Evaluation of the Capparis Herbacea Willd's Chemistry, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity.

BACKGROUND: The Capparidaceae family includes the medicinal herb Capparis herbacea Willd. The aerial and underground parts of plant C.herbacea were studied for their chemical composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. METHODS: Using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (7890A/5975C), 94 chemicals were identified in ethanol extract from leaves, roots, seeds, and stems of C. herbacea. Main components were (leaves) phytol 18.16%, hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester 16.75%, vitamin E 11.95%, (roots) sucrose 13.94%, hexadecanoic acid, ethylester 22.80%, octadecanoic acid, ethylester 37.77%; (seeds) hexadecanoic acid, ethylester 13.96%, ethyl9.cis.,11.trans.-octadecadienoate 48.54%, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate 9.77%; (stems) 1-propene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, tributyl ester 42.69%, and tributylacetylcitrate 19.63%. Nine components were identified in the makeup of the C. herbacea sample's essential oil using the method of chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The main components were (in%): T-cadinol (29.56), meta-cymene (16.12), pulegone (14.11), and σ-amorphene (12.26). Chloroform and methanol extracts of Capparis herbacia roots at concentrations of 1 mg/ml showed higher average antioxidant activity, while ethyl acetate root extract at concentrations of 0.75 and 1 mg/ml showed higher average antioxidant activity compared to gallic acid AOA. CONCLUSION: In addition, plant extracts have cytotoxic activity. Essential oils of leaves and stems, fruit and roots of Capparis herbacia plants exhibited cytotoxicity, all larvae died, and larval mortality was 96%.

Neuroprotective effect of Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina Zoh. on H2O2­induced neurotoxicity in SH­SY5Y cells / Efecto neuroprotector de Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina Zoh. sobre la neurotoxicidad inducida por H2O2 en células SH ­SY5Y

The neuroprotective effect of flower and fruit parts of Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina Zoh. plant was investigated in H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The cells were treated with H2O2 alone or pretreated with flower (COMFL) and fruit extract (COMFR) of C. ovatavar. palaestina. MTT, xCELLigence, and qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents in the extracts by LC-MS/MS methods were employed. COMFL and COMFR had a neuroprotective effect and this effect was stronger when the presence of oxidative stress. The mass spectrums revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acid derivatives in the extracts. According to quantitative analyses, the main compounds were myristoleic acid, apigenin, caffeic acid, caffeic acid-3-glucoside, and 5-cynapoil quinic acid in both COMFL and COMFR and rutin was found in COMFL. The extracts could inhibit H2O2induced neuronal cell death which might be beneficial for the pretreatment of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

Se investigó el efecto neuroprotector de flores y frutos de Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina Zoh sobre la citotoxicidad inducida por H2O2en células SH-SY5Y. Las células se trataron con H2O2solo o se pretrataron con extracto de flores (COMFL) y frutos (COMFR) de C. ovatavar. palaestina. Se emplearon MTT, xCELLigence y determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de constituyentes fitoquímicos en los extractos mediante LC-MS/MS. COMFL y COMFR que tuvieron un efecto neuroprotector y este efecto fue mayor cuando hubo estrés oxidativo. Los espectros de masas revelaron la presencia de flavonoides y derivados del ácido fenólico en los extractos. Según los análisis cuantitativos, los compuestos principales fueron ácido miristoleico, apigenina, ácido cafeico, ácido cafeico-3-glucósido y ácido quínico 5-cinapoil tanto en COMFL como en COMFR y se encontró rutina en COMFL. Los extractos podrían inhibir la muerte celular neuronal inducida por H2O2, lo que podría ser beneficioso para el pretratamiento del estrés oxidativo en enfermedades neurodegenerativas.

Preliminary study on Bioassay of Capparis spinosa L. seed extract and seed germination.

The present study explored the germination inhibitors present in the seeds of Capparis spinosa L., a plant species that is known for its ecological significance in preventing wind erosion and fixing sand in desertified areas. Additionally, its roots, leaves, and fruits possess medicinal properties, and are used to treat a range of ailments such as rheumatism, tumors, and diabetes. However, the plant's low germination rate under natural conditions is a major limitation. We aimed to improve the germination of C. spinosa seeds by investigating the effects of various infusions of caper seeds on the germination and seedling growth of Chinese cabbage seeds. A range of chemical reagents, hormonal immersions, and sand storage treatments were used to determine the differences in the germination rate of C. spinosa seeds. Our results revealed that among the various water extract concentrations tested, 100% water extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of the cabbage seeds, with a germination rate of (70.00 ± 0.09)%. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of cabbage seeds were found to be strongest when treated with the extract solution 1, yielding a germination rate of (83.33 ± 0.02)%. Notably, the leaves of Chinese cabbage seedlings turned yellow-green and yellow after treatment with the extract solution. These findings highlight the potential inhibitory effects of C. spinosa seed extracts on seed germination and growth and suggest that further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The results of the germination experiment with methanol extract showed a sharp decline in the germination rate of Chinese cabbage seeds treated with 50% methanol extract, to (4.67 ± 0.02)%. These findings indicate the presence of germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds. The highest germination potential was observed when the caper seeds were soaked in 30% PEG, reaching 35.00%. The highest germination rate, 19.33%, was observed when the seeds were soaked in 250 mg/L GA3 and 25 mmol/L NaCl. These results suggest that the germination inhibitor present in caper seeds affects the germination of cabbage seeds as well. The highest germination rate was achieved when the seeds were soaked with gibberellin. It is hoped that the research on the germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds will provide a scientific foundation for improving and refining the artificial propagation and cultivation methods of this species.

The Current State of Knowledge about the Biological Activity of Different Parts of Capers.

The caper, from the Latin capra, meaning goat, is the common name for the salt-fermented floral buds of the perennial shrubs of the Capparis genus (Capparacea family). This genus is represented by about 250 species, including the very popular C. spinosa L. While the whole plant is edible, the aromatic floral buds are most widely consumed, being collected by hand prior to blooming, dried in the sun and pickled. Capers are usually served marinated in vinegar, brine or oil. They have a significant potential as dietary supplements due to their low calorie content and richness in bioactive phytochemicals. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that C. spinosa have various nutritional and biological properties, including antioxidant activity resulting from the presence of phenolic compounds. The present paper reviews the current literature concerning the biological properties of the fruits, buds, seeds, roots and leaves of C. spinosa, including their toxicity.

Capparis spinosa L. as a potential source of nutrition and its health benefits in foods: A comprehensive review of its phytochemistry, bioactivities, safety, and application.

Capparis spinosa L. (C. spinosa) is an edible plant with health-promoting benefits. C. spinosa possesses various biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, and insecticidal effects. The active compounds associated with these effects mainly include flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, volatile oils, fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Moreover, C. spinosa has considerable nutritional value. Apart from being a food condiment, it belongs to a class of functional ingredients that act as preservatives and antioxidants in food products. C. spinosa has also shown good potential applications in novel food packaging materials. In this article, in addition to systematically reviewing the botanical characteristics, traditional edible uses, phytochemical composition, bioactivities and safety of C. spinosa, we highlight for the first time its potential applications in the foods. The findings will provide critical information for the future development of C. spinosa into a multifunctional food product with essential roles in health benefits.

Capparis spinosa inhibits Leishmania major growth through nitric oxide production in vitro and arginase inhibition in silico.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease, considered as a major public health problem in different regions of the world. The current treatments are limited due to their toxicity and treatment failures, which have increased the search for new substances of natural origin to control this infection. Capparis spinosa is an important medicinal plant, rich in biochemical compounds with a broad range of activities including antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, more investigations are still needed to determine its effect on Leishmania parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. spinosa' extracts on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes growth as well as on L-arginine metabolic pathways, especially the production of leishmanicidal molecules such as nitric oxide. Our results showed that C. spinosa' methanolic and aqueous extracts contained polyphenols and flavonoids at different concentrations. The methanolic extract of C. spinosa, compared to the aqueous extract, showed significantly higher amounts of total polyphenols (21.23 ± 1.08) mg GAE/g of dw (P < 0.05), as well as a higher antioxidant activity evaluated respectively by Reducing Power and DPPH (EC50: 0.31 ± 0.02 and 7.69 ± 1.28) mg/ml. Both extracts significantly inhibited L. major promastigotes and intra-macrophagic amastigotes growth in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001) and induced NO production not only in Leishmania-infected macrophages but also in uninfected macrophages, without showing any cytotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, in silico docking studies showed that C. spinosa compounds identified by RP-HPLC exhibited inhibitory activity against the arginase enzyme. The leishmanicidal effect of C. spinosa may be due to its phenolic content and its mechanism of action may be mediated by an increase in NO production and by the inhibition of arginase enzyme in silico. These findings support the hypothesis that C. spinosa might be a valuable source of new biomolecules for leishmaniasis treatment.

C. spinosa L. subsp. rupestris Phytochemical Profile and Effect on Oxidative Stress in Normal and Cancer Cells.

Spices, widely used to improve the sensory characteristics of food, contain several bioactive compounds as well, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and glucosynolates. Acting through multiple pathways, these bioactive molecules affect a wide variety of cellular processes involved in molecular mechanisms important in the onset and progress of human diseases. Capparis spinosa L. is an aromatic plant characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Previous studies have reported that different parts (aerial parts, roots, and seeds) of C. spinosa exert various pharmacological activities. Flower buds of C. spinosa contain several bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and glucosinolates. Two different subspecies of C. spinosa L., namely, C. spinosa L. subsp. spinosa, and C. spinosa L. subsp. rupestris, have been reported. Few studies have been carried out in C. spinosa L. subsp. rupestris. The aim of our study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of floral buds of the less investigated species C. spinosa subsp. rupestris. Moreover, we investigated the effect of the extract from buds of C. spinosa subsp. rupestris (CSE) on cell proliferation, intracellular ROS levels, and expression of the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic enzyme paraoxonase-2 (PON2) in normal and cancer cells. T24 cells and Caco-2 cells were selected as models of advanced-stage human bladder cancer and human colorectal adenocarcinoma, respectively. The immortalized human urothelial cell line (UROtsa) and human dermal fibroblast (HuDe) were chosen as normal cell models. Through an untargeted metabolomic approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), our results demonstrate that C. spinosa subsp. rupestris flower buds contain polyphenols and glucosinolates able to exert a higher cytotoxic effect and higher intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Moreover, upregulation of the expression of the enzyme PON2 was observed in cancer cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that normal and cancer cells are differentially sensitive to CSE, which has different effects on PON2 gene expression as well. The overexpression of PON2 in T24 cells treated with CSE could represent a mechanism by which tumor cells protect themselves from the apoptotic process induced by glucosinolates and polyphenols.

Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Therapeutic Potential, and Socio-Economic Value of the Caper Bush (Capparis Spinosa L.).

Capparis spinosa L., commonly known as the caper bush, is an aromatic plant growing in most of the Mediterranean basin and some parts of Western Asia. C. spinosa L. has been utilized as a medicinal plant for quite a long time in conventional phytomedicine. Polyphenols and numerous bioactive chemicals extracted from C. spinosa L. display various therapeutic properties that have made this plant a target for further research as a health promoter. This review is meant to systematically summarize the traditional uses, the phytochemical composition of C. spinosa L., and the diverse pharmacological activities, as well as the synthetic routes to derivatives of some identified chemical components for the improvement of biological activities and enhancement of pharmacokinetic profiles. This review also addresses the benefits of C. spinosa L. in adapting to climate change and the socio-economic value that C. spinosa L. brings to the rural economies of many countries.

Evaluation of Pleotropic Protective Activity of Capparis spinose Extract on Arthritis Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Capparis spinosa grows in Asian and Mediterranean desert areas. Different parts of Capparis spinosa, including flowers, have been used in various folk medicine applications. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of ethanolic extract of Egyptian Capparis spinosa flowers in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, analysis of Capparis spinosa extract was performed using LC-qTOF-MS/MS. METHODS: Animals were split into six groups: negative control group, induced arthritic animals, arthritic rats receiving 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg of Capparis spinosa extract, respectively, in three groups to detect the optimum dose, and the induced group receiving a standard drug. The arthritic score was checked daily for 15 days after induction. After animals were sacrificed, their joints and muscles were subjected to microscopic and ultra-structure examinations. Ex vivo culturing of osteoclasts was performed. Cytokine levels were measured in all examined groups. RESULTS: The results revealed 7 mg/kg of Capparis spinosa extract as the optimal dose, which decreased inflammation signs through controlling chondrocytes, osteoclasts, and levels of inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSION: LC-Mass analysis revealed Capparis spinosa extract to contain a mixture of flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, which may provide beneficial multifunction in regulating arthritic symptoms.

Investigation into the biological properties, secondary metabolites composition, and toxicity of aerial and root parts of Capparis spinosa L.: An important medicinal food plant.

Capparis spinose L. also known as Caper is of great significance as a traditional medicinal food plant. The present work was targeted on the determination of chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and in-vitro toxicity of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of different parts of C. spinosa. Chemical composition was established by determining total bioactive contents and via UHPLC-MS secondary metabolites profiling. For determination of biological activities, antioxidant capacity was determined through DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays while enzyme inhibition against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase were also tested. All the extracts were also tested for toxicity against two breast cell lines. The methanolic extracts were found to contain highest total phenolic and flavonoids which is correlated with their significant radical scavenging, cholinesterase, tyrosinase and glucosidase inhibition potential. Whereas DCM extracts showed significant activity for reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, metal chelation, tyrosinase, and α-amylase inhibition activities. The secondary metabolites profiling of both methanolic extracts exposed the presence of 21 different secondary metabolites belonging to glucosinolate, alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, triterpene, and alkaloid derivatives. The present results tend to validate folklore uses of C. spinose and indicate this plant to be used as a potent source of designing novel bioactive compounds.

Hypnotic Activity of Capparis spinosa Hydro-alcoholic Extract in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders are among the most common psychiatric and medical conditions. Herbal medicine appears to be effective in the treatment of sleep disorders which have been valued by many of publications and patents. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at investigating the hypnotic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa (HAE) in mice. METHODS: Three doses of HAE (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) and three fractions of it, namely n-hexane fraction (NHF), water fraction (WF), and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), were given in comparison with diazepam (3 mg/kg body weight i.p.) as a positive control and saline as a negative control. After 30 min, pentobarbital (30 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was administered. In addition, LD50 of HAE was examined and the cytotoxicity of HAE was assessed in l929 cells using the MTT assay. Moreover, for motorcoordination ability, 30 mins after administration of HAE, the rotarod test was performed. RESULTS: The results exhibited that the HAE and all the fractions significantly augmented pentobarbital induced sleeping time, which was comparable to that of induced by diazepam. The LD50 value was 2.4 g/kg. The extract did not induce any cytotoxic effects in L929 fibroblast cells. HAE did not affect the animals' performance on the rotarod test. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggests that the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. spinosa possesses a hypnotic potential that may require further scientific investigations.

In vitro effects of Capparis spinosa L. extract on human sperm function, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxidative stress is one of the underlying causes of male infertility. Medicinal plants have many benefits for infertility treatment in men. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study, we evaluated in vitro effects of Capparis spinosa leaf extract on human sperm function, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this study on the hydroalcoholic extract of C. spinosa. Polyphenol compounds and antioxidant effects of the leaf and fruit extract were determined by HPLC and DPPH method, respectively. Flavones and flavonols, total flavonoid, total phenolic content, tannin, and the total carbohydrate content were determined calorimetrically. Semen samples from 50 healthy men (20-45 years) were divided into control and experimental (15, 30, and 45 ppm of C. spinosa leaf extract) groups. Motility, viability, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation were evaluated 24 h after incubation. RESULTS: The antioxidant effect of leaf extract was six times greater than fruit. Progressive and total motility of caper-treated groups (30 and 45 ppm) were crucially higher than the control group. Viability in all treatments was significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference in lipid peroxidation. DNA fragmentation in the caper-treated group (45 ppm) was significantly lower than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the potential positive in vitro effect of C. spinosa leaf extract on human sperm function. The use of C. spinosa leaf extract or its active metabolites in the sperm culture medium may be beneficial for maintaining motility, vitality, and sperm DNA. Since these effects were observed at very low concentrations of caper, other non-antioxidant mechanisms must be considered.

The ubiquitous flavonoid quercetin is an atypical KCNQ potassium channel activator.

Many commonly consumed plants are used as folk medicines, often with unclear molecular mechanisms. Recent studies uncovered the ubiquitous and influential KCNQ family of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels as a therapeutic target for several medicinal plant compounds. Capers - immature flower buds of Capparis spinosa - have been consumed for food and medicinal purposes for millennia. Here, we show that caper extract hyperpolarizes cells expressing KCNQ1 or KCNQ2/3 Kv channels. Capers are the richest known natural source of quercetin, the most consumed dietary flavonoid. Quercetin potentiated KCNQ1/KCNE1, KCNQ2/3 and KCNQ4 currents but, unusually, not KCNQ5. Strikingly, quercetin augmented both activation and inactivation of KCNQ1, via a unique KCNQ activation mechanism involving sites atop the voltage sensor and in the pore. The findings uncover a novel potential molecular basis for therapeutic effects of quercetin-rich foods and a new chemical space for atypical modes of KCNQ channel modulation.

The effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and cognitive impairment: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Capparis spinose (C. spinosa) belonging to Capparaeae, originates from dry areas in the west or central Asia and Mediterranean basin. For thousands of years, C. spinosa has been reported to be used as a therapeutic traditional medicine to relieve various ailments including rheumatism, pain and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: There are several studies mentioning that systemic inflammation results in learning and memory impairments through the activation of microglia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of C. spinosa on both in vivo and in vitro models of neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo: 40 male rats were used in the present study. Cognitive impairment was induced using LPS (1 mg/kg/d; i.p.) for 4 weeks. Treatment with C. spinosa (100 and 300 mg/kg/d; p.o.) was performed 1 h before LPS administration. At the end of the experiment, rats were undergone for behavioral and biochemical analysis. In vitro: Primary microglia isolated from mouse was used in the present study. The cells were pretreated with C. spinosa extract (10-300 µg/ml) and then stimulated with LPS (1 µg/ml). The expression levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were elucidated using Real-Time PCR and ELISA methods. RESULTS: The escape latency in the Morris water maze test in the LPS group was significantly greater than the control group (p < 0.001), while, in extract-treated groups, it was less than the LPS group (p < 0.001). Additionally, we found that the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and iNOS/Arg-1 ratio was also significantly lower in extract-treated groups than the LPS group (p < 0.001). The results revealed that C. spinosa extract significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6, NO and PGE2, and the ratios of iNOS/Arg-1 and NO/urea, following the LPS-induced inflammation in microglia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our finding provides evidence that C. spinosa has a neuroprotective effect, and might be considered as an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are accompanied by microglial activation, such as AD.

Biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert.

The present work deals with the biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desert of Pakistan. Aerial and floral parts of C. decidua were collected and dried under shade. Powdered materials of each part of C. decidua were extracted with methanol separately, followed by phytochemical studies. Hexane fraction of aerial parts of the C. decidua obtained after solvent-solvent extraction was purified through repeated column chromatography by increasing order of polarity. Four compounds were purified and identified as simiarenol (1), lupeol (2), taraxerol (3) and ß-sitosterol (4). Simiarenol and lupeol were isolated for the first time from genus Capparis. The structures of these compounds were established by comparing the spectroscopic data (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, UV & Mass spectrometry) reported in literature. The structure of 1 was further confirmed by XRD analysis. Anti-bacterial activities of crude methanolic extracts were determined against 13 bacterial strains (MIC 250-1000 µg/mL). α-Glucosidase and urease inhibitory activities of pure compounds were also determined. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 showed α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 at 96.12 ± 0.12, 65.28 ± 0.13 and 128.14 ± 0.17 µM, respectively.

Nutraceutical Value of Pantelleria Capers (Capparis spinosa L.).

Unopened flower buds of Capparis spinosa L. (capers), generally used in the Mediterranean area as food flavoring, are known to be a good source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutraceutical value of salt-fermented capers collected from different areas of Pantelleria Island (Italy), testing their methylglyoxal and glyoxal trapping capacity and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), [2,2-azinobis(3-ethylben- zothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] diammonium salt (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Hydrophilic extracts were also characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. Among 24 detected compounds, several flavonol derivatives and glucosinolates were identified. The levels of kaempferol and quercetin derivatives varied considerably among the five accessions considered (6.46 to 267.93 and 22.39 to 367.14 mg kaempferol and quercetin equivalent /g fresh weight, respectively), with kaempferol derivatives more representative than quercetin ones. Person's coefficient indicated a high correlation between total phenolic content and anti-DPPH radical capacity (R2 = 0.665), as well as between total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity (by ORAC assay; R2 = 0.888) and between total flavonoid content and glyoxal and methylglyoxal trapping capacity (R2 = 0.918). Results indicate that capers from Pantelleria Island represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical relevance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of this study highlight the health benefits of Pantelleria capers consumption due to their composition in antioxidants and their biological properties (antiradical and alpha-dicarbonyls trapping) correlated with the development of a high number of chronic-degenerative diseases. These results are also important for the agricultural and commercial sectors involved in the production of capers from Pantelleria, which received the Protected Geographical Indications recognition.

Leaves and stems of Capparis erythrocarpos, more sustainable than roots, show antiarthritic effects.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Capparis erythrocarpos is a medicinal plant used widely in many parts of Africa for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Its wide range of use, popularity and high value, make C. erythrocarpos containing products a target for economically driven adulteration. This is made worse, by the use of roots, which are unsustainable plant parts. In addition, the mechanism of anti-inflammation is not clearly understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: Therefore, this study comparatively evaluated the anti-arthritic and analgesic effects of the leaves, stems and roots of C. erythrocarpos, while elucidating the mechanism of anti-inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the complete Freund's adjuvant arthritis model, the antiathritic effects were evaluated. The analgesic effects were determined by measuring responses to Von Frey filament number 9. Effects of C. erythrocarpos extracts on the levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined using ELISA. Haematological and serum biochemical assays were also carried out. RESULTS: The leaf, stem and root extracts significantly reduced paw volumes with ED50 values (mg/kg) of 182.5, 181.5 and 36.4 respectively. The leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg showed substantial analgesic activity with a decrease in the percentage response to Von Frey filament 9. However, there was no significant difference in activities of the leaf, stem and root extracts. Results from ELISA assays show that lower doses of the stem extracts reduce levels of IL-6. Lower doses of all extracts also reduce TNF-α levels. Haematological analysis showed extracts reversed elevated WBC and platelet levels. Toxicity evaluation with kidney and liver function tests indicated no significant differences between the treatment and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The leaves and stems, just as the roots, have antiarthritic and analgesic effects and can be used as more sustainable alternatives to the roots. This will support the continuous growth of the industry that has developed around C. erythrocarpos.

Extraction methods and computational approaches for evaluation of antimicrobial compounds from Capparis zeylanica L.

Capparis zeylanica Linn (Caparadaceae), a well-known traditional medicinal plant has been used prevalently in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It has long been used in treating cholera, hemiplegia, pneumonia, helmintic and inflammatory activity. This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activity of C. zeylanica leaf extracts against pathogenic microorganisms, with the interactions of potential compounds being predicted by a computational approach. Ethyl acetate leaf extracts of C. zeylanica were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using an agar well diffusion method against pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans). The ethyl acetate leaf extracts of the C. zeylanica were utilized for GC-MS analysis. Computational studies were performed to analyze the novel compound using Schrodinger software. The various concentrations of ethyl acetate leaf extract of C. zeylanica were checked against pathogenic microorganisms. Among them, Salmonella paratyphi shows the maximum inhibition. Molecular docking and ADME properties showed that (3E)-N-(3,4 Dichlorophenyl)-3-(Propionylhydrazono) butanamide, Heptadecanoic-Margaric acid and 5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-7-nitro-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one had the highest fitness score and more specificity toward the microbial receptors.

Quaternary ammonium compounds in roots and leaves of Capparis spinosa L. from Saudi Arabia and Italy: investigation by HPLC-MS and 1H NMR.

Capparis spinosa L. is a perennial plant typical of the Mediterranean flora and a multipurpose plant used for curing various human ailments. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), as constituents of Capparaceae, play important roles in protecting against abiotic stress. Aim of this work was to determine QACs in root and leaves of caper from two proveniences. The presence of stachydrine, choline, glycine betaine and homo-stachydrine has been confirmed by high resolution MS, while 1H NMR was applied to quantify the main QACs in the aqueous extracts. Stachydrine was quantified at 20.2 mg/g and 32.3 mg/g on dry leaves from South of Italy and Saudi Arabia, respectively, while a minor content was in dry roots (from 10.4 to 12.5 mg/g). Choline was considerably lower both in leaves and roots (from 0.3 to 1.2 mg/g). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the determination of QACs both in root and leaves of C. spinosa.

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants against selected pathogenic microorganisms.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the antimicrobial potency of leaves from various extracts of Capparis zeylanica, Streblus asper and Tribulus terrestris were evaluated. In addition, this is the first report on MIC, MBC/MFC antimicrobial activities of above mentioned plants and also identify the phytochemical, functional groups by GC-MS and FT-IR respectively. Soxhlet extraction method was used for preparation of different extracts viz., aqueous, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol. The extracts were examined against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecallis, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida albicans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis by agar well diffusion method, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentratioon (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC) values were determined through micro dilution method. Phytochemical analysis of compounds was carried out by GC-MS analysis and functional groups were identified by FT-IR. Based on the outcome of our results, Ethyl acetate extract Showed significant antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens especially, for C. albicans (40 mm) followed by ethyl acetate of S. asper against S. paratyphi (38 mm). While, the least inhibition was observed with aqueous extract of T. terrestris against S. paratyphi (10 mm). The MIC ranged from 3.21 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml and MBC/MFC 6.25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml was recorded. Ethyl acetate extracts of almost all samples showed better activity than other extracts in inhibition growth of pathogens. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of Steroids, tannins and cardiac glycosides were found only in ethyl acetate extract of C. zeylanica. Functional group of leaf extract was confirmed by FT-IR spectrum and GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of 20 compounds. The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of C. zeylanica leaves has potential activity than the other extracts as well as standard drugs (Gentamycin and Ketocozole). Hence, this plant may be recommended for further studies in isolation of active compounds and related pharmacological activities.