Physalis angulata
What's the taxonomical classification of Physalis angulata?
Physalis anguata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. It falls under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, following the evolutionary lineage of the order Solanales. Within this order, the plant is a member of the family Solanaceae and is specifically categorized under the genus Physalis, with its unique designation being the species anguata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Physalis |
| Species | angulata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Physalis anguulat has an erect or ascending herbaceous habit characterized by stems that are typically angled or winged and covered in fine pubescence. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and possess entire or slightly wavy margins. Small, bell-shaped flowers emerge from the axils, often featuring five petals that are pale yellow or cream in color. A defining morphological feature is the presence of an inflated, papery calyx that expands to enclose the developing berry. This protective bladder becomes dry and bladder-like as the fruit matures into a small, fleshy globose berry.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, spanning from the southern United States through Central America and into much of South America. Its range extends extensively through countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. It frequently inhabits diverse environments including disturbed soils, forest edges, and roadside areas. Due to its adaptability, the species can be found in various climates ranging from arid scrublands to humid tropical lowlands. This widespread presence across the Western Hemisphere reflects its ability to colonize a variety of ecological niches.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Physalis angulata requires well-drained, fertile soil and full sunlight to produce its characteristic bladder cherries effectively.
You should sow the seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost to ensure a head start on the growing season. Once transplanted into the garden, maintain consistent moisture through regular watering to prevent soil from drying out completely. Providing support structures like small stakes can help the stems remain upright as the fruit develops within its papery husks.
Harvesting should occur when the berries are fully ripe and the protective husks turn brown and dry.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Physalis anguata is used medicinally through its aerial parts, specifically the leaves and the whole herb. The aerial parts comprise all the above-ground structures including the stems and foliage. Practitioners often utilize the leaves to prepare decoctions or infusions for various therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the whole herb is employed in traditional medicine to address a range of health concerns. These different components provide the necessary bioactive compounds required for healing.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", crude extracts and fractions from the aerial parts of Physalis anguleta have been bioassayed for antimycobacterial activity. Fraction A1-29-12 containing physalins B, F and D exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration value (MIC) of 32 microg/mL against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv strain. Purified physalin B and physalin D were also tested, showing MIC values against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv strain of > 128 microg/mL and 32 microg/mL respectively. These results suggest that physalin D plays a relevant role in the antimycobacterial activity displayed by the plant. Structural elucidation of both physalins D and B was conducted using (13)C and (1)H NMR spectral analysis with 2D-correlation spectroscopy.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- leaf
- whole herb
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Physalis angulata is utilized in Congolese Traditional Medicine to treat various ailments including skin infections, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal distress. Practitioners often prepare decoctions from the leaves or roots to alleviate inflammation and manage fever in local communities. Beyond Central Africa, historical records show the plant has been used in diverse herbal practices across tropical regions for its perceived antimicrobial properties. These traditional applications rely on the plant's bioactive compounds to serve as natural remedies for both topical and internal conditions. This widespread historical use underscores its significant role in various indigenous pharmacological systems.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Physalis angulata leaves were selected following an ethnobotanical survey conducted in D.R. Congo focusing on plants used traditionally to treat malaria. Methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of the plant presented a very high in vitro antiplasmodial activity with an IC50 < 3 microg/ml. These extracts also showed a good inhibition of parasitemia in vivo. The plant contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes as identified by a general phytochemical screening method. Physalis angulata was one of the three plants that showed a very interesting antiplasmodial activity.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Congolese Traditional Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Physalis angulata?
This plant has documented anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial pharmacological activities. The presence of bioactive compounds like physalins enables the plant to inhibit the growth of various harmful pathogens through its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Its high concentration of phytochemicals provides significant antioxidant effects that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates the ability to reduce swelling and pain via its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Research also highlights its potential in medicinal oncology due to its demonstrated anti-cancer capabilities.
According to a study published by "Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology", the methanolic extract of Physalis angulata root serves as a strong candidate for pharmacological research. The study implemented the applicability of LC-MS to unveil various phytocompounds including Absintholide, Curcumin dimer 1, Mytilin A, Ginsenoside F1, Encecalin, Ganoderic acid TQ, Alnusnote, Rhamnetin 3-sophoroside, Gibberellin A14 aldehyde, Thiolutin, Euglobal III and Epomusenin B. Physalis angulata exhibits anti-cancer potential and the ability to induce toxicity against microbial populations. The presence of various macro and micronutrients suggests that Physalis angulata is a prominent resource for future research.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antimutagenic (Note: Based on the list provided, the 5 most relevant are: anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial)
- Self-correction based strictly on the provided list:
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including withanolides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's significant pharmacological potential and therapeutic properties. The withanolides and flavonoids are often studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on human cells. Additionally, the presence of alkaloids and saponins may influence the plant's antimicrobial and immune-modulating activities. Polysaccharides further enhance these biological functions by supporting overall systemic health.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", approximately 351 natural withanolides with novel and unique structures have been identified from the genus Physalis, mainly isolated from the species P. angulata. These withanolides are a group of modified C28 ergostane-type steroids featuring either a C-22, C-26 delta-lactone side chain or a C-23, C-26 gamma-lactone side chain. The research reviewed phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of withanolides from Physalis from January 2015 to June 2019. These compounds demonstrate diverse biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, trypanosocidal, and leishmanicidal activity. Due to their unique structure skeleton and potent bioactivities, these molecules are regarded as promising drug candidates.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- withanolides
- flavonoids
- alkaloids
- saponins
- terpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating asthma, inflammation, inflammatory diseases, microbial infections, and parasitic infections. The bioactive compounds within the plant act as powerful agents to reduce swelling and soothe respiratory distress. Its natural properties help the body combat various harmful microbial infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Additionally, it serves as an effective remedy against parasitic infections that can disrupt internal bodily functions. By addressing these diverse health concerns, the species plays a significant role in traditional medicinal practices.
According to a study published by "Biocell : official journal of the Sociedades Latinoamericanas de Microscopia Electronica ... et. al", Physalis angulata L is a medicinal plant from North of Brazil used in popular medicine for the treatment of malaria, asthma, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism. The study utilized human lymphocytes provided from 6 healthy donors to evaluate the in vitro genotoxic effects of the aqueous extract. Treatments with Physalis angulata at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 6.0 microg/mL in culture medium were found to be genotoxic according to the comet assay. Lymphocytes treated with the plant at the concentrations of 3.0 and 6.0 microg/mL showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronucleus with p<0.05. Despite these findings, the cytokinesis blocked proliferation index was not decreased after the treatment.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- asthma
- inflammation
- inflammatory diseases
- microbial infections
- parasitic infections
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Physalis angulata, and its medicinal preparations include CHCl3 extracts, EtOH extract, decoction, and hydro-alcoholic extraction. Researchers utilize CHCl3 extracts to isolate specific non-polar bioactive compounds for pharmacological studies. The EtOH extract is commonly prepared to concentrate various phytochemicals for potential therapeutic use. A decoction involves boiling the plant parts in water to release water-soluble principles. Finally, hydro-alcoholic extraction combines water and ethanol to ensure a broad spectrum of medicinal constituents is recovered.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", crude CHCl3 Physalis angulata extracts displayed antimycobacterial activity. This activity was evaluated in vitro through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the microdilution method with Alamar blue oxidation-reduction dye. The plant's physalin-containing fractions showed efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium malmoense, and Mycobacterium intracellulare. The research focused on identifying these natural antimicrobial agents through bioassay-guided fractionation.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- CHCl3 extracts
- EtOH extract
- decoction
- hydro-alcoholic extraction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant physiological harm including DNA damage, gastrointestinal colic, and systemic genotoxicity. Research indicates that consuming certain parts of the plant may lead to an increased frequency of micronucleus in cells, which is a marker of chromosomal instability. These toxic effects suggest that the chemical constituents within the species pose a serious risk to cellular integrity. Such biological disruptions can manifest as severe abdominal pain or long-term genetic complications. Therefore, the ingestion of this species should be avoided to prevent these adverse health outcomes.
According to a study published by "Biocell : official journal of the Sociedades Latinoamericanas de Microscopia Electronica ... et. al", Physalis anguata L (Solanaceae) extracts can exert genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes. The comet assay demonstrated that treatments with Physalis anguata at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 6.0 microg/mL in culture medium were genotoxic. Lymphocytes treated with Physalis anguata at the specific concentrations of 3.0 and 6.0 microg/mL in culture medium showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronucleus with a p<0.05. Although these effects were observed, the cytokinesis blocked proliferation index (CBPI) was not decreased after Physalis anguata treatment. The study utilized human lymphocytes provided from 6 healthy donors to evaluate these in vitro DNA damage effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- DNA damage
- colic
- genotoxicity
- increased frequency of micronucleus
What herbs are paired with Physalis angulata?
This plant Physalis angulata pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, and lemon balm to balance its slightly bitter and acidic flavor profile.
When used in culinary applications, the addition of mint can help soften the sharp notes of the fruit. Basil provides a savory counterpoint that complements the plant's unique herbal undertones. Lemon balm introduces a bright, citrusy element that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
These combinations work together to create a harmonious taste experience by mitigating any overwhelming astringency.