Molecular and Phytochemical Characterization and Optimization of Dormancy Breaking Treatments in Capparis Spinosa L From the Trans Himalayan Region of Ladakh India

Abstract

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae) also called Caper and locally known as Kabra is one of the well known medicinal plant in Amchi system (local medicinal system). It has long been used by the natives of Ladakh as a leafy vegetable and forage. In India, it is found in inner valleys of trans Himalaya between 3020 3790 m which includes Indus, Nubra and Suru valleys of Ladakh region. It grows in roadside, dry rocky slopes and stony soils, can withstand extreme temperature ( 30 and#8304;C to +35 and#8304;C) of Ladakh and is highly drought tolerant. This plant has multiple uses in cuisine as salad, pickle and condiments. Bio-chemical studies have reported the presence of alkaloids, lipids, flavonoids and glucosinolates, cancer preventing agents and biopesticides in Capparis spinosa. In Ladakh, several types of medicinal preparations from Capparis are being used by the Amchis (local traditional doctors) for the treatment of various ailments like gastrointestinal infection, diarrhoea and rheumatism. In Ayurveda it is used in splenic, renal and hepatic complaints; root bark is used as tonic, expectorant, anthelmintic, emmenegogue and analgesic. From ancient times, the floral buttons of C. spinosa (capers) were employed as flavouring in cooking and are also used in traditional medicine for their diuretic, antihypertensive, poultice and tonic properties. Besides, it brings many environmental benefits, including soil and water conservation, desertification control and land reclamation in fragile cold ecosystem of Ladakh. newline