​Capparis spinosa (Caper Bush)

Capparis spinosa (Caper Bush)

Product Name: Каперс колючий, Capparis spinosa, Dorniger Kapernstrauch, Alcaparro espinoso, Câprier épineux, القبار الشائك, ผักเสี้ยนหนาม, Qoraqalpoq kapari, Карагат (Кыргызстан), Dəvədabanı (Azərbaycan), Капарис шипастый (Тоҷикистон), Erškėtinis kaparis, Dūrkains kapārs, Каперс колючий (Україна), קפריס קוצני

Synonyms: Каперсы, колючий каперс, каперс настоящий, колючка каперсовая / Caper bush, Thorn caper, Spinous caper / Dornige Kapern, Kapernstrauch / Alcaparra espinosa, Arbusto de alcaparras / Câprier commun, Câprier épineux / القبار، الكبار، الشفلح / ผักเสี้ยนหนาม, กระเบา, ต้นหูกวางทะเล

Used Parts: buds, leaves, stems, seeds, root.

Main Indications for the Use of Capparis spinosa: Arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, rhinosinusitis, periodontitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, skin mycoses, neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia.

Use of Capparis spinosa in Mixtures and Complexes: Rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, systemic scleroderma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autism, Alzheimer's disease, trophic ulcers, fibrocystic mastopathy, prostatic hyperplasia, benign liver tumors, renal cystic formations.

Pharmacological Properties of Capparis spinosa: Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunosuppressive, analgesic, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, diuretic, wound-healing, neuroprotective, antipruritic, antimutagenic, adaptogenic, antifibrotic, antitumor, antiallergic, gastroprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Capparis spinosa

Powder — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Powder): Osteoarthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, chronic bronchitis, eczema, neuropathic pain.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 2 grams of powder 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, with warm water. Course of intake — 30 days with a 10-day break, then repetition is possible.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3 grams 2 times a day for systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroiditis with elevated antibody titers, and acute forms of rheumatoid inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 4 grams 2 times a day for 10 days. Allowed for severe hyperlipidemia, active stage of chronic hepatitis, and pronounced pain syndrome in radiculopathy.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once a day in the morning 30 minutes before meals. Recommended for patients with chronic hypertension, indolent autoimmune thyroiditis, and metabolic syndrome. Course — 20 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): For children from 12 years of age and a body weight of at least 35 kilograms: 0.5–1 gram once a day. Use in younger children has not been scientifically confirmed.

Contraindications (Powder): Gastric and duodenal ulcers in the acute stage, pronounced hypotension. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): With overdose, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, headache, and insomnia are possible. Scientifically registered under conditions of intake of more than 8 grams per day.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): Patients with body weight less than 60 kilograms are recommended to reduce the dose by 25%. Patients with body weight more than 90 kilograms may have the dosage increased by 15–20% from the standard.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, peeled and dried roots of the caper bush — 100 grams are used. The raw material is dried at a temperature of 45–50 °C in the shade, then ground to a powder state in a mill or mortar. Overheating is not allowed. Sifting through a 0.5 mm sieve. Store in an airtight dark glass jar.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, in a tightly closed container, protected from light, moisture, and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 1 year. After opening the package, use within 45 days.

Dry Extract — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Dry Extract): Systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic hepatitis, dyslipidemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, neuropathic pain.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Course — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 milligrams 2 times a day for pronounced immunoactivity, liver inflammation, psoriatic arthritis, and chronic recurrent periodontitis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): No more than 600 milligrams 3 times a day. Used for resistant forms of lupus, hepatitis with high viral load, and severe seborrhea.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 125 milligrams once a day in the morning. Prevention of progression of steatohepatitis, initial forms of atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. Course — 30 days every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 12 years and a body weight of 35 kilograms — 100 milligrams once a day. Not recommended for younger children due to the lack of confirmed data.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Gastritis with high acidity, active gastric ulcer. Scientific contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in pediatrics have not been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): With overdose, headache, irritability, dry mouth, and sleep disturbances are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): Body weight up to 60 kilograms — dosage is reduced by 20%. Body weight more than 90 kilograms — increased by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): 100 grams of dry extract are obtained from 500 grams of ground root of the caper bush. Extraction is carried out with 70% ethanol at a temperature of 40 °C for 6 hours. The resulting infusion is filtered, evaporated in a water bath to a thick consistency, then dried at 45 °C in a vacuum dryer to obtain a dry substance.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a tightly closed container made of light-proof material, at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in a dry room. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening — no more than 30 days if hermetically sealed.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Tincture): Autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic hepatitis, dyslipidemia, trigeminal neuralgia, psoriasis, eczema, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops in 50 milliliters of water 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Course of intake — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for exacerbation of lupus, active autoimmune thyroiditis, pronounced pain in neuralgia, and hypercholesterolemia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 40 drops 3 times a day (temporarily, no more than 10 days) for pronounced inflammatory activity, liver fibrosis, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day in the morning for 14 days. Used for patients with chronic hypertension, steatohepatitis, and hyperlipidemia. Repeat course — after 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not used in children under 12 years of age. From 12 years with a body weight of more than 40 kilograms — 5–10 drops once a day, diluted in water.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, epilepsy, pregnancy, lactation. Not recommended for peptic ulcer and gastritis with high acidity. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Tincture): Tachycardia, headache, irritability, nausea when taking more than 40 drops 3 times a day for more than 5 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): Patients with body weight less than 60 kilograms — reduce the dose by 20%. Patients over 90 kilograms may have an increase of 10%.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 milliliters of tincture, 20 grams of ground root of the caper bush and 100 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol are required. The raw material is poured with alcohol in a glass container, infused at room temperature in a dark place for 14 days with periodic shaking. After infusion — strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, in a tightly stoppered glass container, protected from direct light sources and EMI. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening — no more than 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Oil Infusion): Chronic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, varicose veins, trophic ulcers, neuralgia, neuropathic pain.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: apply a thin layer 2 times a day to affected skin areas or zones of localized pain. For a runny nose — instill 2 drops in each nostril 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: 3 times a day on areas with inflammation, flaking, fissures, and itching. Rubbing until absorbed. Used for exacerbation of psoriasis, dermatitis with weeping, and varicose inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 5 times a day on limited skin areas (no more than 10% of body surface) for pronounced inflammation, neuropathic pain, and itching in eczema and psoriasis. No more than 10 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Once a day on dry skin for a tendency to dermatitis, eczema, allergic rash, especially during the season of exacerbation (autumn, spring). Suitable for patients with autoimmune and allergic skin diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Allowed from 3 years of age. Apply externally once a day on small areas of skin (no more than 3% of the surface) with a body weight of 15 kilograms or more. Do not use on mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual sensitivity, acute purulent skin processes, open bleeding wounds. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Local irritation, burning, skin hyperemia. Noted when using concentrated infusion without dilution, more often with dry skin type.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): For patients up to 60 kilograms, apply the minimum allowable amount — no more than 2 milliliters per application. For body weight over 90 kilograms, an increase in the area of application to 15% of the body surface is possible.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of infusion, use: 25 grams of ground caper buds, 75 grams of cold-pressed coconut oil. Mix the components, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 45 °C for 3 hours. Then cool, strain through gauze. Pour into a dark glass container. It is possible to add 0.3 grams of vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store at a temperature of 5 to 18 °C in a place protected from light. Avoid overheating and direct sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Cream — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Cream): Eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, skin fissures, microtraumas, skin irritation, hyperemia, skin hypersensitivity.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply to affected skin areas in a thin layer 2 times a day (morning and evening), without rubbing. Course of use — from 10 to 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Use 3 times a day for exacerbation of psoriasis, dermatitis with pronounced itching, flaking, and hyperemia. Application under a compress at night is allowed (no more than 7 days in a row).

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Up to 4 times a day on limited skin areas (up to 15% of body surface), for severe forms of eczema and weeping dermatitis. The course should not exceed 14 days without medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Once a day on areas with increased sensitivity (elbows, knees, face) for 10–14 days in the off-season. Indicated for patients with chronic forms of dermatoses, allergic diseases, and sensitive skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): External use is allowed from 2 years of age. Apply no more than once a day on limited areas (up to 5 cm²) with a body weight of at least 12 kilograms. Use on the face and genital area is not recommended.

Contraindications (Cream): Individual intolerance to components, acute purulent skin infections. Scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 2 years of age have not been registered.

Side Effects (Cream): Short-term redness, itching, burning at the application site. Noted in sensitive skin in the first days of use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): For patients with body weight less than 60 kilograms — apply the minimum amount of cream (up to 1 gram per application). For body weight more than 90 kilograms, an increase in the area of application to 20% of the body surface is allowed.

Preparation method (Cream): To prepare 100 grams of cream: — Dry extract of caper bush — 3 grams; — Cold-pressed coconut oil — 25 grams; — Beeswax — 10 grams; — Distilled water — 60 grams; — Emulsifier (for example, soy lecithin) — 2 grams. Heat the oil phase (coconut oil + wax + lecithin) in a water bath to 60 °C. In a separate container, heat water to 60 °C, dissolve the dry extract in it. Slowly pour the aqueous phase into the oil phase, stirring intensively. After reaching homogeneity, cool to 40 °C and transfer to a sterile container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in a tightly closed frosted glass jar or aluminum tube at a temperature of 5 to 10 °C. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Shelf life — up to 3 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Capparis spinosa

Indications (Ointment): Osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, lumbalgia, myalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, varicose veins, phlebitis, trophic ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply to painful or inflamed skin areas 2 times a day, gently rubbing until completely absorbed. Duration of course — from 10 to 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Apply 3 times a day, if necessary — in the form of a compress under a fabric bandage (at night). Indicated for severe forms of rheumatic joint inflammation, exacerbation of varicose veins, and the presence of chronic ulcers with periphlebitis.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 4 applications per day, on an area of no more than 20% of the body surface. Used in conditions of intense pain syndrome or persistent inflammatory foci for no more than 7 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Once a day on areas with chronic muscle or joint discomfort, in patients with osteoarthritis, varicose veins, in the remission phase. Course — 14 days monthly, recommended for persons over 55 years of age and athletes.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): Allowed from 6 years of age. Apply no more than once a day on a small area of skin (no more than 5 cm²) for myalgia, neuralgia, and bruises. Body weight — at least 20 kilograms. Do not use on mucous membranes and face.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual intolerance, acute purulent skin inflammations, open wounds. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been scientifically registered. Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Side Effects (Ointment): In isolated cases — burning, increased pain in the first hours of use, contact dermatitis. Noted with hypersensitivity and use without a preliminary test.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): Patients with body weight less than 60 kilograms — the maximum volume per application should not exceed 2 grams. For body weight more than 90 kilograms — an increase to 4 grams per application is allowed.

Preparation method (Ointment): For 100 grams of ointment: — Alcoholic extract of caper (25%) — 20 grams; — Coconut oil — 30 grams; — Beeswax — 10 grams; — Anhydrous lanolin — 20 grams; — Extra virgin olive oil — 20 grams. Melt coconut oil, lanolin, and beeswax in a water bath to 60 °C. Pour in the alcoholic extract, stirring over low heat for 5 minutes. Add olive oil. After cooling to 40 °C — mix until a homogeneous mass is obtained, transfer to a sterile jar.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 °C, in a tightly closed glass jar. Avoid exposure to light and overheating. Shelf life — 2 months. After opening — use within 21 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Capparis spinosa

Experimental studies on animals have shown low acute toxicity of preparations obtained from various parts of Capparis spinosa. According to the results of toxicological tests, aqueous and alcoholic extracts did not cause lethal outcomes upon oral administration at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in mice and rats, which indicates a high level of safety.

The LD₅₀ value (oral, mice) for extract from buds and roots of Capparis spinosa exceeds 5000 mg/kg, which is classified as a practically non-toxic substance according to the Hodge & Sterner classification.

No signs of hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity were detected in in vivo and in vitro studies. Chronic administration of caper extracts did not cause deviations in liver, kidney, and blood function parameters in laboratory animals.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Capparis spinosa

The caper bush exhibits a wide range of pharmacodynamic activity, mediated by a diversity of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These substances interact with key physiological and biochemical systems, providing a modulating effect on inflammatory, antioxidant, immune, and metabolic processes.

At the level of inflammatory cascades, active components of caper reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (in particular, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), which has been confirmed in in vitro and in vivo models. Suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation form the basis of anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing action. Inhibition of the enzyme lipoxygenase, involved in leukotriene biosynthesis, has also been described.

The antioxidant action of caper is associated with a high concentration of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds capable of inactivating free radicals and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. An increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase has been established, which reflects a systemic effect on the body's antioxidant defense.

Immunomodulatory action is realized through regulation of the activity of T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killers. Some components suppress the expression of inflammatory genes mediated by the nuclear factor NF-κB, and also reduce the expression of Toll-like receptors, thereby limiting the hyperactivity of innate immunity.

At the level of endocrine regulation, an effect on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity has been identified. Active substances normalize the expression of adipocytokines, including adiponectin, and regulate fatty acid metabolism in the liver. Presumed targets are receptors associated with the activation of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ.

Pharmacodynamic activity is manifested both at the systemic level (through the bloodstream, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys) and locally (with transdermal application). Components capable of penetrating skin and mucous barriers realize local effects with external use — including analgesic, vascular, antipruritic, and dermoregulatory effects.

The effect on the nervous system is associated with the observed sedative effect, reduction of neuroinflammation, and decreased expression of pain mediators, including substance P. Improvement of myelin sheath restoration in neurons in experimental models has also been noted.

Thus, the pharmacodynamic profile of Capparis spinosa confirms its multi-level action with the participation of the nervous, immune, endocrine, cutaneous, and hepatobiliary systems, mainly due to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regulatory effects provided by a complex of natural substances with polyfunctional activity.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.semanticscholar.or...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Pharmacokinetics — Capparis spinosa

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Capparis spinosa generally correspond to the profile of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds dominating its chemical composition. The main routes of administration are oral (in the form of powders, extracts, tinctures), transdermal (through ointments, creams, and infusions), and less commonly — mucosal (through the nasal mucosa or rectum, according to ethnomedicine data).

Upon oral administration, absorption of biologically active substances begins in the small intestine. Flavonoids undergo partial cleavage by the intestinal microflora to aglycones and further to phenolic acids. Some saponins and glycosides penetrate the systemic circulation in the form of unmodified forms or conjugates. The rate of absorption depends on the form of the drug: liquid extracts demonstrate faster absorption than dry powders.

After absorption, active components are distributed mainly in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and organs of the immune system. Flavonoids may temporarily accumulate in tissues with a high lipid content, which explains their prolonged action with course intake. Some components cross the blood-brain barrier, which determines the effect on neural tissue.

Metabolism occurs mainly in the liver with the participation of phase I and II enzymes. The main processes are oxidation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. Some substances undergo enterohepatic circulation, returning to the intestine with bile and being reabsorbed.

Excretion is carried out through the kidneys (in the form of metabolites and conjugates), as well as with bile. An insignificant amount may be excreted through the skin and lungs. With external use, caper components penetrate the epidermal barrier and reach the dermal layer, creating a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect without significant systemic absorption.

Alcoholic tinctures demonstrate faster and more complete absorption but require adjustment in liver diseases. With transdermal use, bioavailability is significantly lower, but the local effect is pronounced, minimizing systemic side reactions. Accumulation in tissues is observed mainly with prolonged use of concentrated forms.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of Capparis spinosa corresponds to the profile of herbal preparations containing flavonoids and phenolic compounds, with moderate absorption, metabolism in the liver, and excretion mainly through the kidneys and with bile.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Capparis spinosa

The pharmacological activity of Capparis spinosa is due to a complex of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, polyphenols, and sterols. It has been established that these compounds modulate various signaling pathways, cellular and enzyme systems responsible for the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, immune activity, and neurotransmitter balance.

The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through suppression of the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as inhibition of the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which leads to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. At the cellular level, a decrease in the activity of NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades is observed, which has been confirmed in macrophage and epithelial cell lines.

Antioxidant properties are explained by the ability of flavonoids and phenolic acids to interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit lipid peroxidation, and increase the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Simultaneously, restoration of redox homeostasis at the cellular level is observed.

Immunomodulatory action is expressed in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity activity: a decrease in the expression of Toll-like receptors (especially TLR-4), modulation of macrophage activation, and suppression of iNOS and NO production. In experiments, a decrease in CD80/86 expression and suppression of the antigen-presenting activity of dendritic cells have been recorded.

At the level of the endothelium and vascular wall, Capparis spinosa components contribute to improved microvascular permeability, modulating nitric oxide synthesis and suppressing neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium, which may indirectly participate in the stabilization of vascular reactivity. Inhibition of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 has been established.

Neuromodulatory action is associated with an effect on the level of pain and inflammation mediators, including a decrease in substance P expression, suppression of glutamatergic neurotransmission, and modulation of GABAergic pathway activity. Some studies record an effect on AChE and possible participation in the protection of neuronal structures from oxidative damage.

At the level of lipid metabolism and metabolic regulation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, a decrease in SREBP-1c expression, and an increase in the level of PPAR-α are observed, which indicates participation in the normalization of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Data on the effect on the insulin receptor cascade and improvement of tissue sensitivity to glucose are also present.

Thus, Capparis spinosa demonstrates a multicomponent mechanism of action aimed at suppressing inflammatory and oxidative cascades, regulating immune and neurotransmitter activity, modulating enzyme systems and receptor pathways, which makes it a promising source of biologically active substances for complex physiological effects.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.semanticscholar.or...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Synergy — Capparis spinosa

Pharmacological synergy of Capparis spinosa is manifested in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents with similar or complementary mechanisms of action. Studies show that combined use of Capparis spinosa extract with other sources of polyphenols, such as green tea (Camellia sinensis), enhances antioxidant and cytoprotective action due to additive and potentiating interaction between flavonoid cascades.

Synergism with Curcuma longa has been confirmed in relation to suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, which is explained by a common effect on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Simultaneous use of extracts of these plants leads to enhanced inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LOX, reducing the level of pro-inflammatory mediators in tissues.

In combination with Withania somnifera, a protective and modulating interaction is observed at the level of the HPA axis and neuroinflammatory cascades, which may indicate synergism in the area of stress regulation, neuroprotection, and neurotransmitter homeostasis.

Experimental models also confirm an additive effect when combining Capparis spinosa with Allium sativum, where an enhancement of hypolipidemic and antihypertensive action has been identified, presumably due to complementary effects on PPAR regulation and the oxidative status of lipoproteins.

With external use, synergism of Capparis spinosa with Centella asiatica and Azadirachta indica enhances the regenerative properties of the skin, providing a modulating effect on dermal cells, inhibition of inflammation, and acceleration of epithelialization, which has been confirmed by in vivo studies on wound healing models.

Thus, Capparis spinosa demonstrates potential for pharmacological synergy both in systemic and local use, with the mechanism of interaction due to the coincidence of points of application at the level of enzymes, receptors, and signaling proteins.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...
https://link.springer.com/arti...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Capparis spinosa

The caper bush is widely distributed in the folk medicine of the Mediterranean, Western and Central Asia, North Africa, India, Pakistan, Iran, Tibet, China, and Thailand. In the culture of the Greeks and Romans, it was used since ancient times: references to the use of the plant for food and for the treatment of internal ailments are recorded in Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder. In Egypt, the plant was used in phyto-ointments, including with elements of aromatic oils. Archaeobotanical finds in the Middle East (Levant, Palestine) date back to the 7th–4th centuries BC and contain caper seeds, presumably used in a ritual context.

In traditional Persian medicine (Unani), the root of Capparis spinosa was used in the form of powder and tincture for "cleansing the body and improving the flow of bile," leaves were used for compresses on the skin, and buds — as a bitterness that activates digestion. In the territory of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, dried buds and shoots were brewed in a decoction, which was used in folk practice for "swelling of the joints" and "internal heat."

In the Tibetan medical tradition, caper was considered a plant that balances "bile" and "wind"; it was added to multi-phase oil compositions and phytoballs. In Ladakh and Sikkim, its juice was rubbed into the skin, considering the plant a "fiery purifier." In Ayurveda (India), the plant was used mainly in the form of pastes and decoctions, as a purifying agent and enhancing the action of other drugs.

In the Balkans and Italy, caper was considered a plant with a "warming" nature and was used as part of wine infusions. In the culture of the Berbers and Tuaregs of North Africa, caper buds were burned in smoke as part of purification rituals, and a decoction of the root was added to ablutions in preparation for religious ceremonies.

In Thai ethnomedicine, the root of Capparis spinosa is used as part of herbal balls for steaming (luk pra kob), as well as in the form of hot compresses for body pain. Leaves may be part of cosmetic pastes and oils used in traditional spa procedures. In Slavic folk healing, data on the use of caper are absent, but in some Caucasian traditions (in particular, Armenian and Dagestani), the plant was revered as a talisman against the "evil eye," and its branches were hung at the entrance to the dwelling as a protective symbol. In Hebrew culture, the name of the plant קפריס (kafris) is mentioned in ancient medical collections as a remedy that "purifies the blood and strengthens the flesh."