Himsra
Capparis spinosa L.
Himsra (Capparis spinosa L.) is a plant drug, also called Ahimsra, Kantaka Tiksnagandha and Kanthari, from the Capparaceae family.
| Botanical name | Capparis spinosa L. |
|---|---|
| Family | Capparaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Brassicales |
| 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 |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 6370689 · Wikidata Q156251 · NCBI Taxonomy 65558 |
| Sanskrit | Ahimsra, Kantaka Tiksnagandha, Kanthari, Tiksna |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Hainsaa, Kabara, Kanthara |
| English | Ceper Plant |
| Telugu | Jeevakamu |
| Marathi | Kabar |
| Gujarati | Kabaree |
| Urdu | Kabar |
| Punjabi | Barar, Kaur |
Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. How we source.
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 2016 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 8Other clinical studies and reviews
- 4Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Caper bush |
| Latin/Botanical | Capparis spinosa L. |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Glucocapparin (major aliphatic glucosinolate)
- Rutin and quercetin (flavonoids)
- Spermidine alkaloids (in roots)
- Indole-3-acetonitrile (indole alkaloid)
- Stachydrine (proline betaine)
- Tocopherols and carotenoids
How does it work?
- Hepatoprotective activity via rutin and quercetin-mediated antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory action - key ingredient in Liv.52 formulation
- Antidiabetic: a clinical study reported reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides.
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism via glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanate modulation of NF-kB and MAPK pathways
- Neuroprotective activity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection of neuronal cells
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Hepatoprotective (Yakrit-hara): traditionally used to protect the liver. It is a key ingredient in Liv.52. Clinical studies have reported protection against drug-induced and alcoholic liver damage.
- Antidiabetic (Prameha-hara): traditionally used for prameha. A clinical trial reported reductions in blood glucose and HbA1c.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (Vedana-sthapana): traditionally used to ease pain. Preclinical studies in several anti-inflammatory models have reported anti-inflammatory activity.
- Digestive stimulant (Rochana): traditionally used as an appetizer. Clinical observations have reported improved appetite.
What do recent studies show?
- Alsharif B, Boylan F 2025. Capparis L. (Capparaceae): A Scoping Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological Activities. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 41011598 · doi:10.3390/molecules30183705
A scoping review covering the entire genus documented the diversity of bioactive compounds and their reported pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic and 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. Scientific reports. PMID 40195406 · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-97298-4
Demonstrated that caper plants adapted to harsh soil conditions maintain high levels of bioactive compounds including glucosinolates, phenolics, and flavonoids with strong antioxidant capacity.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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
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
Optimal Timing: Before meals with water for hepatoprotective action; twice daily for chronic liver support
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, Beta-sitosterol
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews8
- 2025. Capparis L. (Capparaceae): A Scoping Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacological ActivitiesMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 41011598 · doi:10.3390/molecules30183705
- 2023. Capparis spinosa L. as a potential source of nutrition and its health benefits in foods: A comprehensive review of its phytochemistry, bioactivities, safety, and applicationFood chemistry. PMID 36587515 · doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.135258
- 2022. Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Therapeutic Potential, and Socio-Economic Value of the Caper Bush (Capparis Spinosa L.)Chemistry & biodiversity. PMID 36064949 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202200300
- 2022. Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic PotentialFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 35935860 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.878749
- 2018. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Capparis spinosa as a Medicinal PlantNutrients. PMID 29364841 · doi:10.3390/nu10020116
- 2017. Antidiabetic properties of Capparis spinosa L. and its componentsBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. PMID 28551550 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.082
- 2017. Capparis spinosa L. in A Systematic Review: A Xerophilous Species of Multi Values and Promising Potentialities for Agrosystems under the Threat of Global WarmingFrontiers in plant science. PMID 29118777 · doi:10.3389/fpls.2017.01845
- 2016. Pharmacological Effects of Capparis spinosa LPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 27406313 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5684
Laboratory and animal studies4
- 2025. Caper bush (Capparis spinosa L.) bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity as affected by adaptation to harsh soilsScientific reports. PMID 40195406 · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-97298-4
- 2024. Skin irritation assessment and potential mechanism of Capparis spinosa L. fruitsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 38030023 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.117510
- 2024. Nanoliposomal Encapsulation of Capparis spinosa Extract and Its Application in Jelly FormulationMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38930869 · doi:10.3390/molecules29122804
- 2023. The moisturizing effect of Capparis spinosa fruit extract targeting filaggrin synthesis and degradationJournal of cosmetic dermatology. PMID 36221990 · doi:10.1111/jocd.15461
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.