Capparis spinosa
Caper bush
Capparis spinosa, commonly known as the caper bush, is a resilient, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its edible flower buds, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, it is traditionally used to support digestive health and combat inflammatory conditions.
- Scientific name: Capparis spinosa
- Family: Capparaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Brassicales and the family Capparaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Capparis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Capparaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Capparis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Capparis spinosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Simplified Chinese, it is known as 刺山柑, which is consistent across the regions of mainland China (zh-cn), Singapore (zh-sg), and Hong Kong (zh-hk) when using the simplified script. Similarly, in Traditional Chinese, the plant is identified as 刺山柑 (zh-hant).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 刺山柑 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kapary cierniste | Wikidata |
| be | Каперсы | Wikidata |
| bs | Kapar | Wikidata |
| fr | Câprier | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern throughout the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. It is found growing in the coastal and inland areas of France and Portugal. Additionally, its presence is noted across several significant island territories. Specifically, it inhabits the Baleares and Corse archipelagos. Finally, the species can also be located within the territory of Sardegna.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the caper bush, is a versatile medicinal species where various components offer unique benefits. The small, fleshy fruits, often referred to as capers when harvested as buds, are widely used for their antioxidant properties, while the mature fruit itself provides a different nutritional profile. Within these structures, the tiny seeds are also known to contain bioactive compounds. The thick, woody roots are frequently utilized in traditional remedies to treat inflammation and digestive issues, and even the hardy leaves contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 29
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| fruits | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pericarp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pedicel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leave | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| immature flower buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Capparis spinosa has 58 reported phytochemicals identified across 76 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, rutin, quercetin, Fatty acids, ferulic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 58
- Scientific sources
- 76
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| rutin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| quercetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fatty acids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| starch | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vanillic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vitamin C | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CPSs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Capparis spinosa has 8 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Immunostimulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Molluscicide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Capparis spinosa has 43 reported medicinal uses identified across 50 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, rheumatism, gout, hyperglycemia, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 43
- Scientific sources
- 50
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| gout | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cutaneous leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| DNA fragmentation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania major | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Schistosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abdominal pains | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |