediated responses and promote growth in rainbow trout.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of six Tunisian species of genus Capparis – Capparaceae

Leaves of species of the genus Capparis are consumed as food and used in traditional medicine. In the present work, phenolics profile and antioxidant activities of six taxa of Capparis collected in Tunisia (C. aegyptia, C. orientalis, C. ovata subsp. ovata, C. sicula subsp. sicula, C. spinosa subsp. spinosa var. spinosa and C. zoharyi) were studied. The ethanolic and aqueous leaves extracts were analyzed by HPLC and 10 compounds were identified with significant variability between species. Moreover, DPPH and ABTS tests revealed their high antioxidant activities. Kaempferol was only found in the ethanol extract of C. zoharyi and cinnamic acid in that of C. aegyptia. Capparis spinosa subsp. spinosa var. spinosa is characterized by a balanced total polyphenol content. The correlation between the data of the phenolic compounds identified and the antioxidant activity revealed a clear separation between the six taxa studied. For the ethanolic extracts, in descending gradient of the three parameters TP, TF and DPPH, C. spinosa subsp. spinosa var. spinosa was separated from the other taxa whereas for the aqueous extracts C. zoharyi and C. ovata subsp. ovata were separated from the rest. These subdivisions were different from those of many studies based on morphological, biogeographical, genetic and ecological parameters which aim to review the taxonomy of this genus throughout its geographic area.

Capparis Spinosa L. promotes anti-inflammatory response in vitro through the control of cytokine gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

BackgroundCapparis Spinosa L. is an aromatic plant growing wild in dry regions around the Mediterranean basin. Capparis Spinosa was shown to possess several properties such as antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-hepatotoxic actions. In this work, we aimed to evaluate immunomodulatory properties of Capparis Spinosa leaf extracts in vitro on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals.ResultsUsing MTT assay, we identified a range of Capparis Spinosa doses, which were not toxic. Unexpectedly, we found out that Capparis Spinosa aqueous fraction exhibited an increase in cell metabolic activity, even though similar doses did not affect cell proliferation as shown by CFSE. Interestingly, Capparis Spinosa aqueous fraction appeared to induce an overall anti-inflammatory response through significant inhibition of IL-17 and induction of IL-4 gene expression when PBMCs were treated with the non toxic doses of 100 and/or 500 μg/ml. Phytoscreening analysis of the used Capparis Spinosa preparations showed that these contain tannins; sterols, alkaloids; polyphenols and flavonoids. Surprisingly, quantification assays showed that our Capparis Spinosa preparation contains low amounts of polyphenols relative to Capparis Spinosa used in other studies. This Capparis Spinosa also appeared to act as a weaker scavenging free radical agent as evidenced by DPPH radical scavenging test. Finally, polyphenolic compounds including catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, rutin and ferulic acid were identified by HPLC, in the Capparis spinosa preparation.ConclusionAltogether, these findings suggest that our Capparis Spinosa preparation contains interesting compounds, which could be used to suppress IL-17 and to enhance IL-4 gene expression in certain inflammatory situations. Other studies are underway in order to identify the compound(s) underlying this effect.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-016-0164-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Capparis spinosa reduces Doxorubicin-induced cardio-toxicity in cardiomyoblast cells.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug but its clinical application is limited because it induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and leads to permanent degenerative cardiomyopathy and heart failure possibly due to oxidative stress. Recent studies showed that Capparis spinosa (C. spinose) exhibits potent antioxidant activity. So, in this study, we explored the protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of C. spinosa against DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Cell viability was quantified by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak) evaluation of DNA fragmentation following PI staining. Cells were cultured with 5 μM DOX for 24 hr to induce cell damage. H9c2 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (6-200 μg/ml) of C. spinosa extract for 4 hr before DOX treatment in all trials. Pretreatment with 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml of C. spinosa could increase the viability of H9C2 cells to 72.63±2.8% (p<0.05), 77.37±1.8% (p<0.05), 83.56±2.6% (p<0.001) and 90.9±0.5% (p<0.001) of control, respectively. Also, C. spinosa decreased apoptotic induction significantly, at the doses of 50 µg/ml (p<0.05), 100 µg/ml (p<0.01) and 200 µg/ml (p<0.001). Our results showed that C. spinosa could exert cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced toxicity that might be mediated via its antioxidant activity.

Capparis ovata treatment suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression and ameliorates experimental allergic encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis in C57BL/6 mice

Since ancient times, Capparis species have been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Our recent investigations have suggested Capparis ovata's potential anti-neuroinflammatory application for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study was designed to precisely determine the underlying mechanism of its anti-neuroinflammatory effect in a mouse model of MS. C. ovata water extract (COWE) was prepared using the plant's fruit, buds, and flower parts (Turkish Patent Institute, PT 2012/04,093). We immunized female C57BL/6J mice with MOG35–55/CFA. COWE was administered at a daily dose of 500mg/kg by oral gavage either from the day of immunization (T1) or at disease onset (T2) for 21days. Gene expression analysis was performed using a Mouse Multiple Sclerosis RT² Profiler PCR Array, and further determinations and validations of the identified genes were performed using qPCR. Whole-genome transcriptome profiling was analyzed using Agilent SurePrint G3 Mouse GE 8X60K microarrays. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to brain sections of the control and treated mice to examine the degree of degeneration. COWE was further fractionated and analyzed phytochemically using the Zivak Tandem Gold Triple Quadrupole LC/MS–MS system. COWE remarkably suppressed the development of EAE in T1, and the disease activity was completely inhibited. In the T2 group, the maximal score was significantly reduced compared with that of the parallel EAE group. The COWE suppression of EAE was associated with a significantly decreased expression of genes that are important in inflammatory signaling, such as TNFα, IL6, NF-κB, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCK10. On the other hand, the expression of genes involved in myelination/remyelination was significantly increased. Immunohistochemical analysis further supported these effects, showing that the number of infiltrating immune cells was decreased in the brains of COWE-treated animals. In addition, differential expression profiling of the transcriptome revealed that COWE treatment caused the down regulation of a group of genes involved in the immune response, inflammatory response, antigen processing and presentation, B-cell-mediated immunity and innate immune response. Collectively, these results suggest anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms by which COWE treatment delayed and suppressed the development of EAE and ameliorated the disease in mice with persistent clinical signs.

Pharmacological Effects of Capparis spinosa L.

Medicinal plants have been known as one of the most important therapeutic agents since ancient times. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the health-promoting effects of edible medicinal plants, because of multiple beneficial effects and negligible adverse effects. Capparis spinosa L. is one of the most common medicinal plants, used widely in different parts of the world to treat numerous human diseases. This paper aims to critically review the available scientific literature regarding the health-promoting effects of C. spinosa, its traditional uses, cultivation protocols and phytochemical constituents. Recently, a wide range of evidence has shown that this plant possesses different biological effects, including antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial effects. Phytochemical analysis shows that C. spinosa has high quantities of bioactive constituents, including polyphenolic compounds, which are responsible for its health-promoting effects, although many of these substances are present in low concentrations and significant changes in their content occur during processing. In addition, there is negligible scientific evidence regarding any adverse effects. Different health promotion activities, as well as tremendous diversity of active constituents, make C. spinosa a good candidate for discovering new drugs. However these findings are still in its infancy and future experimental and clinical studies are needed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A novel pattern of leaf movement: the case of Capparis spinosa L.

A novel type of heliotropic leaf movement is presented for Capparis spinosa L., a summer perennial shrub of Mediterranean and arid ecosystems. In contrast to plants that demonstrate uniform diaheliotropic and/or paraheliotropic movement for all their foliage, the alternate leaves of C. spinosa follow different movement patterns according to their stem azimuth and the side of the stem that they come from (cluster). Additionally, leaf movement for each cluster may not be uniform throughout the day, showing diaheliotropic characteristics during half of the day and paraheliotropic characteristics during the rest of the day. In an attempt to reveal the adaptive significance of this differential movement pattern, the following hypotheses were tested: (i) increase of the intercepted solar radiation and photosynthesis, (ii) avoidance of photoinhibitory conditions, (iii) amelioration of water-use efficiency and (iv) adjustment of the leaf temperature microenvironment. No evidence was found in support of the first two hypotheses. A slight difference toward a better water use was found for the moving compared with immobilized leaves, in combination with a better cooling effect.

Patterns in Volatile Emission of Different Aerial Parts of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.).

We analyzed the spontaneous volatile emission of different aerial parts of the caper (Capparis spinosa L.) by HS-SPME-GC/MS. We identified 178 different compounds of which, in different proportions based on the sample type, the main ones were (E)-β-ocimene, methyl benzoate, linalool, β-caryophyllene, α-guaiene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, germacrene B, (E)-nerolidol, isopropyl tetradecanoate, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone. The multivariate statistical analyses seem to point out that the parameter leading the emission patterns is the function of the analyzed sample; the flower samples showed differences in the emission profile between their fertile and sterile portions and between the other parts of the plant. The green parts emission profiles group together in a cluster and are different from those of seeds and fruits. We also hydrodistilled fully bloomed caper flowers, whose volatile oil showed significant differences in the composition from those of other parts of the plant reported.

Potential anthelmintic effect of Capparis spinosa (Capparidaceae) as related to its polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity

Capparis spinosa is cultivated for several proprieties and the different parts of the plant (flower buds, fruits, leaf and seeds) have been employed in drugs, foods and cosmetics. This study aimed to explore the antioxidant potential effect and to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of an aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa. In vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from the fresh leaves and flower buds of C. spinosa was measured by determining free radical-scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radical cations. In vitro anthelmintic activities against eggs and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus from sheep were investigated in comparison to albendazole. DPPH and ABTS activities of both aqueous extracts increased in a dose dependent manner. The IC50 values of aqueous extracts from fresh leaves, flowers buds and ascorbic acid in the DPPH radical scavenging assay were 101.40; 70.40 and 57.56 μg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values of aqueous extracts fresh leaves, flowers buds and ascorbic acid in the ABTS radical scavenging assay were 110; 87.89 and 58.17 μg/ml, respectively. Both plant extracts showed ovicidal activity at all tested concentrations. The aqueous extract from flower buds (IC50 = 2.76 mg/ml) showed higher inhibitory effects (P < 0.05) than aqueous extract from leaves (IC50 = 8.54 mg/ml) in the egg hatching assay. The aqueous extract from flower buds inhibited more worms than the aqueous extract from leaves at all tested concentrations. After 6 h of exposure, the highest tested concentrations of aqueous extracts from flower buds and leaves induced 100 and 41.66% inhibition of motility, respectively. These results show for the first time that C. spinosa possesses in vitro anthelmintic properties which may be related to its high content of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins.

Response of Caper Plant to Drought and Different Ratios of Calcium and Sodium Chloride1

ABSTRACT Caper (Capparis spinosa) is used as multipurpose and adaptable plant which provides a valuable opportunity to enhance greenery in harsh climatic areas. This plant like the others is affected by drought and sodium chloride stresses as the most common abiotic stresses worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the interaction between drought and different ratios of sodium and calcium chloride on caper. Droughts stress were two levels of 100 and 75% of field capacity and were applied based on the daily weighting method of pots. Salt treatments were four different ratios of calcium chloride: sodium chloride (1:0, 1:1, 1:3, 1:5]. Treatments started when the plants were sown in the pots. Results indicated that higher ratios of calcium chloride than sodium chloride which caused salinity stress have destructive effect on water relationships and contents of the caper. This stress affected growth, morphological, and physiological function related traits in a negative way. Growth and other traits decreased under water deficit conditions. It seems that interaction between salinity and drought had the most destructive effect on this plant and decreasing its quality and quantity of its traits.

Profile of bioactive compounds of Capparis spinosa var. aegyptiaca growing in Egypt

The present study was designed to investigate polyphenolic and sulphur contents of the aerial parts of Capparis spinosa var. aegyptia (Lam.) Boiss., Capparaceae, wildly growing in Egypt. The chemical compositions of the water distilled essential oil were investigated by GC/MS analysis where the major constituent of the oil was methyl isothiocyanate (24.66%). Hydroethanolic extract was evaluated by LC-HRESI-MS⿿MS in both positive and negative modes. Forty-two compounds were identified including quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives in addition to myricetin, eriodictyol, cirsimaritin and gallocatechin derivatives. Quercetin tetrahexoside dirhamnoside as well as kaempferol dihexoside dirhamnoside have not been identified before in genus Capparis. Phenolic acids, such as quinic acid, p-coumaroyl quinic acid and chlorogenic acid were also identified. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of hydroethanolic extract against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7; breast adenocarcinoma cells, Hep-G2; hepatocellular carcinoma cells and HCT-116; colon carcinoma) using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed significant effect with IC50 values 24.5, 24.4 and 11μg/ml, compared to Doxorubicin as a standard cytotoxic drug. C. spinosa revealed itself as a promising candidate for nutraceutical researches.

Teratogenic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Capparis spinosa Leaf on Balb/c Mice

Aims As a medical herb, Capparis spinosa is used in the traditional medicine. Nevertheless, its side-effects are not yet studied, especially during the pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the tratogenic effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Capparis spinosa on the embryo of Balb/c mice. Materials & Methods In the experimental method, 32 pregnant Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups including control and experimental groups. The experimental groups were the groups received 200, 400, and 800mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract doses of the leaves of Capparis spinosa. Experimental and control groups received the extract doses and urban water as 14-day gavage, respectively. The 18-day embryos, removed out of the uterus by Cesarean, were investigated in the physical deformations. Alizarin staining method was used to assess the embryonic skeletal system. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls method. Findings There was a significant reduction in the mean weight of the pregnant mice at the 18th day of pregnancy in 800mg/kg extract group compared to control group (p<0.05). In addition, there were significant reductions in the mean height and weight of the embryos of the mice in 800mg/kg extract group than control group (p<0.05). There was no embryonic physical and skeletal deformation in the experimental groups. Conclusion 800mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Capparis spinosa affect height and weight of the embryos of Balb/c mice and might have tratogenic effects on embryo. A B S T R A C T A R T I C L E I N F O