Capparis spinosa L. (Caper) fruit extract in treatment of type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

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 400 mg 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-hypertriglyceridernic agent for type 2 diabetic patients. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.