Effets antioxydant, vasoactif, bronchorelaxant et cytotoxique des extraits de Capparis spinosa

Abstract

Capparis spinosa (Capparidaceae) dicotyledons from the class of spermaphytes, is a shurb, enduring and woody plant, typically Mediterranean, largely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean countries including Algeria. The aim of the present research is to assess the in vitro effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of different parts of Capparis spinosa as antioxidants, vasoactives and bronchorelaxants. The methanolic extracts contained higher total polyphenols and flavonoids than the aqueous extracts. The leaves and flowers were rich in polyphenols and/or flavonoids whilst the roots were relatively poor. Furthermore, all extracts had anti-lipid peroxidation and antioxidant effects with higher levels in the flowers and the leaves (I% = 82.78 ± 2.64% and 80.94 ± 1.57%, respectively). Seeds have an important effect (I% = 64.02%) followed by fruits then roots (I% = 40.62% and 21.24%, respectively). These results demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation of all parts of Capparis spinosa and give a comparative data on the extracts of different parts that can be used in the diseases where inhibition of oxidative stress is required. The study of the effects on rat trachea and aorta was carried out in order to establish them as a real source for the isolation of bioactive compounds with potential use as anti-obstructive, vasorelaxant and/or anti-allergic agents. The addition of Capparis spinosa extracts on rat trachea (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/ml) during the step of contraction by acetylcholine showed various effects. Incubation of the windpipe for 30 mn with extracts proves them to be so efficient. The dose of 10 mg/ml showed a significant relaxant effect for fruits and seeds, and constrictor effect for the leaves. The results showed a potent relaxant effect of the fruit aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa, on rat trachea, with a dose dependant manner. However, the leaf aqueous extract has a contractive effect. A muscarinic receptor blockade/stimulation was suggested for caper/leaf extracts.