Anti-inflammatory and Antiproliferative Properties of Aqueous Extracts From Capparis spinosa L. Aerial Part on Skin Cancer Cells and Microglial Macrophage

Abstract

Introduction

Caper refers to the genus Capparis and it is known in Morocco via the Berber vernacular name of ‘Taylaloute’ and the Arabic name ‘kabâr ou Lkbbar.’ In addition to its use as a condiment, for several centuries, Capparis spinosa L. (C.s) has been utilised in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. This study aimed to assess the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous infusion of C. s leaves originating in Morocco.

Methods

The antiproliferative effect was evaluated on the A431 cell line, which is an epidermal carcinoma derived from skin cancer. The test was assessed by the redox indicator Alamar Bleu assay on cell viability. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on the BV2 cells (normal cells: Mouse microglial macrophage) using the nitric oxide (NO) assay and Griess reagent method. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by the ability of extracts to inhibit the NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 cells.

Results

The aqueous infusion of C.s leaves showed a significant antiproliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner, leading to a reduction in cell viability percentage to 27.34%. Furthermore, the extracts led to a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in NO production by BV2 cells activated with LPS to 6.82 µM/ml NO compared to 17.12 µM/ml for the positive control (LPS-activated BV2 cells).

Discussion/Conclusions

In light of the obtained results, it is evident that C.s has important pharmacological properties, which support its traditional use as an anticancer and reduce various inflammatory affections.