Karira
Capparis decidua
Karira (Capparis decidua) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates are activated by myrosinase enzyme during mastication/processing. Gentle drying preserves myrosinase activity. Lipid-based formulations enhance absorption of steroidal sapogenins. Isothiocyanate content degrades at higher temperatures; refrigerated storage extends potency.
| Botanical name | Capparis decidua |
|---|---|
| Family | Capparaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7782352 · Wikidata Q3242136 · NCBI Taxonomy 622458 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Karira |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Kwatha concentrate, Swarasa (fresh juice)
Standard Dosage: 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice
Bioavailability: Spermidine alkaloids and isothiocyanate precursors have moderate bioavailability. Glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates are activated by myrosinase enzyme during mastication/processing. Gentle drying preserves myrosinase activity. Lipid-based formulations enhance absorption of steroidal sapogenins.
Optimal Timing: Before meals for digestive and hepatic applications; with meals to reduce GI irritation from isothiocyanates
Standardized Extract: Standardized to minimum 0.3% total alkaloids (as spermidine) and 1% total glucosinolates (as sinigrin equivalents)
Shelf Life: 18 months for powder; 24 months for capsules; decoction consumed within 24 hours
Storage: Store in airtight containers at 15-25°C, protected from moisture. Isothiocyanate content degrades at higher temperatures; refrigerated storage extends potency.
Marker Compounds: Spermidine, Stachydrine, Cappariloside A, Cappariloside B, Rutin, Quercetin, Isothiocyanates, Beta-sitosterol
Extraction Methods
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold aqueous extraction to preserve enzymatic activity
- Sequential extraction for alkaloid fractionation
Synergistic Combinations
- Punarnava for hepatoprotective and anti-edema activity
- Gokshura for urinary disorders
- Varuna for urinary calculi dissolution
- Guduchi for liver protection
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 reviews2
- 2015. Anti-Aging Potential of Phytoextract Loaded-Pharmaceutical Creams for Human Skin Cell LongetivityOxidative medicine and cellular longevity. PMID 26448818 · doi:10.1155/2015/709628
- 1997. Action of capparis decidua against alloxan-induced oxidative stress and diabetes in rat tissuesPharmacological research. PMID 9367667 · doi:10.1006/phrs.1997.0222
Laboratory and animal studies10
- 2026. Integrated eco-physiological and anatomical responses of Capparis decidua to salinity and water deficit stressScientific reports. PMID 42366239 · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-60156-y
- 2024. Potential of Capparis decidua plant and eggshell composite adsorbent for effective removal of anionic dyes from aqueous mediumEnvironmental research. PMID 38246301 · doi:10.1016/j.envres.2024.118279
- 2022. Pharmacological Role of Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew in Preventing Cyclophosphamide-induced Myelosuppression and Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immune ResponseDose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society. PMID 36081616 · doi:10.1177/15593258221123672
- 2021. The complete chloroplast genomes of two species from CapparaceaeMitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources. PMID 33681464 · doi:10.1080/23802359.2020.1852902
- 2021. Pharmacological evaluation of Euphorbia hirta, Fagonia indica and Capparis decidua in hypertension through in-vivo and in vitro-assaysHeliyon. PMID 34712851 · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08094
- 2020. Biological and phytochemical studies on Capparis decidua (Forssk) Edgew from Cholistan desertNatural product research. PMID 30587037 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1531403
- 2016. A new view on the codonocarpine type alkaloids of Capparis deciduaPhytochemistry. PMID 27184609 · doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.03.019
- 2011. Compositional studies: antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Capparis decidua (Forsk.) EdgewInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 22272107 · doi:10.3390/ijms12128846
- 2009. Sedative and anticonvulsant effects of an alcoholic extract of Capparis deciduaJournal of natural medicines. PMID 19452247 · doi:10.1007/s11418-009-0339-3
- 2003. The influence of teent (Capparis decidua) on human plasma triglycerides, total lipids and phospholipidsNutrition and health. PMID 12803284 · doi:10.1177/026010600301700109
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