Introduction
Skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as the primary barrier against microbial invasion, environmental toxins, and physical injury. Wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and tissue remodeling. Impaired healing is commonly seen in diabetes, vascular disease, infection, and chronic inflammatory states. In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have gained attention as alternative or adjunctive therapies for enhancing wound repair and skin regeneration. Among these, Caper extracts (Capparis spinosa) have shown significant dermatological potential due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory phytochemical profile.
Phytochemical basis for skin healing
Capparis spinosa contains a wide range of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), phenolic acids, alkaloids, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. These compounds contribute to its therapeutic effects on skin by reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammation, and supporting tissue regeneration. Flavonoids in particular are known to influence multiple wound-healing pathways, including TGF-β, VEGF, and NF-κB signaling, which regulate collagen formation, angiogenesis, and inflammatory resolution.
Mechanisms of wound healing activity
Antioxidant protection in tissue repair:
Oxidative stress delays wound healing by damaging cellular structures and impairing fibroblast function. Caper extracts are rich in antioxidants that neutralize reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting keratinocytes and fibroblasts. This enhances cellular survival and promotes faster re-epithelialization of damaged skin.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
Inflammation is essential in early wound healing but becomes detrimental when prolonged. Capparis spinosa extracts help regulate inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and nitric oxide, reducing excessive inflammation and promoting transition to the proliferative phase of healing.1
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity:
Infected wounds often show delayed healing due to microbial colonization and biofilm formation. Caper extracts demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as inhibition of biofilm formation. This reduces infection risk and supports a clean wound environment conducive to healing.2
Promotion of collagen synthesis and angiogenesis:
Experimental studies suggest that Capparis spinosa enhances tissue regeneration by increasing collagen deposition and promoting angiogenesis. This is mediated through growth factor modulation, particularly VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and TGF-β, which are essential for granulation tissue formation and wound closure.3
Enhancement of re-epithelialization and skin barrier repair:
Topical application of caper extracts has been associated with faster re-epithelialization and improved structural integrity of healing tissue. This effect is linked to flavonoid-mediated stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, leading to improved restoration of the epidermal barrier.
Dermatological applications
Wound healing formulations:
Caper extracts are being explored in creams, ointments, and gels for treating:
- Chronic wounds
- Diabetic ulcers
- Burn injuries
- Surgical wounds
Skin hydration and barrier function:
Capparis spinosa fruit extract enhances skin hydration by modulating filaggrin metabolism and increasing natural moisturizing factors, improving skin barrier function and elasticity.4
Anti-aging and photoprotective potential:
Due to its antioxidant properties, caper extract may reduce UV-induced oxidative damage, helping prevent premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and collagen degradation.
Anti-inflammatory skin conditions:
Its ability to regulate inflammatory mediators makes it potentially useful in conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and acne-related inflammation.
Clinical and research perspective:
Experimental animal studies consistently show accelerated wound contraction, improved epithelial regeneration, and enhanced collagen deposition with topical application of Capparis spinosa extracts. Despite promising results, most evidence remains preclinical, and standardized clinical trials in humans are still limited.5 Variability in extract composition, dosage, and formulation also remains a challenge for clinical translation.
Conclusion
Capparis spinosa exhibits strong wound healing and dermatological potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-regenerative properties. By modulating key biological pathways involved in inflammation resolution, collagen synthesis, and skin barrier repair, caper extracts support efficient wound closure and skin restoration. Further clinical research is required to establish standardized therapeutic formulations and confirm long-term safety and efficacy in human dermatological applications.
Reference:
- Zhou H, Jian R, Kang J, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of caper (Capparis spinosa L.) fruit aqueous extract and the isolation of main phytochemicals. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58(24):12717-12721. doi:10.1021/jf1034114 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21105652/
- Annaz H, Sane Y, Bitchagno GTM, et al. Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic Potential. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:878749. Published 2022 Jul 22. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.878749 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9353632/
- Annaz H, Sane Y, Bitchagno GTM, et al. Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic Potential. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:878749. Published 2022 Jul 22. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.878749 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9353632/
- Lu Y, Zhang W, Zhou L, et al. The moisturizing effect of Capparis spinosa fruit extract targeting filaggrin synthesis and degradation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(2):651-660. doi:10.1111/jocd.15461 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36221990/
- Ercan BC, Gursoy EN, Kaltalioglu K, Balabanli KB, Kecik M, Cevher SC. Capparis Spinosa and Glutamine Reduce Oxidative Stress via Nrf2/Ho-1 Pathway in Diabetic Wound Healing. Chem Biodivers. 2026;23(4):e71196. doi:10.1002/cbdv.71196 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41958082/