Antibacterial Effects of Capparis decidua Fruit Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles

Capparis decidua and Selenium have several antibacterial properties along with other highly desirable properties, but for long they have not been explored. Nanoparticles are efficient in transporting drugs as they are easily absorbed by the body due to their small size. We wanted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Capparis decidua mediated selenium nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS4 wells were dug in three Petri dishes of Agar which were coated with a layer of bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus faecalis. The wells were filled with different amounts of the extract in the order of 50 µL, 100 µL and 150 µL with the fourth well having 50 µL of the antibiotic. Zone of inhibition was measured. RESULTSAfter the measurements were made, the results obtained showed good zone of inhibition against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSIONSThis study suggests that Capparis decidua fruit mediated with Selenium Nanoparticles have a high antibacterial activity.

Antifungal Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles Extracted from Capparis decidua Fruit against Candida albicans.

Nanotechnology has introduced nanoparticulate form of selenium for a wide variety of applications. Nanoparticles can be used in medicine due to their increased interaction with microbes and also because it has fewer side effects than the drugs. Selenium nanoparticles have unique biomedical applications ranging from antioxidant activity to anticancer activity. It is distinct with its high biological activity and low toxicity and cytotoxic property. Capparis decidua also called as karira belonging to Capparaceae family is a xerophytic small branched shrub found in Africa, Middle East and South Asia. Its fruit is used for preparing curry and pickles in the western parts of India. In our study, the selenium nanoparticles were extracted from its fruit. Candida albicans is pathogenic yeast in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital tract affecting the immunocompromised patients and causes various types of infections. It has gained resistance to present antifungals and new formulations are needed to be discovered. MethodsPlant extract was prepared from Capparis decidua fruit powder and filtered using Whatman No. 1 filter paper. It was kept in magnetic stirrer for nanoparticle synthesis. Colour change was observed which indicates the synthesis of nanoparticles. UV visible spectroscopy was taken in proper intervals. The nanoparticles synthesized were purified by centrifugation technique and checked for its antifungal activity. Antifungal activity of the prepared nanoparticles against Candida albicans was determined by using agar well diffusion assay method or agar disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition formed around the disc indicates the sensitivity of the fungi to the plant extract. The inhibition zone diameter was measured using a ruler and compared with the inhibition zone formed by the positive control drug which was done in parallel. ResultsAntifungal activity was showed by an inhibition zone which was characterized by a clear zone around the wells. The diameter of the inhibition zone formed for 50 mL of the plant extract was 20.33 mm ± 0.47, for 100 mL of the plant extract was 28.33 mm ± 0.47, for 150 mL of the plant extract was 30.33 mm ± 0.47 and for the positive control drug was 34.33 mm ± 0.47. ConclusionsThe diameter of the inhibition zones was compared with the positive control drug. Selenium nanoparticles extracted from Capparis decidua fruit showed high activity against Candida albicans. Further in vivo research can be done for the same and it may represent an alternative for treating fungal infections.

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.

Pharmacognostical Potential of Capparis deciduas Edgew.

Capparis decidua (Family, Capparidaceae) is commonly known as ‘Kair’. It is distributed throughout the arid regions of India and other countries. Kair is a caducous plant, so in the foliage condition mainly stem and fruits are common. It is also known as Capparis aphylla. Since the plant is xerophytic, it is generally found in dessert area and is highly draught resistant plant which can survive for long. Tribal people prepare pickle from the fruits of Kair. Some of the communities use Kair fruits as vegetables and food additives. The plant is used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, astringent, digestive, diaphoretic and anodyne. It is reported to possess beneficial effects in various ailments, like rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, liver disorders, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and microbial infections. Studies have revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents especially spermidine alkaloids, glucosinolates and other glycosides, β-sitosterol, rutin, l-stachydrine, hydrocarbons and terpenolides. The present review is an attempt to highlight the traditional uses, pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological reports on Capparis decidua.