Are Capers Inflammatory? The Surprising Anti-Inflammatory Truth

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Research has shown that caper extracts display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, challenging the misconception that these salty buds might be inflammatory. Far from causing inflammation, capers are packed with beneficial compounds that work to combat it, especially the flavonoids quercetin and rutin.

Quick Summary

Capers contain powerful flavonoids like quercetin and rutin with potent anti-inflammatory effects that combat cellular damage and oxidative stress. They are not inflammatory foods but rather beneficial additions to a healthy diet.

Key Points

Anti-inflammatory properties: Capers are rich in flavonoids, particularly quercetin and rutin, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Rich in antioxidants: The antioxidants in capers fight oxidative stress and cellular damage in the body, which can cause inflammation.
Preclinical evidence: Lab and animal studies consistently show that caper extracts can reduce inflammatory markers and pathways.
Sodium content: Preserved capers are high in sodium; rinsing them before use is recommended to reduce intake and balance potential cardiovascular impact.
Part of a healthy diet: Used in moderation, capers can be a flavorful and nutrient-dense addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
Limited human data: While promising, robust clinical evidence in humans is still limited, and more research is needed.

The question "are capers inflammatory?" arises from their high sodium content due to the brining process. However, a deeper look at their nutritional composition reveals a different story entirely. Scientific studies have shown that the compounds in capers actually possess powerful anti-inflammatory effects, making them a beneficial addition to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Capers

Capers are the immature flower buds of the Capparis spinosa plant, a native of the Mediterranean. Their notable anti-inflammatory action comes primarily from their rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly two potent flavonoids: quercetin and rutin.

Flavonoids at Work: Quercetin and Rutin

Quercetin: Capers are one of the richest known natural sources of quercetin. This flavonoid acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. In vitro studies show that quercetin can suppress inflammatory mediators, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, in various cell types.
Rutin: This flavonoid has also demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties. For example, research has compared rutin's effects to a standard drug used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), finding that it exhibits similar anti-inflammatory activity.

Both quercetin and rutin work by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways in the body. While most robust evidence comes from preclinical studies, the findings consistently point to capers' anti-inflammatory potential.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Beyond their core anti-inflammatory effects, the compounds in capers offer several other health benefits. Their antioxidant activity can contribute to overall health and may help protect against chronic conditions linked to oxidative stress. Folk medicine has long used capers to treat a range of ailments, including rheumatism, adding to the historical evidence of their therapeutic properties.

However, it is crucial to address the salt content. The primary drawback of canned or jarred capers is the high sodium from the preservation brine. For individuals managing blood pressure or inflammatory conditions sensitive to sodium, this is an important consideration. Rinsing capers thoroughly before use can significantly reduce the sodium content.

How to Incorporate Capers into an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Enjoying the anti-inflammatory benefits of capers is simple. They add a zesty, salty kick to many dishes, allowing you to boost flavor while reducing reliance on other inflammatory-promoting ingredients.

Salads: Sprinkle rinsed capers into Mediterranean salads, tuna salad, or pasta salad for a tangy, savory bite.
Sauces: Stir capers into sauces for fish (like classic piccata), chicken, or pasta for a burst of flavor.
Spreads and Dips: Blend them into creamy dips, tapenades, or tartar sauce.
Garnish: Use them as a garnish for roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Caper Comparison Table: High Sodium vs. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits


Feature	Brined Capers (Typically Eaten)	High-Sodium, Pro-inflammatory Food (e.g., Processed Meat)
Inflammatory Effect	Anti-inflammatory due to quercetin and rutin.	Pro-inflammatory due to saturated fats, sodium, and additives.
Key Compounds	Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin), Vitamins (A, C, K).	High saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, high sodium.
Primary Health Role	Adds antioxidants and flavor. Supports cellular health.	Provides calories and often empty nutrients. Can contribute to cardiovascular issues.
Sodium Concern	High, but significantly reduced by rinsing.	High, often baked into the food and difficult to remove.
Dietary Context	Part of a healthy, Mediterranean-style diet.	Associated with poor dietary patterns and health outcomes.

Conclusion

Despite their high sodium content from the brining process, capers are definitively not an inflammatory food. On the contrary, their rich concentration of potent flavonoids, particularly quercetin and rutin, gives them significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By rinsing them thoroughly before use, you can mitigate the sodium concern and incorporate these flavorful buds into a healthy, anti-inflammatory eating pattern. While much of the evidence comes from preclinical studies, capers are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredient that can contribute positively to your diet, adding a burst of flavor and a boost of health-promoting compounds.

Learn more about the pharmacological properties of capers from this scientific review: Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, capers are considered anti-inflammatory. They contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin and rutin, which have been shown to combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

The primary anti-inflammatory compounds in capers are the flavonoids quercetin and rutin. These potent antioxidants help protect cells from damage and neutralize free radicals.

For most people, yes. While the anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial, individuals with inflammatory conditions should consider the high sodium content of brined capers. It is recommended to rinse them thoroughly and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.

Yes. Some research suggests that pickled capers are an especially rich source of quercetin, providing powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The pickling process does not eliminate these beneficial compounds.

Yes, it is highly recommended to rinse capers before using them, especially for those watching their sodium intake. Rinsing can significantly lower the salt content without compromising their flavor.

Capers may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding large amounts of capers or caper supplements to your diet if you are on medication.

Yes, caper berries also contain quercetin and offer similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the smaller caper buds.