Caper
Capparis spinosa
Capparis spinosa, commonly known as the prickly bitter cucumber or Indian jujube, is a traditional plant found in various regions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. It has been traditionally used for its purported medicinal properties but specific uses vary widely among different cultural practices and are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that Capparis spinosa fruit extracts exhibit varying degrees of cytocompatibility, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-senescent activity, though these findings can depend on the extraction method employed. Additionally, γ-sitosterol from this plant has shown significant antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activity against MRSA, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 150 µg/mL. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Capparis spinosa, though further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Capparis spinosa fruit extracts showed varying degrees of cytocompatibility, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-senescent activity depending on extraction method.
- The study found a rich plant diversity in Rawdhat Khuraym, including Capparis spinosa, with different communities dominating in various parts of the rawdhat during dry and wet seasons.
- Capparis spinosa extracellular vesicles partially attenuate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition features in Huh7 cells by modulating lipid and metabolic changes.
- γ-Sitosterol from Capparis spinosa showed antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activity against MRSA with significant inhibition of biofilm formation and virulence factor expression.
Frequently asked questions
What is Caper?
Caper (Capparis spinosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Caper?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Caper; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Capparis spinosa fruit extracts showed varying degrees of cytocompatibility, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-senescent activity depending on extraction method.
How strong is the evidence for Caper?
The strongest finding for Caper carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Caper safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Caper in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Caper interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Caper in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Caper?
Caper is also known as: каперсы колючие, Câprier.
Is Caper a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Extracellular Vesicles from Capparis spinosa Modulate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Huh7 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 From phytochemical complexity to biological function: A comparative study of Capparis spinosa fruit extracts. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comprehensive Evaluation of Capparis Spinosa-Derived γ-Sitosterol Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant diversity, seasonal dynamics, and vegetation-soil relationship of Rawdhat Khuraym, Saudi Arabia: a biodiversity hotspot region within a hyper-arid region. literature abstract metadata