Capparis spinosa L. (Caper) fruit extract in treatment of type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Hassan Fallah Huseini1, Shirin Hasani-Rnjbar, Neda Nayebi
1Pharmacology and Applied Medicine Department of Medicinal Plants research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
Objectives:
Capparis spinosa L. (Caper) fruit is traditionally used as an anti-hyperglycemic food by Iranian diabetic patients. But yet, no controlled human study has determined its efficacy in treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients.
Design:
The present study was undertaken to explore the possible anti-hyperglycemic effects of the caper fruit extract in type 2 diabetic patients. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 54 type 2 diabetic patients. Two groups 28 and 26 patients on standard anti-diabetic therapy, received 400mg caper fruit extract and placebo capsules three times a day respectively for two months.
Main Outcome Measures:
The patients fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipids levels, liver and renal function tests were determined at baseline and endpoint.
Results:
Results showed significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels (p=0.037) and glycosylated hemoglobin (p=0.043) in caper treated patients compared to control group at the end of the study. Triglyceride level also decreased significantly (p=0.29) in caper treated group at the end of the study compared to baseline. No liver, kidney and other side effects were observed in these two groups.
Conclusions:
Caper fruit extract may be a safe anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertriglyceridemic agent for type 2 diabetic patients.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Nephropathy
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetic Neuropathy
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction