From jungle floors to laboratory benches, a humble plant is fighting diseases in ways scientists are just beginning to understand.
Imagine a plant so versatile it can calm inflamed skin, fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and potentially combat cancer—all while growing as a "weed" in tropical regions worldwide. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality of Physalis angulata L., a botanical treasure bridging traditional healing and cutting-edge medicine. For centuries, this unassuming plant has been a staple in traditional medicine across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, treating ailments from asthma to diabetes. Now, modern science is uncovering the molecular secrets behind its healing powers, revealing a complex chemistry that holds promise for addressing some of medicine's most persistent challenges 4 .
The genus name "Physalis" comes from the Greek word for "bladder," perfectly describing the papery, lantern-like calyx that encloses its berry-like fruit 4 .
This annual plant grows up to 1,600 meters above sea level, thriving throughout tropical and subtropical regions, from the Americas to Asia and Africa 7 .
Used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic 4 .
Treats diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and skin infections 4 .
Manages diabetes, nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and asthma 7 .
Addresses malaria, rheumatism, hepatitis, and various inflammatory conditions 5 .
The therapeutic properties of Physalis angulata stem from its rich profile of bioactive compounds. Modern analytical techniques have identified dozens of these molecules, with two classes standing out as particularly important.
Physalins represent one of the most studied compound groups in Physalis angulata. These are 13,14-secosteroids—complex molecules with a unique structural arrangement where one of the rings in the steroid skeleton is broken 8 .
Research has identified multiple physalins (designated by letters A through H, among others), each with slightly different properties. Studies show these compounds are responsible for much of the plant's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects 4 8 .
Withanolides comprise another important class of bioactive compounds in Physalis angulata. Like physalins, they possess a steroid-like backbone but with an additional six-membered lactone ring, creating molecules that interact with multiple cellular targets 7 .
These compounds exhibit remarkable cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, with studies demonstrating their potency against retinoblastoma, melanoma, and various other cancer cell lines 7 .
Beyond the two major groups, Physalis angulata contains an array of flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute significantly to its therapeutic effects. Recent analyses have quantified seven major compounds across different plant parts :
| Compound | Leaves (mg/g) | Calyces (mg/g) | Fruits (mg/g) | Biological Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutin | 2.45 | 1.82 | 0.95 | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
| Chlorogenic Acid | 1.92 | 1.05 | 0.68 | Antioxidant, antidiabetic |
| Quercitrin | 1.56 | 0.91 | 0.45 | Antioxidant, antimicrobial |
| Caffeic Acid | 0.83 | 0.52 | 0.31 | Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory |
| Quercetin | 0.74 | 0.48 | 0.28 | Antioxidant, anticancer |
| p-Coumaric Acid | 0.65 | 0.41 | 0.22 | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
| Kaempferol | 0.52 | 0.35 | 0.18 | Antioxidant, cardioprotective |
Data adapted from HPLC analysis of Vietnamese Physalis angulata
These phenolic compounds work synergistically, enhancing the plant's overall therapeutic effects while providing strong antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress—a key factor in aging and chronic diseases .
To understand how researchers uncover the medicinal potential of plants like Physalis angulata, let's examine a landmark study that exemplifies the rigorous scientific approach to validating traditional knowledge.
A 2025 study conducted on Physalis angulata from the Peruvian Amazon represents a comprehensive approach to evaluating the plant's pharmacological potential 2 7 . The research team employed both in vitro (laboratory) and in silico (computer modeling) methods to provide a thorough assessment of the plant's bioactivities.
Researchers gathered roots, stems, leaves, calyces, and fruits from Physalis angulata plants in the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon. A voucher specimen was deposited in the Herbarium Amazonense for scientific documentation.
The plant materials were carefully dried and processed into powders. The team prepared two types of extracts from each plant part: ethanolic extracts using maceration with ethanol and aqueous extracts using boiling water, simulating traditional preparation methods.
Using advanced UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS technology, the researchers identified forty-two distinct compounds across the various extracts, with physalins and withanolides being predominant.
The extracts underwent multiple assays to evaluate antioxidant capacity via FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS tests; enzyme inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glucosidase, and α-amylase; and total phenolic content.
Researchers performed in silico analyses to examine how specific compounds interact with enzyme targets at the molecular level.
The results revealed significant variations in bioactivity across different plant parts and extract types:
| Plant Part | Extract Type | Total Phenolics (mg GAE/g) |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Ethanolic | 98.7 |
| Fruits | Ethanolic | 76.3 |
| Calyces | Ethanolic | 64.2 |
| Leaves | Aqueous | 72.5 |
| Stem | Ethanolic | 48.9 |
| Roots | Ethanolic | 35.6 |
Data adapted from antioxidant assays on Peruvian Physalis angulata extracts 7
| Plant Part | Extract Type | α-Glucosidase Inhibition (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calyces | Aqueous | 92.4 |
| Fruits | Ethanolic | 87.6 |
| Leaves | Ethanolic | 78.3 |
| Roots | Aqueous | 65.2 |
| Stem | Ethanolic | 56.7 |
Data based on enzyme inhibition assays 7
The computer modeling identified five compounds—physagulin A, physagulin F, physagulide P, physalin B, and withaminimin—as having particularly stable interactions and favorable binding affinities with the catalytic sites of the studied enzymes. This suggests these specific compounds are likely responsible for the observed enzyme inhibition effects 2 7 .
Studying complex medicinal plants like Physalis angulata requires specialized reagents and methodologies. Here are some essential tools researchers use:
| Tool/Reagent | Function in Research | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS | Separates and identifies compounds in plant extracts | Chemical profiling of Physalis angulata organs 7 |
| DPPH/ABTS/FRAP Assays | Measures antioxidant capacity through different mechanisms | Evaluating free radical scavenging ability of leaf vs. fruit extracts 7 |
| Enzyme Inhibition Assays | Tests ability to block specific enzyme activity | Assessing antidiabetic potential via α-glucosidase inhibition 2 |
| Solvent Extraction Systems | Extracts different compound classes based on polarity | Using ethanol, water, or supercritical COâ‚‚ to extract specific phytochemicals 3 |
| Cell Culture Models | Provides living systems for toxicity and efficacy testing | Testing cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines like MCF-7 and HeLa 4 |
| Molecular Docking Software | Predicts how compounds interact with biological targets | Identifying physalins with strong binding to enzyme active sites 7 |
| 3'-(Hydroxymethyl)-biphenyl-4-acetic acid | Bench Chemicals | |
| Furo[3,2-b]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid | Bench Chemicals | |
| 1H-Pyrido[2,3-d][1,3]oxazine-2,4-dione | Bench Chemicals | |
| Tert-butyl 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate | Bench Chemicals | |
| 1-(3-Nitrophenylsulfonyl)pyrrolidine | Bench Chemicals |
The therapeutic potential of Physalis angulata has sparked significant interest in the commercial sector, reflected in a growing number of patent filings. The technological developments are primarily concentrated in the A61K category, which covers cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations 5 .
This patent activity demonstrates the transition of Physalis angulata from traditional remedy to promising candidate for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical development.
Physalis angulata L. stands as a powerful example of nature's pharmacy, offering a complex mixture of bioactive compounds with demonstrated effects against some of modern medicine's most challenging conditions. From its traditional use treating fever and inflammation to its recently discovered potential against cancer and metabolic disorders, this humble plant continues to reveal new secrets.
As research advances, we move closer to developing standardized, effective medicines derived from Physalis angulata that combine traditional wisdom with scientific validation. The plant serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most advanced medical solutions don't always come from synthetic chemistry labs—they may be growing quietly in a field nearby, waiting for science to unlock their full potential.
The journey of Physalis angulata from traditional herbal medicine to modern laboratory research exemplifies the growing recognition of nature's chemical ingenuity. As one recent study concluded, the pharmacological potential of extracts and compounds from different organs of P. angulata suggests "their promising use in treating diseases related to the central nervous system and metabolic syndrome" 7 —a testament to the enduring value of investigating traditional medicinal plants.