Phytochemical composition and biological activity of Physalis spp.: A mini-review

Abstract

The main objective of this mini-review was to synthesize recent data about the phytochemical composition, the nutritional properties, and the biological and pharmacological activities of a now cosmopolitan genus, Physalis (Solanaceae), being in the focus of intensive research over the last two decades. Six Physalis species with nutritional and pharmacological promise are considered in particular – P. peruviana L., P. philadelphica Lam., P. ixocarpa Brot. ex Horm., P. angulata L., P. pubescens L., and P. alkekengi L. Summarized contemporary data on the metabolite profile and the biological activities of Physalis species support their century-long use in traditional medicine and human nutrition. The fruit represent a rich source of minerals, vitamins, fibers, carotenoids, proteins, fructose, sucrose esters, pectins, flavonoids, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and many other beneficial nutrients. Individual phytochemicals and complex fractions isolated from Physalis plants demonstrate various biological and pharmacological activities, the most promising of which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepato-renoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and others. Most of these activities are associated with the presence of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, physalins, withanolides, and other bioactive compounds. The accumulated data disclose the potential of Physalis spp. as highly functional foods, as profitable crops for many regions over the world, and as sources of valuable secondary metabolites for phytopharmacy, novel medicine and cosmetics. Information provided by this review is also important for a more intensive promotion of Physalis species in Bulgaria and for future studies on their composition and benefits.

Elicitor Effect of Chitosan on In Vitro Culture of Different Explants of Physalis Accessions From East Java

“…The genus Physalis is one of the largest genera of the Solanaceae family which is not only used as food but also used as traditional medicine [1]. The medicinal benefits of Physalis plants are due to various biological and pharmacological activities associated with the presence of flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, alkaloids, physical, withanolides, and other bioactive compounds [2]. Withanolides, a class of lactone steroids, has been known for its antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties [ (3].…”

Comparative study on the elemental composition of different parts of cultivated Physalis alkekengi (Solanaceae)

“…Less than P. peruviana, but also P. philadelphica, P. ixocarpa, P. pubescens and P. alkekengi are cultivated or collected from native populations for their edible fruits and nutritional value. 4 The most famous representative of the genus is P. peruviana, colloquially known as golden berry or Cape gooseberry, is frequently used in the food industry due to its nutritional value, pleasant sensory characteristics and as a great source of vitamins C, A, E, B3, B6; and elements iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. 1,3,5-10 P. alkekengi is also recognized and described in the modern and traditional medicine and cuisine too.…”

Ethnotherapeutic Uses and Phytochemical Composition of Physalis peruviana L.: An Overview

“…Physalis genus contains several species with a long history of ethnomedical use to treat diverse diseases, especially asthma, cancer, dermatitis, hepatitis, bacterial infections, kidney and liver disorders, and malaria and has immunomodulatory antipyretic properties [ 5 ]. It contains different types of compounds, including physalins and alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, and polysaccharides [ 6 , 7 ]. The health benefits of the plant are related to the content of phytochemicals.…”