The science behind capers: A nutritional and bioactive powerhouse

12/05/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Capers are the edible flower buds of the Capparis spinosa plant – a hardy shrub native to Mediterranean regions and parts of Asia. These buds are harvested before blooming and preserved, often in brine or vinegar, giving them their distinct tangy flavor. While their culinary use is well-known, capers also feature prominently in traditional medicine – particularly in ancient Greek, Roman and Islamic practices.

For centuries, people used capers to treat ailments, such as digestive issues, inflammation and liver problems, among others. Modern research now provides a scientific basis for many of these traditional claims, pointing to a complex array of bioactive compounds packed into these tiny buds.

Nutrients and phytochemicals

Capers may be small but they are loaded with nutrients and phytochemicals that contribute to overall health.

Capers contain vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, as well as small amounts of vitamin A, E and B vitamins like riboflavin (B2). They are also a good source of minerals like calcium, copper, iron and magnesium.

Capers are brimming with antioxidant compounds, including kaempferol, quercetin and rutin, that combat oxidative stress – a process linked to aging and chronic diseases.

Beyond these general nutrients, capers owe much of their therapeutic potential to a range of unique chemical constituents that act synergistically to support various body systems. These compounds work through specific mechanisms, offering anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects.

Flavonoids

Capers are particularly rich in flavonoids, with rutin standing out as a major player, alongside kaempferol and quercetin. These are well-studied potent antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and modulate several biological pathways to support overall health.

Antioxidant action. Flavonoids protect cells by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative damage and regenerating other antioxidants like vitamins C and E in the body. Kaempferol and quercetin are particularly effective at chelating metals, such as copper and iron, that catalyze oxidative reactions – adding an extra layer of defense against oxidative stress.

Vascular health. Known for its protective effects on capillaries and small blood vessels, rutin strengthens blood vessel walls, enhances the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces their permeability – improving circulation and preventing conditions like edema, varicose veins and cardiovascular complications. Kaempferol and quercetin have anti-platelet aggregation properties, which may lower the risk of blood clots. Additionally, they regulate inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein – contributing to better cardiovascular health.

Anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, and inhibit the activity of enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX-2), which are central to inflammation. This action is particularly relevant in managing chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

Neuroprotection and cognitive function. Quercetin crosses the blood-brain barrier, directly protecting neurons from oxidative damage and amyloid plaque formation – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Kaempferol and rutin may improve mitochondrial function in neurons – supporting energy metabolism critical for cognitive processes.

Sulfur compounds

Sulfur compounds in capers, such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, offer several health benefits. These include the following:

Detoxification. Sulfur compounds activate Phase II detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the liver. These enzymes conjugate toxins with glutathione – making them water soluble and easier to excrete. They also enhance the synthesis of glutathione, a master antioxidant essential for neutralizing harmful substances.

Anticancer activity. Isothiocyanates modulate cell signaling pathways, including p53 (tumor suppressor) and NF-kB, to inhibit cancer cell survival and proliferation. They reduce DNA damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Anti-inflammatory action. By inhibiting COX-2 enzymes and downregulating inflammatory cytokines, sulfur compounds reduce chronic inflammation – a precursor to cancer development.

Alkaloids

Anti-inflammatory action. Alkaloids modulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines – reducing inflammation at the molecular level. They inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes – key mediators of the inflammatory response.

Antidiabetic effects. These compounds stimulate glucose uptake in cells by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway – a critical regulator of energy balance. Alkaloids may also enhance insulin secretion by protecting pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage.

Pain relief. Alkaloids interact with opioid receptors in the central nervous system – mimicking natural pain relief mechanisms. Additionally, they modulate ion channels involved in pain perception – reducing the sensation of pain.

Nucleotides and nucleic acids

Cellular regeneration. These molecules provide the necessary components for DNA and RNA synthesis – facilitating rapid cell division and repair processes in damaged tissues. They enhance mitochondrial function – improving cellular energy production and recovery.

Immune function. Nucleotides support the proliferation of T-cells and B-cells – vital components of the adaptive immune system. They regulate cytokine production – ensuring a balanced immune response to infections and inflammation.

Phenolic acids and fatty acids

Antioxidant action. Phenolic acids neutralize ROS by donating electrons – preventing oxidative damage to DNA, lipids (fats) and proteins. Ferulic acid, in particular, enhances the stability of cell membranes – protecting against environmental stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds inhibit the expression of genes encoding inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha – providing long-term protection against chronic inflammation.

Cell membrane integrity. Fatty acids, especially unsaturated ones, maintain the fluidity and functionality of cell membranes – facilitating efficient nutrient transport and signaling.

Furans and pyrroles

Antioxidant activity. Furans and pyrroles exhibit chelating properties – binding metal ions that catalyze the formation of harmful radicals. Their ability to stabilize free radicals makes them effective protectors in oxidative environments, such as during infection or tissue injury.

Antimicrobial effects. They disrupt bacterial cell walls and membranes – hindering microbial growth. By interfering with microbial DNA replication, these compounds help prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Terpenes

Anti-inflammatory action. Terpenes inhibit key inflammatory mediators like leukotrines and prostaglandins by modulating enzymes such as COX and lipoxygenase. They also reduce oxidative stress – indirectly lowering inflammation by preventing tissue damage.

Antimicrobial activity. Terpenes penetrate microbial membranes – causing structural disruption and cell death. They exhibit synergistic effects when combined with other bioactive compounds – enhancing their antimicrobial potency.

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Watch this video to learn about the health benefits, medicinal uses and side effects of capers.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.