Anti-arthritic active fraction of Capparis spinosa L. fruits and its chemical constituents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the anti-arthritic active fraction of Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae) fruits and its chemical constituents. The adjuvant arthritic rat model was developed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of different fractions of ethanol extraction from C. spinosa L. The fraction eluted by ethanol-water (50 : 50, v/v) had the most significant anti-arthritic activity. The chemical constituents of this fraction were therefore studied; seven known compounds were isolated and identified as: (1) P-hydroxy benzoic acid; (2) 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural; (3) bis (5-formylfurfuryl) ether; (4) daucosterol; (5) α-D-fructofuranosides methyl; (6) uracil; and (7) stachydrine. © 2011 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.