Capparis decidua: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Attar Ayan*, Ansari Daniyal, Ansari Rehan

JIIU’s Ali Allana College of Pharmacy, Akkalkuwa, Dist: Nandurbar, Maharashtra.

Mail id : ayanattar1616@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4305  

INTRODUCTION

Kabar, which means "caper" in Persian, is the root of the Greek word kapparis. For more than 2,000 years, pickled capers have been used as a condiment. First, This plant, which belongs to the Capparidaceaea family, is widely referred to as Caper berry in English, Karira in Sanskrit, Kerada in Gujarati, Karer or Kurrel in Hindi, Nispatige in Kannad, Nepati in Marathi, Kair in Punjabi, Shengan in Tamil, Enugadanta in Telegu, and Titali in Urdu.

The plant typically thrives in wastelands with dry, exposed environment, frequently on slopes. It grows wild in the Western Ghats of Rajasthan and Gujarat and is found in the deserts, particularly in Rajputana, Punjab, and Sind [2], as well as southward to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu [3]. Caper buds are taken from the wild as well as cultivated; cultivated plants are typically spineless. It is grown in sandy soil that drains well and receives sunlight. It is propagated by sowing seeds in the fall and spring and by cutting ripe wood in the summer around 19–24° C (66–75° F). [1] With a clear bole of 2.4 meters, the plant is a big, thorny, thickly branched, spinous. [4]

shrub or tree that can grow up to 6 meters (rarely 10 meters) in height. The caduceus leaves on immature branches are linear, 1-2 cm long, with a short, stiff apex that resembles a light mucro like pickle, petioles that are extremely short, and stipular thorns that are long, pointed, straight, orange-yellow, and hark-grey, rough, corky, hark-grey, and covered in paired thorns. [5] globose or ovoid berries, 1-2 cm in diameter, dull It is red, [6] with a hard woody berry that is 1-2 mm thick, [5] has a brownish rind, gynophores that are about 1.5-2 cm long, and a pedicel that is short and beinle. The apex has a small scar that resembles a point, and it has a bitter, strong, and foul odor. [4] seeds are round, 2–5 mm in diameter, [6] dried seeds are reniform, 4-5 mm long, 3–4 mm wide, 1.5–2 mm thick, covered with greyish white fleshy aril, and the surface displays a fine network of evenly formed shallow depressions all over. The testa is extremely hard, black, and pitted, and the hilum is located in a tiny depression on the edge of the seeds to the point.

Classification

Domain-Eukaryota

Kingdom-Plantae

Subkingdom-Viridaeplantae

Phylum-Tracheophyta

Subphylum- Euphyllophytina

Class- Magnoliopsida

Subclass- Dilleniidae

Order- Capperales

Family -Capparaceae

SubfamilyCapparoidae

Tribe-Capparae

Genus-Capparis

Species-Decidua

Traditional uses

In the Unani medical system, the plant has been used as a tonic, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, carminative, and tonic. It also increases appetite and is beneficial for rheumatism, lumbago, cough, asthma, and hiccough. As an antidote to poison, the top shoots and young leaves are ground into a powder and applied as a blister, as well as for boils, eruptions, and swellings. A decoction of ground ound stems, leaves, and leaves is used to treat pyorrhea, and they are highly effective at relieving toothaches when chewed [5]. [6] The astringent fruits are beneficial for heart problems. The fruits are pickled, as are the tiny flower buds. Fruits can be consumed either ripe or green. useful for treating facial paralysis, intestinal worms, and enlarged spleen issues. [7] It is administered to treat scurvy, cardiac conditions, and phthisis. The plant is a healthy source of camel feed in Rajputana. To get rid of worms, fresh plant juice is sprayed into the ear. [2] When liver issues arise, root powder is administered with water. To cure hemorrhoids, the root bark extract is administered twice daily for three days.  Diabetes, rheumatism, hypertension, and other conditions are treated with the plant's therapeutic properties. digestive issues. Wood is utilized as firewood and to build the foundations surrounding the wells since it is incredibly robust and long-lasting. Root paste is applied to scorpion bites, flower buds are consumed to ease stomachaches, and powdered coal from the stem is taken for broken bones. Asthma and other respiratory conditions are treated with a decoction of stem bark (10–15 ml) twice daily.

Due to its hemicellulose content, the fruit extract had a notable hypocholesterolemic impact that seemed to be caused by an increase in the excretion of bile acids and cholesterol in the feces. Defatted fruit extract stopped the buildup of triglycerides and cholesterol in the rabbits' aorta and liver, as well as the development of atheroma. Fruit powder lowered Lipid peroxidation caused by Alloxan and subsequently changed the kidney, heart, and erythrocytes' levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase. It decreased diabetes-related oxidative idative stress. There were antifungal and antibacterial properties in the fruit extract. Fruit pulp, seeds, and an alkaloid that was separated from the extract showed anthelmintic activity and had an impact on howel movement. [4]

There has been evidence of the seed volatiles' ability to combat Vibro cholera. The plant's aqueous extract has anthelmintic properties, and its seeds contain the antibacterial compounds glucocapparin and isothiocyanate aglycone of glucocapparin. [3] The bark pout possesses purgative, constipating, and anthelmintic properties.
The current article offers a current overview of several facets of the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Capparis decidut, which is known for its many therapeutic uses and pharmacological activities.

Phytochemistry :-

Capparis species contain a variety of biochemical substances, alkaloids, phenols, sterols, and glycosides that may have therapeutic or nutritional value. n-pentacosane, n-triacontane, triacontanol, 2-carboxy-1, 1-dimethylpyrrolodine, 6-(1-hydroxy-non-3-enyl) tetrahydropyran 2-one, B-sitosterol, B-carotene, ascorbic acid, proteins, total carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, manganese, and glucosinolates are all present in the flowers, fruits, stem, and seeds.

The indole bases capparin (m. p. 236-238°), capparilin (m. p. 188-191"), and capparinin (m. p. 229-231°) are found in the roots. /- stachydrine (m. p. 232°) and capparidisine (molecular formula: CHNO, mol w1. 495) are found in the root bark. It is a macrocyclic alkaloid with two methoxylated and hydroxylated trans cinnamic acid residues connected to spermidine by amide bonds and to one another via oxygen bridges.

The seeds produce 20.3% brownish yellow oil with the following properties: iodine value: 69.8, acid value: 8.8, sap equivalent: 290.0, and unsapon matter: 1.2%. Myristic is 0.6%, arachidic is 2.0%, oleic is 57.2%, palmitic is 21.1%, stearic is 7.7%, and linoleic is 11.4%. With its high oleic acid content, the oil can be used for both non-edible and food applications. N-pentacosane, n-triacontanol, and B-sitosterol are present in the unsaponifiable materials. Also mentioned is the presence of 1-stachydrine. Glucocapparin, an isothiocyanate glucoside, has also been discovered; its aglycone exhibits strong antibacterial action (25 µg/ml). In [6]

On a dry basis, Hissar (Haryana) fruit has the following contents: ash, 6%; calcium, 210; phosphorus, 360; zinc, 4; iron, 6; manganese, 2; B-carotene, 21; ascorbic acid, 119; phytic acid, 68; moisture, 65; protein, 17; fat, 5; crude fiber, 1; total carbohydrate, 71; and oxalic acid, 0.1 mg/100 gm. Isocodonocarpine, 14-N-acetylisocodonocarpine, and 15-N-acetylcapparisine (molecular formula C2H3N3O6) are spermidine alkaloids found in the root bark, and their structures have been identified. It treats gout, inflammation, and asthma. [8]
Isocodonocarpine, a novel spermidine alkaloid, was extracted from the root bark of Capparis decidua, and spectrum analyses, including 2D NMR, were used to determine its structure. [2]

Many different species and varieties of Capparaceae distributed in 17 genera have been examined for the presence of betaines and other quaternary ammonium compounds

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Antidiabetic and antistress activity

Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were given either intraperitoneal (i.p.) insulin or a hypoglycemic mixture of Capparis deciduas powder and food. The impact was evaluated on the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rat tissues. Superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals are created when blood glucose levels rise in diabetics.

Daily doses of mg/kg for 21 days to assess antidiabetic efficacy. With varying doses of 250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight, diabetic rats' fasting blood glucose levels drop by 58.5, 83.6% (aqueous extract), and 60.2, 98.51 (ethanolic extract) after the 21st day. In summary, the current investigation employing biochemical tests related to the blood glucose levels of several animal models indicates that the ethanolic and aqueous extract of stem has strong hypoglycemic and antidiabetic properties. [3].

Hypocholesterolemic effect

The proximate composition of Capparis decidua and its constituents of dietary fiber were processed and examined. The trial involved the selection of fifteen obese volunteers with elevated blood lipid profiles. Before the feeding experiment began and after it concluded, fasting blood samples were examined for total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. Capparis decidua powder was used to prepare and standardize a variety of items. Capparis decidua's nutritional assessment shows that it has a respectable quantity of fiber and protein. At the conclusion of the experiment, there was a noticeable drop in both LDL cholesterol (16%) and total cholesterol (13%). However, there was no discernible decrease in HDL cholesterol. According to the findings, Capparis decidua supplements may be crucial for the nutritional treatment of hypercholesterolemia. [2]

Anthelmintic activity

Most of the screenings reported are in vitro studies using some worm samples like Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma, Ascardia galli, Ascaris lumbricoids, etc. Adult Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma has been used as test worm in most of the anthelmintic screenings, as it shows anatomical and physiological resemblance with the intestinal roundworm parasite of human beings. Because of easy availability, earthworms and Ascardia galli worms are used as suitable models for screening of anthelmintic drug. These in vitro screenings are important as they give basis for further in vivo studies. The anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of root bark of Capparis decidua was evaluated against adult Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma (annelida) because of its anatomical and physiological similarity with round worm narasite. The activity was found dose dependant,comparable with Piperazine citrate 10mg/ml at the higher concentration of 100mg/ml of the extract used in the study. [4]

Antioxidant activity

The use of Capparis decidua fruit powder as an antidiabetic reduced Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was considerably increased in the heart, kidney, and erythrocytes by alloxan. In rats with diabetes, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity dropped while kidney and heart SOD levels rose. Insulin and C. decidua fruit powder both reversed these changes in SOD. Enhanced catalase (CAT) activity in the liver, kidney, heart, and erythrocytes following C. decidua treatment suggests that the treatment may counteract the toxicity of H2O₂ by increasing CAT's ability to break it down. The results demonstrate that C. decidua therapy reduces LPO caused by alloxan and modifies SOD and CAT enzymes to lessen oxidative stress. [8]

Antibacterial activity

The micro-dilution assay was used to find antibacterial activity. The extracts were tested against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are Gram-negative bacteria, and Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, which are Gram-positive bacteria. The dichloromethane root extract of Capparis decidua showed the lowest MIC value (less than/or about 0.1 mg/ml) against the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumonia. [6] Rathyibacter tritici, the causative agent of wheat tundu illnesses, was tested for antibacterial activity in the plant's aqueous extracts using agar diffusion techniques. The plant demonstrated its ability to combat the test microorganisms. [3]

PHYTOCHEMICAL REVIEW

A tiny, leafless, spiky shrub in the Capparidaceae family, Capparis decidua is often referred to as Kair or Ker. It is extensively found in arid and semi-arid areas, especially in sections of Africa, India, and Pakistan. Due to its complex phytochemical composition and plethora of traditional therapeutic benefits, this plant has attracted a lot of interest. An extensive summary of the main phytochemical components of Capparis decidua may be found below.

1.Alkaloids

Among the most important phytochemicals in Capparis decidua are alkaloids. Several alkaloids found in the plant contribute to its therapeutic qualities, including:

Capparidisine

Stachydrine

Isocodonocarpine

2. Flavonoids

Numerous plants contain flavonoids, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Important flavonoids found in Capparis decidua include:

Quercetin

Kaempferol

These substances help shield cells from oxidative stress by acting as strong antioxidants and scavenging free radicals. There have been reports of anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties in quercetin in particular.

3. The glycosinolates Capparis decidua is one of the plants in the Brassicales order that contain sulfur-containing substances called glucosinolates. Bioactive substances such isothiocyanates, which have antibacterial, anticancer, and detoxifying qualities, are released when glucosinolates hydrolyze.
The glucosecapparin, This glucosinolate derivative has been demonstrated to possess detoxifying and antioxidant qualities, which aid in shielding cells from harm brought on by infections and environmental pollutants.

4.Saponins

Glycosides called saponins have a variety of biological characteristics, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Capparis decidua contains saponins, which help the plant control immunological responses and ward off diseases.

CONCLUSION

Worldwide, plants have been utilized for medical purposes, and they continue to play a significant role in both conventional and contemporary medical systems. While contemporary synthetic medications are successful in treating illnesses, they also have a number of negative side effects that can cause major health issues. It should go without saying that Capparis decidua has antidiabetic, sedative, anticonvulsant, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterlemic, hepatoprotective, and anthelmintic properties. Alkaloids, phenols, sterols, and glycosides are abundant in it and may have therapeutic or nutritional value. n-pentacosane, n-triacontane, n-triacontanol, 2-carboxy-1, and 1-Ascorbic acid, proteins, total carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, manganese, glucosinolates, 6-(1-hydroxy-non-3-enyl) tetrahydropyran-2-one, B-sitosterol, B-carotene, and dimethylpyrrolodine. The capparin, capparilin, and capparinin indole bases are found in the roots. This review highlights some significant phytochemical and pharmacological research on Capparis decidua, as well as key findings that can be further explored to produce lead compounds for the development of new herbal medications.

REFRENCES

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3.    CP Khare, Indian medicinal plants. Springer India Pvt. Ltd, 2007, p. 117.

4.    AK Gupta, Neeraj Tondon, Madhu Sharma, Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants, Medicinal Plants Unit: Published by Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, 2008, Vol. 3, p. 99-105.

5.    KR Kirtikar, BD Basu, Indian Medicinal Plants, International Book Distributers, Dehradun, 2008, Edition 2nd, vol. 1, p. 195-199.

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