Capers are the immature flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis<\/i> spinosa L<\/i>.). Its fruits, caper berries, are also edible. This plant grows wild in arid and semi-arid zones of the Mediterranean, most of Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, and even Australia [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n The caper bush starts growing after spring rains (April-May), disappears when temperatures drop (September-October), and survives winter as a stump. It can grow in poor, rocky soils and resists drought and high temperatures [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Capers and caper berries have been consumed for at least 9,000 years<\/b>. Ancient civilizations also used them as a medicine for [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Although traditionally collected from wild plants, capers have also been cultivated for 40 years. The main producers are Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Italy, France, and Tunisia while the main importers are the US and the UK [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Capers are pickled in<\/b> vinegar<\/b><\/a> and salt and used as an appetizer or as a seasoning<\/b>. Capers are much appreciated for their sharp, pungent flavor and included in several dishes, such as [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Caper buds and fruits have many active compounds and are used traditionally in several countries to improve conditions such as [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n However, many of these health benefits remain scientifically unproven.<\/p>\n This article will focus<\/a> on Capparis spinosa<\/i>. Other related species such as C<\/i>. sicula<\/i> and C<\/i>. orientalis<\/i> are also commonly called \u2018capers\u2019 and used as food and medicinal plants but may have a different composition and distinct health benefits [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The main active components of capers are phenols<\/b> (1 – 3%), such as the following flavonoids [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Other active compounds found in capers include:<\/p>\n The phenolic and vitamin content strongly depends on where and how capers were cultivated<\/b>. In two studies comparing capers grown in different Mediterranean countries, Tunisian capers were the richest in flavonoids, Italian capers had the highest rutin content, Moroccan capers had the highest vitamin A content, and Spanish capers contained the highest vitamin E levels [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Capers and caper berries are typically fermented in brine to reduce their bitterness. During this process, part of the rutin is broken down to quercetin. This is also the step when salt is added, sometimes in very high amounts [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Storage conditions have no effect on the antioxidant phenols content, but can greatly reduce the levels of carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C in capers [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n The nutritional value of canned capers per 100g is [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n This makes cured, canned capers very high in salt but low in calories<\/b>.<\/p>\n Capers are healthier if you can eat them raw, if you cook fresh capers, or cure them yourself without adding too much salt and brine. Alternatively, canned capers could be used as a salt substitute. In that case, you don\u2019t need to add additional salt to your meal. You could also rinse the canned capers to wash out some of the added salt.<\/p>\n Free radicals (and ROS<\/a>) can build up in the body to damage DNA, proteins, and important fatty molecules. Antioxidant compounds in capers can prevent this by [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n The most abundant antioxidant molecules of capers are rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, and vitamins E and C<\/b> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The antioxidant effects of capers extracts have been proven in the liver, heart, and brain of mice [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In arthritic rats, a Chinese medicine based on capers reduced the production of two inflammatory proteins<\/b> (TNF-alpha<\/a> and IL-1beta<\/a>) and the blood levels of<\/b> Th1<\/b><\/a>7<\/b><\/a> cells<\/b> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caper\u2019s essential oil, mainly composed of rutin and chlorogenic acid<\/a>, and its flavonoids ginkgetin and isoginkgetin blocked the master inflammatory pathway NF-kB<\/a> in two cellular studies [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Capers extract will have different effects depending on which active compounds it\u2019s most rich in.<\/p>\n In immune cells (dendritic cells) exposed to the LPS<\/a> toxin, extracts with fewer flavonoids and more polysaccharides prevented cells from maturating and reduced the production of immune activators (CD40 and CD80) and inflammatory proteins (IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha). But extracts richer in flavonoids and lower in polysaccharides increased cell development and immune activators [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n This means that the polysaccharides in capers have a greater potential to lower inflammation and autoimmunity than flavonoids. This may hold true for people with \u201cleaky gut\u201d too, as the bacterial toxin LPS can enter their bloodstream when the gut barrier is damaged.<\/p>\n On the other hand, flavonoids can over-stimulate the immune system<\/a>. This can be harmful to Th1<\/a>\/Th17<\/a>-dominant people suffering from autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammation.<\/p>\n In several studies, caper fruit extracts killed liver and stomach cancer cells<\/b> by [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Caper\u2019s essential oils and its flavonoids rutin and chlorogenic acid didn\u2019t kill liver cancer cells but prevented their division in one study [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, this doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that capers have any medical value in cancer therapy<\/b>. Many substances –including downright toxic chemicals like bleach– have anti-cancer effects in cells but fail to pass further animal studies or clinical trials due to a lack of safety or efficacy.<\/p>\n Caper fruit extract lowered blood sugar levels in diabetic rats and obese mice but not in healthy animals. The extract didn\u2019t affect insulin<\/a> levels but instead probably increases sugar breakdown and<\/b> insulin sensitivity<\/b><\/a>. It may also reduce sugar uptake in the gut (by slowing digestion) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n A caper bud extract rich in flavonoids inhibited the genital herpes virus by stimulating Th1 cells to mount an immune response (via IL-1<\/a>2<\/a>, IFN-gamma<\/a>, and TNF-alpha) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It\u2019s been long believed that capers can lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics in countries like Morocco, Israel, Jordan, and Iran eat capers seeking this benefit [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 54 people with type 2 diabetes, caper fruit extract (1,200 mg\/day for 2 months) reduced blood levels of sugar and hemoglobin<\/a> bound to sugar (HbA1c<\/a>) without causing any adverse effects [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In several studies in diabetic rats and mice, caper fruit extracts lowered blood sugars without changing insulin levels [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Diabetes may lead to a buildup of fatty molecules (triglycerides<\/a> and cholesterol<\/a>) in the blood. In diabetic rats, caper plant and fruit extract reduced blood and liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The plant extract also reduced the levels of LDL cholesterol<\/a> and increased HDL<\/a>, which helps balance overall fats in the blood [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In diabetic rats, a caper fruit extract reduced kidney, liver, and pancreas damage [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n All in all, the evidence to claim that capers improve diabetes is insufficient. Additional, more robust human research should confirm these preliminary results.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 44 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 40 – 50 g of caper berries per day for 12 weeks reduced disease severity and the levels of two important markers of liver damage<\/b> – ALT<\/a> and AST<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In another trial on 36 people with liver damage (cirrhosis), an herbal complex with 65 mg caper plant extract (3 tablets 3x\/day) for 6 months reduced fluid buildup within the abdomen (ascites), ALT and AST levels [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n An acid (draconic acid) from a caper plant extract reduced liver damage in rats and prevented liver cell death from various toxins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice, high doses of a caper plant extract (400 mg\/kg) and quercetin (20 mg\/kg) reduced liver damage from toxins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Again, this preliminary evidence is insufficient. Further clinical trials testing the role of capers in liver protection are needed.<\/p>\n In two studies in mice, caper extracts (from aerial parts and buds) reduced the swelling caused by acute inflammation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Caper fruit extracts relaxed the airways in rats, which may improve asthma [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 8 healthy people, 100 mg of a gel with 2% caper bud extract prevented the skin inflammation triggered by<\/b> histamine<\/b><\/a>. Caper bud extracts also reduced airway inflammation and narrowing (bronchospasm) from allergens in Guinea pigs [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In two studies in arthritic rats, both caper fruit extract and a traditional Chinese medicine remedy based on capers reduced joint inflammation and pain [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, which progressively destroys their cartilage. In a study in cartilage cells exposed to an inflammatory protein (IL-1beta), caper bud extracts blocked the molecules that worsen inflammation in the long run<\/b> (nitric oxide, mucopolysaccharides, prostaglandins<\/a>, and free radicals) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n While promising, the evidence is insufficient to claim that capers may help with inflammatory conditions. More clinical research is required.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 6 healthy people, 100 mg caper bud extract prevented skin inflammation caused by UV<\/a> light [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Several cosmetic products containing caper fruit extracts (e.g., Gatuline, Derma-Sensitive, SKIN MOON, SKIN SAVE) are marketed for their skin-protective, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it\u2019s important to note that only a very small clinical trial has tested this potential benefit [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ongoing research investigates other potential health benefits of capers. However, the studies have only been conducted in animals and cells. Further clinical research should confirm them in humans.<\/p>\n In rats with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, caper fruit and bud extract blocked the production of two enzymes that trigger this disease and reduced cognitive damage [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In rats, caper fruit extract lowered blood pressure and increased the elimination of sodium, potassium, and<\/b> chloride<\/b><\/a> via urine<\/b>. In tissue studies, it also relaxed the largest artery in the body, which the heart uses pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In obese mice fed a high-fat diet<\/a>, caper fruit extract reduced body weight [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In rats with damaged jawbones, caper bud extract improved the formation of new bones and connective tissue. It increased the activity of cells that build and strengthen bones [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Below, we will discuss some preliminary research on the anticancer activity of capers. It\u2019s still in the animal and cell stage and further clinical studies have yet to determine if their compounds are useful in cancer therapies.<\/p>\n Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with hops extract, its components, or any other supplements.<\/b> If you want to use them as supportive measures, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions.<\/p>\n Caper fruit extract (especially its carbohydrates and alkaloids) increased survival time in mice with cancer and killed liver and stomach cancer cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caper plant extract and essential oils blocked the master inflammatory pathway NF-kB and stopped colon cancer cells from dividing [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The digestion of red meat can trigger the production of harmful oxidant molecules that are needed to break down its fats. But the buildup of these substances may cause cancer and heart disease. In one study, caper bud extracts prevented the buildup of harmful breakdown products of red meat [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n In test tubes, caper fruit extract reduced the formation of biofilms and the release of bacterial toxins<\/b> that may cause antibiotic-resistant infections (in E<\/i>. coli<\/i>, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, <\/i>and other bacteria that cause urinary and lung infections) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Caper plant extract completely prevented the growth of two fungi that cause ringworm (Microsporum<\/i> canis <\/i>and Trichophyton violaceum<\/i>), a common skin infection in humans also known as tinea. It also blocked fungi that cause ringworm in pets [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In test tubes, caper plant extract killed the parasite that causes Chagas disease (Trypanosoma<\/i> cruzi<\/i>) and blocked those that cause sleeping sickness, malaria (Plasmodium<\/i> falciparum<\/i>), and leishmaniasis [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n In white blood cells<\/a> (peripheral blood mononuclear cells), caper bud extract blocked the genital herpes virus [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It’s important to note that these are very preliminary results that have not yet been studied in humans or even in animals. Further research should determine if capers are effective against infections caused by these organisms when ingested in normal doses.<\/p>\n The main limitation is that very few benefits have been tested in humans. Only 5 clinical trials have been carried out, of which 2 had a very small sample size (<10 people) while the largest one included only 54 people. This may produce unreliable results and trials with larger populations are needed.<\/p>\n The role of capers in improving arthritis, preventing neurodegenerative diseases, preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, helping lose weight, improving bone regeneration, and fighting infections have only been tested in animals and cells. Studies on humans are required to confirm these benefits.<\/p>\n The only clinical trial using caper berries also included some lifestyle changes guided by a nutritionist, which could have contributed to the observed effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In some of the studies, the caper extract didn\u2019t only include flower buds or fruits, but also the leaves. Because leaves have higher flavonoids, the effect may be stronger than that from eating capers [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although this article focuses on the edible buds and fruits of the caper bush<\/b>, the leaves, roots, and seeds may have different active compounds and other health benefits.<\/p>\n In fact, the leaves and roots<\/b> have been traditionally used as natural remedies for several conditions. The leaves are mainly used for [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n While the roots and root bark<\/b> are used for [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n As was the case with the buds, many of these benefits remain scientifically unproven.<\/p>\n\n
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Snapshot<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Proponents<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Skeptics<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Active Components<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Nutrition Facts<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nMechanisms of Action<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Antioxidant<\/b><\/h4>\n
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2) Anti-Inflammatory<\/b><\/h4>\n
3) Anti-Cancer<\/b><\/h4>\n
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4) Anti-Diabetic<\/b><\/h4>\n
5) Antiviral<\/b><\/h4>\n
Health Benefits of Capers<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence for:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Diabetes<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Liver Damage<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
3) Inflammation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Allergies<\/b><\/h4>\n
Arthritis<\/b><\/h4>\n
4) Skin Protection<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Animal and Cell Research (Lack of Evidence):<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s Prevention<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Blood Pressure Lowering <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Weight Loss<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Bone Regeneration <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Cancer Prevention<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Infections<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Limitations and Caveats<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Health Benefits of Other Caper Parts<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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