# Himsra

> Himsra (Capparis spinosa L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Capparaceae family. (Capparaceae): A Scoping Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological Activities](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41011598/). Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). Yousefi E, Abedi M, Aghajanzadeh TA and others 2025.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Capparis spinosa L.
- **Family:** Capparaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs as standalone; key ingredient in Liv.52 (Himalaya), which has undergone extensive clinical evaluation; recognized in traditional medicine systems of Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian subcontinent

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Himsra |
| Latin/Botanical | *Capparis spinosa L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Glucocapparin (major aliphatic glucosinolate)
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin) and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))
- Spermidine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (in roots)
- Indole-3-acetonitrile (indole alkaloid)
- [Stachydrine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stachydrine) (proline [betaine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betaine))
- [Tocopherols](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tocopherols) and [carotenoids](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carotenoids)

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activity via rutin and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-mediated [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection and anti-inflammatory action - key ingredient in Liv.52 formulation
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) effect through reduction of fasting blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose), HbA1c, and triglycerides (clinically validated at 400 mg TID for 2 months)
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism via glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanate modulation of NF-kB and MAPK pathways
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) activity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection of neuronal cells

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hepatoprotective (Yakrit-hara) - strongly validated as key ingredient in Liv.52; clinical studies confirm protection against drug-induced and alcoholic liver damage
- Antidiabetic (Prameha-hara) - validated through clinical trial showing significant blood glucose and HbA1c reduction
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) (Vedana-sthapana) - confirmed through multiple preclinical anti-inflammatory models
- Digestive stimulant (Rochana) - traditional appetizer use validated through clinical observations of improved appetite

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Alsharif B, Boylan F 2025. [Capparis L. (Capparaceae): A Scoping Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological Activities](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41011598/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [41011598](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41011598/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules30183705](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183705)  
  Scoping review covering the entire genus documenting the diversity of bioactive compounds and their validated pharmacological activities including antidiabetic and [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) potential.
- Yousefi E, Abedi M, Aghajanzadeh TA and others 2025. [Caper bush (Capparis spinosa L.) bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity as affected by adaptation to harsh soils](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40195406/). *Scientific reports*. PMID [40195406](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40195406/) · [doi:10.1038/s41598-025-97298-4](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97298-4)  
  Demonstrated that caper plants adapted to harsh soil conditions maintain high levels of bioactive compounds including [glucosinolates](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucosinolates), phenolics, and flavonoids with strong antioxidant capacity.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally recognized as safe for culinary and medicinal use; clinical trial at 400 mg TID for 2 months showed no adverse effects on liver or kidney function
- May cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals from fresh plant sap; excessive consumption of raw buds may cause bloating

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Rutin
- Quercetin
- Flavonoids
- Spermidine
- Alkaloids
- Stachydrine
- Betaine
- Tocopherols

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Syrup, Standardized extract

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract twice daily; 15-30ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Capparis spinosa (caper bush) contains flavonoids (rutin, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) and alkaloids (stachydrine) with moderate oral bioavailability. Rutin bioavailability is enhanced when deglycosylated to quercetin by gut microbiota. Stachydrine shows good water solubility and absorption. Lipid-based formulations may enhance flavonoid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with water for hepatoprotective action; twice daily for chronic liver support

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract (1:4 drug-extract ratio) standardized to minimum 0.5% rutin and 0.1% stachydrine; aqueous extract as used in classical Ayurvedic liver formulations

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (standardized extract tablet/capsule); 2 years (syrup)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light. Flavonoids degrade in light; amber containers recommended.

**Marker Compounds:** Rutin, Quercetin, Stachydrine, p-Methoxy benzoic acid, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Aqueous extraction
- Standardized aqueous-ethanolic extract (used in Liv.52 formulation)
- Supercritical CO2 for alkaloid-rich fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Kasani](/herb/kasani/) (Cichorium) for hepatoprotective synergy (as in Liv.52)
- With Bhringaraj for liver regeneration
- With [Katuki](/herb/katuki/) (Picrorhiza) for cholagogue activity
- With [Kalmegh](/herb/kalmegh/) for hepatic protection

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/himsra/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.