Phenolic compounds and vitamin antioxidants of caper (Capparis spinosa)

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2010 Sep;65(3):260-5. doi: 10.1007/s11130-010-0180-6.

Abstract

Capparis spinosa shows strong resistance to the adverse Mediterranean conditions and it has nutritional and medicinal value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contents of total phenolic compounds, rutin, tocopherols, carotenoids and vitamin C in leaves and flower buds of C. spinosa from different locations in Tunisia. Results showed the richness of caper with these compounds, especially phenolic compounds. Interestingly, it was also found the presence of both α- and γ-tocopherol in buds. Moreover, C. spinosa contained an appreciable level of vitamin C. The significant amounts of these antioxidants confirm the nutritional and medicinal value of caper.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / analysis*
  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis
  • Capparis / chemistry*
  • Flowers / chemistry*
  • Nutritive Value
  • Phenols / analysis*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry*
  • Tunisia
  • Vitamins / analysis*
  • alpha-Tocopherol / analysis
  • gamma-Tocopherol / analysis

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Phenols
  • Plant Preparations
  • Vitamins
  • gamma-Tocopherol
  • alpha-Tocopherol
  • Ascorbic Acid