Studies of Antioxidants and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potentials of Root and Aerial Parts of Medicinal Plant Capparis Spinosa L.

Capparis spinosa aerial part and root extracts were prepared using solvents of varying polarity. Results showed that ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of the aerial part contains the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids followed by the chloroform extract (CHE) of roots. The enzymatic methods were realised by the production of uric acid and reduction of cytochrome c. Result showed that all plant extracts were effective either in inhibiting the activity of XO or Cyt C. The IC50 ranges from 0.0226 ± 0.00019 to 4.32 ± 0.15g/l. The non enzymatic methods were conducted using in vitro techniques: In DPPH test, the radical scavenging activity for the root and aerial part extracts decreased in the following order CHE> EAE> CE and EAE> CE> CHE, respectively. In general the aerial part extracts had an antioxidant activity through -carotene-linoleate model system and ferric reducing ability greater than that of root part. In conclusion, Capparis spinosa appears to be a valuable plant and could be used to treat conditions where inhibition of XOR and free-radicals scavenging action are warranted.