Capers

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Capers (Capparis spinosa, the caper bush) are the pickled flower buds and berries of a Mediterranean shrub. The fruit, leaf, bark, and root have traditional uses in Mediterranean and Ayurvedic medicine for liver, joint, and skin complaints.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant / polyphenol intake

Good Evidence

Capers are a notable dietary source of quercetin and rutin. Polyphenol-rich foods support a Mediterranean dietary pattern associated with cardiovascular health.

Type 2 diabetes markers (extracts)

Limited Evidence

Small trials of caper extract show modest effects on fasting glucose and lipids; evidence is preliminary.

How it works

Capparis spinosa contains quercetin glycosides, rutin, glucosinolates, and other polyphenols. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, and some small clinical trials have examined effects on type 2 diabetes markers and lipid profiles. In supplements, caper extracts are sometimes included for liver support, with modest clinical evidence.

Dosage

There is no RDA for capers. Supplement doses of caper extract vary; food use of pickled capers is small (a few grams per serving). DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Take with food when using a concentrated extract. No specific time of day required.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Caper bush extract (flower bud / root)

Available as extracts and powders; pickled capers are the dietary form.

Quercetin glycoside bioavailability varies; typically modest.

Safety

Generally well tolerated as a food. Pickled capers can be high in sodium. Allergic reactions are rare.

Who should be cautious

Caution in those on sodium-restricted diets (pickled capers are salty). Pregnancy: food intake is fine; concentrated extracts have less data.

Interactions

Possible mild interactions with antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs at concentrated extract doses; clinical relevance at food intakes is low.

Food sources

Capers (pickled buds)

Amount
1 tbsp (~8 g)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are capers good for the liver?⌄

Preclinical and small clinical studies suggest hepatoprotective effects of caper extracts. Evidence is preliminary.

Do they really have a lot of quercetin?⌄

Pickled capers are among the highest-quercetin foods per gram, though typical serving sizes are small.

References

Capers on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Capers on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Capers (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.