Hypoglycemic activity of Capparis ovata desf. var. palaestina zoh. methanol extract

Caper (Capparis ovata Desf. and Capparis spinosa L.) is naturally widespread in Turkey. Traditionally, buds, fruits, seeds and roots of this plant are used as tonic, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, expectorant, antidiabetic, and antifungal. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential hypoglycemic effect of C. ovata var. palaestina extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. For this purpose; diabetic mice were administered with 100, 300, 500 mg/kg (i.p.) doses of methanol extract of bud and fruit. Blood glucose levels were screened 60, 120, 240 and 360 min. after treatment. Furthermore, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis, ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity test, and phenolic and flavonoid compounds analysis of extracts were carried out. The data obtained from in vivo study revealed that fruit-methanol 500 mg/kg (FM3), bud-methanol 300 mg/kg (BM2), bud-methanol 500 mg/kg (BM3) extracts showed significant hypoglycemic activity. All extracts indicated significant antioxidant activity, however bud-methanol (BM) extract demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity. Moreover high levels of phenolic substances and flavonoids were involved in all extracts, but the highest levels were found in FM extract. HRMS study showed that rutin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin) and stachydrine substances had seen in BM extract. The results of this study showed that the C. ovata var. palaestina extracts which, indicate hypoglycemic, antioxidant activities, might provide additional support in diabetes.

Combining molecular-marker and chemical analysis of Capparis deciduas (Capparaceae) in the Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan (India)

The Thar Desert, a very inhospitable place, accommodates only plant species that survive acute drought, unpredictable precipitation, and those can grow in the limited moisture of sandy soils. Capparis decidua is among one of the few plants able to grow well under these conditions. This species is highly exploited and has been naturally taken, as local people use it for various purposes like food, timber and fuel, although, no management or conservation efforts have been established. The present study was conducted in this arid area of Western Rajasthan (India) with the aim to obtain preliminary molecular information about this group of plants. We evaluated diversity among 46 samples of C. decidua using chemical parameters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Fourteen chemical parameters and eight minerals (total 22 variables) of this species fruits were estimated. A total of 14 RAPD primers produced 235 band positions, of which 81.27% were polymorphic. Jaccard s similarity coefficients for RAPD primers ranged from 0.34 to 0.86 with a mean genetic similarity of 0.50. As per observed coefficient of variation, NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) content was found to be the most variable trait followed by starch and soluble carbohydrate. The Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient values for chemical parameters ranged between 0.02-0.31 with an average of 0.092. The present study revealed a very low correlation (0.01) between chemical parameters and RAPD-based matrices. The low correlation between chemical- and RAPD-based matrices indicated that the two methods were different and highly variable. The chemical-based diversity will assist in selection of nutritionally rich samples for medicinal purpose, while genetic diversity to face natural challenges and find sustainable ways to promote conservation for future use.

El desierto de Thar, un lugar muy inhóspito, alberga sólo a las especies de plantas capaces de resistir a condiciones de sequía extrema, a las precipitaciones impredecibles, y a las plantas que pueden crecer en la humedad limitada de los suelos arenosos. Capparis decidua se encuentra entre una las pocas plantas capaces de crecer bien en estas condiciones. Esta especie es altamente explotada y se ha tomado de forma natural, así los habitantes locales las han usado para varios propósitos, como alimento, madera y combustible, aunque sin ningún programa de manejo o esfuerzo por conservación. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo en esta zona árida del oeste de Rajastán (India) con el objetivo de obtener información molecular preliminar sobre este grupo de plantas. Se evaluó la diversidad entre 46 muestras de C. decidua usando parámetros químicos y marcadores de ADN polimórfico amplificado al azar (RAPD por sus siglas en inglés). Catorce parámetros químicos y ocho minerales (22 variables en total) de los frutos de esta especie fueron estimados. Un total de 14 cebadores para RAPD produjeron 235 posiciones de bandas, de las cuales 81.27% fueron polimórficas. El coeficiente de similitud de Jaccard para los cebadores del RAPD varió entre 0.34 y 0.86 con un promedio de similitud genética de 0.50. De acuerdo con el coeficiente de variación observado, se encontró que el contenido de NDF fue el rasgo más variable, seguido por el almidón y los carbohidratos solubles. Los valores del coeficiente de disimilitud de Manhattan para los parámetros químicos osciló entre 0.02-0.31 con un promedio de 0.092. El presente estudio reveló una correlación muy baja (0.01) entre los parámetros químicos y las matrices basadas en RAPD. La baja correlación entre las matrices químicas y la basada en RAPD indicó que los dos métodos fueron diferentes y altamente variables. El estudio de la diversidad basada en su química ayudará en la selección de muestras nutricionalmente ricas para fines medicinales, mientras que la diversidad genética ayudará a enfrentar los desafíos naturales y encontrar formas sostenibles para promover la conservación de esta plana para uso futuro.

Caracterización estructural de metabolitos secundarios de Capparis Ovalifolia / Structural characterization of secondary metabolites of Capparis Ovalifolia

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo el estudio fitoquímico de la especie Capparis ovalifolia, buscando identificar algunos metabolitos presentes en sus hojas, las cuales son utilizadas en la medicina tradicional y como insecticida natural. Se colectó la muestra de Capparis ovalifolia en la localidad Batán Grande (1000 msnm), provincia de Ferreñafe, departamento de Lambayeque. El material vegetal colectado, fue estudiado taxonómicamente en el Museo de Historia Natural de la UNMSM, para luego ser analizado químicamente en nuestros laboratorios. El análisis de este material vegetal consistió en la obtención de aceites esenciales por el método de destilación por arrastre de vapor. Posteriormente se prepararon extractos crudos en diversos solventes, a partir de ellos se aislaron metabolitos secundarios usando diversas técnicas cromatográficas para la separación y purificación de fracciones y metabolitos. Finalmente en base a métodos espectroscópicos IR, UV-V, RMN mono y bidimensional y espectrometría de masas, se procedió a la elucidación estructural de algunos de los metabolitos presentes en esta especie. Mediante GC-FID se reconoció la composición estructural del aceite esencial de esta planta. A partir del extracto de acetato de etilo se aisló un compuesto cristalino, incoloro, de punto de fusión 210-212 °C, sus datos espectroscópicos confirman que se trata del triterpeno C30H50O llamado lupeol. Se ha demostrado la potencialidad antioxidante de esta especie en función a su contenido de lupeol. El estudio de RMN mono y bidimensional permitió determinar su estereoquímica. Se aisló un metabolito sólido, amorfo, de color blanco, que corresponde a un hidrocarburo ácido de cadena larga y un compuesto sólido de color amarillo, amorfo, de tipo terpeno. El aceite esencial de las hojas de Capparis ovalifolia contiene como productos mayoritarios al mentol, acetato de metilo, 3-octenona, viridiflorol, neo-mentol, piperitona, mentona e isomentona. Cabe destacar que el contenido de mentol en esta especie es de 51,7 % convirtiéndolo en una fuente natural de esa sustancia de probada actividad antiespasmódica.

In-vitro cytotoxic activity of β-Sitosterol triacontenate isolated from Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew

OBJECTIVE@#To study the isolation and characterization of the constituent responsible for the cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract of stem of Capparis decidua (C. decidua).@*METHODS@#The preliminary cytotoxic effect of isolated compound (β-Sitosterol triacontenate) was investigated by MTT assay on A549 solid tumor cells.@*RESULTS@#IC(50) value of the β-Sitosterol triacontenate was found to be 1 μM. The cytotoxic activity increased in a dose dependent manner in case of β-Sitosterol triacontenate.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The data therefore provide direct evidence for the role of β-Sitosterol triacontenate as a potent antimetastatic agent, which can markedly inhibit the metastatic and invasive capacity of malignant cells.

Paleoclima de La Guajira, Colombia; según los anillos de crecimiento de Capparis odoratissima (Capparidaceae)

Paleoclimate of La Guajira, Colombia; by the growth rings of Capparis odoratissima (Capparidaceae). There is great concern about the effect of climate change in arid and subarid areas of the tropics. Climate change combined with other anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, fires and overgrazing can accelerate their degradation and, consequently, the increases in losses of biological and economic productivity. Climate models, both local and global, predict that rainfall in the arid Peninsula of La Guajira in the Colombian Caribbean would be reduced and temperature would be increased as a result of climate change. However, as there are only suitable climate records since 1972, it is not possible to verify if, indeed, this is happening. To try to verify the hypothesis of reducing rainfall and rising temperatures we developed a growth ring chronology of Capparis odoratissima in the Middle Peninsula of La Guajira with 17 trees and 45 series which attain 48 years back. We use standard dendrochronological methods that showed statistically significant linear relationship with local climatic variables such as air temperature, sea surface temperature (SST), annual precipitation and wind speed; we also reach to successful relationship of the chronology with global climatic variables as the indices SOI and MEI of the ENSO phenomenon. The transfer functions estimated with the time series (1955 and 2003) do not showed statistically significant trends, indicating that during this period of time the annual precipitation or temperatures have not changed. The annual nature of C. odoratissima growth rings, the possibility of cross-dated among the samples of this species, and the high correlation with local and global climatic variables indicate a high potential of this species for dendrochronological studies in this part of the American continent. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1389-1405. Epub 2011 September 01.

gran preocupación por el efecto del cambio climático en las regiones áridas y semi-áridas tropicales. Los modelos climáticos tanto locales como globales predicen que la precipitación pluvial de la árida Península de La Guajira en el Caribe colombiano se reduciría, y las temperaturas tanto del aire como superficial del mar aumentarían como consecuencia del cambio climático. Para tratar de verificar estas hipótesis construimos una cronología del ancho de los anillos de crecimiento de Capparis odoratissima en la Media Península de La Guajira. La cronología mostró relaciones lineales estadísticamente significativas con las variables climáticas locales: temperatura del aire, temperatura superficial del mar (TSM), precipitación anual, velocidad del viento y variables climáticas del fenómeno ENSO (índices SOI y MEI). Las series de tiempo que calculamos mediante la función de transferencia entre 1955 y 2003, no mostraron tendencias estadísticamente significativas que demostraran que en ese período de tiempo la precipitación anual o las temperaturas han cambiado. La naturaleza anual de los anillos de crecimiento de C. odoratissima, la posibilidad de realizar datación cruzada entre muestras de esta especie y la alta correlación con las variables climáticas locales y globales, señalan un alto potencial de esta especie para realizar estudios dendrocronológicos en esta parte del continente americano.

[In vitro evaluation of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of six medicinal plants]

Overproduction of uric acid by xanthine oxidase [XO] causes gout. XO inhibitors such as allopurinol, are the most important available anti-gout drugs. Medicinal plants are available natural sources that may be useful for the treatment of gout. In this study, the XO inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Mentha longifolia, Cichorium intybus, Capparis spinosa and Trigonella foenum-graecum that their anti-gout effects have been reported in the literature, were measured. In these experiments, under controlled conditions xanthine turns into uric acid by XO. Uric acid absorbance was measured at 295 nm using a UV spectrophotometer. Adding allopurinol [as positive control] or aqueous extracts to the solution containing XO, can decrease uric acid production by inhibition of this enzyme. At first, XO inhibitory activity of allopurinol and reproducibility of the method were evaluated by conducting three experiments. After that, the XO inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg/ml were measured. The results showed an EC50= 0.38micro gram/ml for allopurinol. The obtained data showed that Mentha longifolia in compare with its control could inhibit enzyme up to 72% [p< 0.001] at 3 mg/ml. Maximum XO inhibitory activity of Phaseolus vulgaris at 3 mg/ml in compare with its control was 27% [p< 0.001]. Other extracts did not have any significant effect on XO. The results showed that part of the anti-gout effects of Mentha longifolia and Phaseolus vulgaris is due to XO inhibition

Advances on investigation of chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Capparis spinosa / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Capparis spinosa had been reviewed. The constituents of C. spinosa include the saccharides and glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and volatile oils, fatty acids and steroides and so on. C. spinosa had many extensive pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, odynolysis, antifungus, hepatoprotective effect, hypoglycemic activity, antioxidation, anti-hyperlipemia, anticoagulated blood, smooth muscle stimulation, anti-stress reaction, improve memory. It was used to treat arthrolithiasis, rheumarthritis and dermatosis in clinic in domestic, and it would have a broad application prospects.

Effect of Capparis spinosa on fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in progressive systemic sclerosis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of ethanolic extract from Capparis spinosa (ECS) on the fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in normal and progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Cellular activity was determined by the MTT method. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V-stained cells. The expression levels of type I collagen messenger RNA and protein were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>ECS could significantly inhibit the proliferation of fibroblast and reduced the expression of alpha2 (I) collagen mRNA and type I collagen protein in PSS in a dose-and time-dependent manner. ECS did not affect the proliferation of fibroblast and expression of type I collagen mRNA and protein in normal human. ECS could counteract the harmful effects on fibroblast by H2O2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ECS can effectively inhibit the fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in PSS.</p>

Water-soluble constituents from roots of Capparis tenera / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical constituents of the roots of Capparis tenera.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The chemical constituents were isolated and repeatedly purified by kinds of column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by the NMR spectra and physicochemical properties.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Eight compounds were isolated and identified as erigeside C (1), glucosuringic acid (2), vanillic acid 4-O-beta-D-glucoside (3-methoxy 4-glucosyl-benzoic acid) (3), 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylbenzoate (4), 3', 5'-dimethoxy- 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-cinnamic acid (5), tachioside (6), 2, 3-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyl-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (7) and acacetin 7-rutinoside (8).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compounds 1-8 were all isolated from this plant for the first time and the compound 8 was isolated from this gene for the first time.</p>

Caracterização dos taninos condensados das espécies maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglazovii), flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera), feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa, L) e jureminha (Desmanthus virgatus) / Characterization of condensed tannin of the species maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii), flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera), feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa) and jureminha (Desmanthus virgatus)

Caracterizaram-se os taninos condensados (TC) e determinaram-se a composição bromatológica e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) das espécies maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglazovii Pax & Hoffman), flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera), feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa, L) e jureminha (Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd). As concentrações em tanino solúvel, tanino ligado ao resíduo e tanino total (TT) das espécies foram determinadas pelo método butanol-HCL e a adstringência pelo método de difusão radial. Para a DIVMS, foi utilizado método de dois estágios. Foram observadas diferenças entre as espécies (P<0,01) quanto à concentração e adstringência dos taninos. As maiores concentrações foram encontradas na jureminha, 2,4 por cento TT e 13,7-3 de adstringência. Não foi detectado tanino na flor-de-seda. O teor em PB foi acima de 16 por cento em todas as espécies estudadas, e o FDA e lignina abaixo de 39 e 15 por cento, respectivamente. A DIVMS foi baixa na jureminha, 43 por cento, e alta na flor-de-seda, 80 por cento. A correlação entre a DIVMS e a concentração em taninos condensados foi baixa (r=0,097)

Condensed tannins (CT) of the species maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii), flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera), feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa) and jureminha (Desmanthus virgatus) were characterized and the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of those species were determined. Concentration of soluble tannin (ST), bound tannin (BT) and total tannin (TT) of the plants was determined using butanol-HCL method; astringency was determined, using radial diffusion method, and the IVDMD was determined using two-stages method. Concentration and astringency of condensed tannins varied between species (P<0.01). Jureminha was the species that presented the highest value (2.4 percent TT and 13.7-3 astringency). No tannins were detected in flor-de-seda. Crude protein was higher than 16 percent in all studied species, and the ADF and lignin values were lower than 39 and 15 percent, respectively. The IVDMD was low in jureminha (43 percent) and high in flor-de-seda (80 percent). The correlation between IVDMD and TT was low (r²=0.097)

Effects of cold stratification on germination rate and percentage of caper (Capparis ovata Desf.) seeds.

Caper is an important plant because of its high adaptability to marginal agriculture fields that are not suitable for agricultural crops. Different parts of caper such as roots, fruits, flowers and buds can be used to increase the inhabitant's income. The goal of this research is to determine germination rate and percentage of caper according to different duration of cold stratification (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days) treatments. Cold stratification procedures under greenhouse condition were applied for eliminating seed dormancy to find the most suitable germination conditions because the presence of seed dormancy causes difficulties in seedling production. The seed germination started and stopped 21 and 57 days after sowing, respectively. While the highest germination percentage (46.6%) was obtained in seeds that were cold stratified for 60 days, the lowest germination percentage (3.6 7%) was determined in control seeds.

Hypolipidaemic efficacy of Capparis decidua fruit and shoot extracts in cholesterol fed rabbits.

High fat diet caused significant (8-fold) increase in serum total cholesterol in rabbits. Administration of C. decidua fruit extract (50% ethanolic) at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (61%), LDL cholesterol (71%), triglycerides (32%) and phospholipids (25%). Similarly C. decidua shoot extract lowered serum total cholesterol (48%), LDL cholesterol (57%), triglycerides (38%) and phospholipids (36%).The cholesterol content of aorta was decreased by 44 and 28% in fruit and shoot extract treatment respectively. The HDL to total cholesterol ratio and atherogenic index was significantly decreased in plant extract treated groups suggesting antiatherosclerotic nature of these plant extract. These results reveal the hypolipidaemic potential of C. decidua fruit and shoot.

The influence of growth regulators on shoot proliferation and rooting of in vitro propagated caper.

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of TDZ and BAP on shoot proliferation and to develop a satisfactory rooting procedure for in vitro propagation of caper (Capparis spinosa L). TDZ was found to be more effective than BAP in shoot production. The highest shoot number per explant (45.7) was achieved on the media that contained 4.54 microM TDZ in the absence of IAA. TDZ at 4.54 microM alone or in combination with 0.57 microM IAA did not inhibit shoot elongation, although they produced the most shoots. Dipping the caper shoots in the solution of IBA at 24.6 microM for 10 minutes before planting on MS media, improved the rooting percentage up to 80.5% under a 16 hr photoperiod.