DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2020.v08i11.006

Pages: 378-396

Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. (CD) commonly known as Caper tree/ Karira is a small much, branched shrub. It is an important species of desert and arid regions to the tropical and subtropical regions of India, Arabia, Pakistan and Africa including Egypt. It provides vegetative cover in dry, hot, sandy desert areas, improves soil, prevents soil erosion and promotes biodiversity. It is a source of food, fodder, fuel wood, timber, medicine and plays an important role in the rural economy of arid regions. Its hard, heavy and termite resistant timber is known as “Sandal Wood” of the desert India. Fruits are eaten raw, unripe fruits and flowers are used pickled used as vegetable, dried fruits are turned into a delicacy in Rajasthan. In many parts of India, Africa and East Asia fruit serves as source of survival and food during famines. Records of CD appear in Vedas, Ayurvedic treatises as Charaka and Sushrut Samhita and classical Sansktit texts of Panini, Brihat Samhita of Varah Mihir, Upavana Vinoda and Vishvavallabha. The plant has been used as anti-inflammatory, anti asthmatic, analgesic, cardio protective anathematic, purgative, ant-helmintic, hepato protective, astringent, neutraceutical and antimicrobial in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani systems of medicine since 2000 years. Plant seems to be a future green source of cosmetic, bio-inhibitor of metallic corrosion, nano-technology and bio diesel. The review presents the history, folklore, distribution, use as food, fodder, medicine in folk, animal and human health; it’s pharmaceutical and therapeutic, cultural, ecological and miscellaneous uses and nutritional and nutraceutical value.