Targeted discovery of multi-action bioactive compounds from Capparis spinosa L. for mitigating diabetic cardiomyopathy

Capparis spinosa L., a drought-resistant crop with significant ecological and economic value, has been traditionally used for windbreak, sand fixation, and medicinal purposes, including alleviating pain and dispelling wind-dampness. To maximize its economic potential and resource efficiency, this study investigated the therapeutic effects of caper fruits on diabetes and its complications. In this study, the extract was optimized using Box-Behnken design under ultrasound-assisted extraction, and then it was purified using HPD-600 resin and n-butanol extraction. Bioactivity was assessed via DPPH assays, revealing highly active fractions. Optimal extraction conditions were determined as a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:28 g/mL, ethanol concentration of 56 % and extraction temperature of 68 ℃. The polyphenol content was 311.50 mg/g and IC 50 of DPPH was 17.97 μ g/mL. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments using CSN-50 % demonstrated that its extract could regulate glucose metabolism, restore oxidative balance, and improve heart structure and function by reducing myocardial fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy. These findings underscore the potential of Capparis spinosa L. as a sustainable resource for developing therapeutic agents against diabetes and its complications. • Methodology optimized for extracting polyphenols from Capparis spinosa L. • Capparis spinosa L. active compounds are valuable and sustainable bioactive resources. • Extracted compounds show anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy potential. • Anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy effects of extract via multiple signaling pathways.