Naturally occurring physalins from the genus Physalis: A review

Atypical sulfur-containing physalin from Physalis minima and protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury

Four previously undescribed physalins (1-4), along with six known ones (5-10) were isolated and identified from the whole plants of Physalis minima L., a medicinal and edible plant traditionally used in southwest China. Their structures were established through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Moreover, the absolute configurations of 1-3, 5 and 7 were examined by X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1, an undescribed sulfur-containing physalin, exhibited the most protective effect against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-stimulated ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, compound 1 was found to reduce the inflammatory response, with mechanistic studies indicating that it decreased pyroptosis-associated proteins, such as cleaved-caspase1, NLRP3, and GSDMD N-terminus. Importantly, GSDMD knockdown significantly reversed the protective effects of compound 1, highlighting the involvement of pyroptosis in the compound's protective mechanism against OGD/R-induced I/R injury in PC12 cells in vitro.

Nutrients, Phytochemicals, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Fruit and Calyx

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of Physalis peruviana L., covering the nutritional composition of the fruit and the phytochemical profiles and in vitro bioactive properties of berry and calyx extracts. The fresh fruit stood out as a source of dietary fiber (5.16 g/100 g) and is low in fat (0.49 g/100 g). A 100-g serving also contained notable amounts of ascorbic acid (32.0 mg), tocopherols (2.34 mg), potassium (253 mg), phosphorus (45 mg), and magnesium (20 mg). HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis tentatively identified five physalin derivatives and one withanolide in the fruit extract, which showed significant antiproliferative activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) cells. The calyx extracts contained three phenolic acids and four flavonoids, demonstrating high antioxidant activity through physiologically relevant cell-based assays, the ability to inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and nitric oxide production, and also antiproliferative properties. These findings highlight goldenberry as a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamins and functional compounds with potential health benefits, supporting its recognition as a "superfruit". Furthermore, the fruit calyx emerged as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and related sectors.

Physalins and neophysalins from the calyx of Physalis alkekengi: Structures and anti-inflammatory efficacy

To explore potential anti-inflammatory lead compounds, ten new physalin steroids, including three neophysalins (1, 4, and 9) and seven physalins (2, 3, 5-8, and 10), along with eleven known analogs, were isolated from an ethanol extract of the calyx of Physalis alkekengi. The new structures were rigorously determined through comprehensive HRESIMS, 1D/2D-NMR, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Among these compounds, 1 was identified as a new 1,10-seco-neophysalin, and 2 was identified as a new 11,15-cyclo-9,10-seco-physalin characterized by an aromatic A-ring. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds revealed that compound 15 displayed remarkable potency, inhibiting NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 2.26 ± 0.12 μM, while exhibiting low cytotoxicity (IC50 = 90.45 ± 6.10 μM). It suppressed the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2, while upregulating the expression levels of HO-1 and Nrf2, indicating the involvement of multiple mechanisms. Further studies indicated that compound 15 significantly attenuated the LPS-induced increase in the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its potential to exert anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. In vivo studies further demonstrated the efficacy of compound 15, as it showed inhibitory activity against mouse ear edema, achieving an inhibition rate of 37.30 % at a dosage of 25 mg/kg. Importantly, compound 15 (25 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated colitis-related symptoms in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for inflammatory disorders.

Therapeutic role of physalin A in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy

BACKGROUND

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune condition that causes serious ocular symptoms; its treatment strategies are limited. Physalin A is a phytosterol that has shown various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. In this study, we investigated whether physalin A could inhibit inflammation, fibrosis, hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) production, and adipogenesis, which are crucial to the pathogenesis of GO.

METHODS

Orbital tissue explants were obtained from patients with GO during orbital decompression surgery and healthy controls. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) were isolated and treated with different concentrations of physalin A. Using western blot and ELISA analyses, we determined the effects of physalin A on OFs.

RESULTS

Physalin A treatment suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-1β-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory molecules, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-6, IL-8, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. We discovered that physalin A attenuated hyaluronan production induced by IL-1β or insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Moreover, physalin A reduced lipid droplet formation and production of peroxisome proliferator activator (PPAR) γ, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, C/EBP β, sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1, leptin, and adiponectin proteins. Physalin A suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), and suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2 signaling protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the major mechanisms by which physalin A suppresses GO include reducing inflammation, fibrosis, hyaluronan production, and adipogenesis in OFs. The findings of this study provide evidence of the therapeutic effect of physalin A in GO.

Establishment of Physalis alkekengi cell suspension culture: time-dependent behavior of genes related to the steroidal compounds, key enzymes, and physalins under static magnetic field

Cell suspension culture has the potential to be a valuable source for the bioactive compound productions. In this study, an optimized procedure was established for callus and cell suspension culture of Physalis alkekengi for the first time, and the impact of static magnetic field (SMF, 6 mT) was studied on the high-value metabolic compounds through investigation of signaling molecules and gene expressions at the late log-to-stationary phase. Results showed that the growth regulators of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP, 1.5 mg-1 L) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 0.4 mg-1 L) induced the highest fresh weight, callus rate, callus index, and total withanolides. Cell suspension culture was established in the liquid MS medium supplied with BAP (1.5 mg-1 L) and NAA (0.1 mg-1 L). SMF application decreased slightly the cell growth and viability and enhanced the number of round-shaped cells. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) levels increased at an all-time series after SMF exposure, and their maximum contents were observed after 12 h. A significant alteration of malondialdehyde content was also identified after 12 h of SMF exposure. The expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), 1-deoxyD-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DXS), squalene synthase (SQS), sterol Δ7-reductase (DWF5), and C-7,8 sterol isomerase (HYD1) genes was upregulated significantly after 24 and 48 h. An increase in the total withanolides was related to more activity of HMGR and DXS enzymes in SMF-exposed cells and the maximum physalin A (12.8 mg g-1 DW) and physalin B (1.92 mg g-1 DW) obtained after 24 h compared to controls. Findings suggest that SMF can play a supportive factor in inducing steroidal compounds in P. alkekengi through modulating H2O2 and NO levels and the related-gene expressions.

Comparative Transcriptomics Revealed Physalis floridana Rydb. Influences on the Immune System of the 28-Spotted Ladybird Beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata)

Physalis floridana Rydb., a member of the Solanaceae family, is renowned for its diverse secondary metabolites, including physalins and withanolides. The 28-spotted ladybird beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata) is a notorious pest severely damaging Solanaceous crops. This study demonstrates that P. floridana Rydb. significantly impacts on the development and reproductive suppression of H. vigintioctopunctata. A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed by feeding H. vigintioctopunctata larvae on P. floridana Rydb., Solanum nigrum L., Solanum tuberosum L., and Solanum lycopersicum L. The results reveal that larvae fed on P. floridana Rydb. exhibit numerous differentially expressed genes, which are notably enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism, immunity, and detoxification. These functions and pathways are less enriched in larvae fed by other hosts. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) indicates that feeding on P. floridana Rydb. influences the expression of specific genes involved in the Toll and IMD signaling pathways, impacting the immune system of H. vigintioctopunctata larvae. This study provides transcriptomic insights into larval responses to different diets and suggests that the effect of P. floridana Rydb. on the immune system of H. vigintioctopunctata is a key defense mechanism against herbivores.

Covalent binding of withanolides to cysteines of protein targets

Withanolides represent an important category of natural products with a steroidal lactone core. Many of them contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety with a high reactivity toward sulfhydryl groups, including protein cysteine thiols. Different withanolides endowed with marked antitumor and anti-inflammatory have been shown to form stable covalent complexes with exposed cysteines present in the active site of oncogenic kinases (BTK, IKKβ, Zap70), metabolism enzymes (Prdx-1/6, Pin1, PHGDH), transcription factors (Nrf2, NFκB, C/EBPβ) and other structural and signaling molecules (GFAP, β-tubulin, p97, Hsp90, vimentin, Mpro, IPO5, NEMO, …). The present review analyzed the covalent complexes formed through Michael addition alkylation reactions between six major withanolides (withaferin A, physalin A, withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withanone and tubocapsanolide A) and key cysteine residues of about 20 proteins and the resulting biological effects. The covalent conjugation of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of withanolides with reactive protein thiols can occur with a large set of soluble and membrane proteins. It points to a general mechanism, well described with the leading natural product withaferin A, but likely valid for most withanolides harboring a reactive (electrophilic) enone moiety susceptible to react covalently with cysteinyl residues of proteins. The multiplicity of reactive proteins should be taken into account when studying the mechanism of action of new withanolides. Proteomic and network analyses shall be implemented to capture and compare the cysteine covalent-binding map for the major withanolides, so as to identify the protein targets at the origin of their activity and/or unwanted effects. Screening of the cysteinome will help understanding the mechanism of action and designing cysteine-reactive electrophilic drug candidates.

Withanolides from the active extract of Physalis angulate and their anti-hepatic fibrosis effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis angulata L., a traditional Chinese medicine called "Kuzhi" in China, was used traditionally to treat liver diseases (eg. icterus, hepatitis) as well as malaria, asthma, and rheumatism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study aimed to investigate the withanolides with anti-hepatic fibrosis effect from P. angulate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Withanolides were obtained from the EtOH extract of P. angulate by bioassay-molecular networking analysis-guided isolation using column chromatography and normal/reversed-phase semipreparative HPLC. The structures of new withanolides were elucidated by combinations of spectroscopic techniques with NMR and ECD calculations. MTT cell viability assay, AO/EB staining method, cell wound healing assay, ELISA and Western blot experiments were employed to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and to uncover related mechanism. Molecular docking analysis and cellular thermal shift assay were used to evaluate and verify the interaction between the active withanolides and their potential targets.

RESULTS

Eight unreported withanolides, withagulides A-H (1-8), along with twenty-eight known ones were obtained from P. angulate. Withanolides 6, 9, 10, 24, 27, and 29-32 showed marked anti-hepatic fibrosis effect with COL1A1 expression inhibition above 50 %. Physalin F (9), the main component in the active fraction, significantly decreased the TGF β1-stimulated expressions of collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells. Mechanism study revealed that physalin F exerted its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that withanolides were an important class of natural products with marked anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. The main withanolide physalin F might be a promising candidate for hepatic fibrosis treatment. The work provided experimental foundation for the use of P. angulate to treat hepatic fibrosis.

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1).

RESULTS

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects.

CONCLUSION

Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Physalin H, physalin B, and isophysalin B suppress the quorum-sensing function of Staphylococcus aureus by binding to AgrA

The virulence of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), depends on the expression of toxins and virulence factors controlled by the quorum-sensing (QS) system, encoded on the virulence accessory gene regulator (agr) locus. The aim of this study was to identify a phytochemical that inhibits Agr-QS function and to elucidate its mechanism. We screened 577 compounds and identified physalin H, physalin B, and isophysalin B--phytochemicals belonging to physalins found in plants of the Solanaceae family--as novel Agr-QS modulators. Biological analyses and in vitro protein-DNA binding assays suggested that these physalins suppress gene expression related to the Agr-QS system by inhibiting binding of the key response regulator AgrA to the agr promoters, reducing the function of hemolytic toxins downstream of these genes in MRSA. Furthermore, although physalin F suppressed gene expression in the Agr-QS system, its anti-hemolytic activity was lower than that of physalins H, B, and isophysalin B. Conversely, five physalins isolated from the same plant with the ability to suppress Agr-QS did not reduce bacterial Agr-QS activity but inhibited AgrA binding to DNA in vitro. A docking simulation revealed that physalin interacts with the DNA-binding site of AgrA in three docking states. The carbonyl oxygens at C-1 and C-18 of physalins, which can suppress Agr-QS, were directed to residues N201 and R198 of AgrA, respectively, whereas these carbonyl oxygens of physalins, without Agr-QS suppression activity, were oriented in different directions. Next, 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the hydrogen bond formed between the carbonyl oxygen at C-15 of physalins and L186 of AgrA functions as an anchor, sustaining the interaction between the carbonyl oxygen at C-1 of physalins and N201 of AgrA. Thus, these results suggest that physalin H, physalin B, and isophysalin B inhibit the interaction of AgrA with the agr promoters by binding to the DNA-binding site of AgrA, suppressing the Agr-QS function of S. aureus. Physalins that suppress the Agr-QS function are proposed as potential lead compounds in the anti-virulence strategy for MRSA infections.

UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS-Guided Isolation of Bioactive Withanolides from the Fruits of Physalis angulata

Physalis angulata Linn. is an exotic Amazonian fruit that is commonly recognized as wild tomato, winter cherry, and gooseberry. While its fruit is known to contain many nutrients, such as minerals, fibers, and vitamins, few papers have investigated withanolide derivatives from its fruits. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, which produces fragmentation spectra, was applied for the first time to guide the isolation of bioactive withanolide derivatives from P. angulata fruits. As a result, twenty-six withanolide derivatives, including two novel 1,10-secowithanolides (1 and 2) and a new derivative (3), were obtained. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare rearranged 1,10-secowithanolides with a tetracyclic 7/6/6/5 ring system. All structures were assigned through various spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. Nine withanolide derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory effects on three tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 0.51-13.79 μM. Moreover, three new compounds (1-3) exhibited potential nitric oxide inhibitory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (IC50: 7.51-61.8 μM). This investigation indicated that fruits of P. angulata could be applied to treat and prevent cancer and inflammatory-related diseases due to their potent active withanolide derivatives.

Induced production of specialized steroids by transcriptional reprogramming in Petunia hybrida

Plants produce specialized metabolites with defensive properties that are often synthesized through the coordinated regulation of metabolic genes by transcription factors in various biological contexts. In this study, we investigated the regulatory function of the transcription factor PhERF1 from petunia (Petunia hybrida), which belongs to a small group of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) family members that regulate the biosynthesis of bioactive alkaloids and terpenoids in various plant lineages. We examined the effects of transiently overexpressing PhERF1 in petunia leaves on the transcriptome and metabolome, demonstrating the production of a class of specialized steroids, petuniolides, and petuniasterones in these leaves. We also observed the activation of many metabolic genes, including those involved in sterol biosynthesis, as well as clustered genes that encode new metabolic enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases, 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, and BAHD acyltransferases. Furthermore, we determined that PhERF1 transcriptionally induces downstream metabolic genes by recognizing specific cis-regulatory elements in their promoters. This study highlights the potential of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators to induce the production of specialized products through transcriptional reprogramming.

Hairy root culture: a potent method for improved secondary metabolite production of Solanaceous plants

Secondary metabolites synthesized by the Solanaceous plants are of major therapeutic and pharmaceutical importance, many of which are commonly obtained from the roots of these plants. 'Hairy roots', mirroring the same phytochemical pattern of the corresponding root of the parent plant with higher growth rate and productivity, are therefore extensively studied as an effective alternative for the in vitro production of these metabolites. Hairy roots are the transformed roots, generated from the infection site of the wounded plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. With their fast growth, being free from pathogen and herbicide contamination, genetic stability, and autotrophic nature for plant hormones, hairy roots are considered as useful bioproduction systems for specialized metabolites. Lately, several elicitation methods have been employed to enhance the accumulation of these compounds in the hairy root cultures for both small and large-scale production. Nevertheless, in the latter case, the cultivation of hairy roots in bioreactors should still be optimized. Hairy roots can also be utilized for metabolic engineering of the regulatory genes in the metabolic pathways leading to enhanced production of metabolites. The present study summarizes the updated and modern biotechnological aspects for enhanced production of secondary metabolites in the hairy root cultures of the plants of Solanaceae and their respective importance.

A new 1,2-diketone physalin isolated from Physalis minima and TRAIL-resistance overcoming activity of physalins

A new 1,2-diketone physalin, physalin XII (1), and 13 known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of Physalis minima whole plant collected in Thailand. Among them, five physalins (2-6) had tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-resistance overcoming activity, and physalin F (3) was the most active with an IC50 value of 0.39 µM against human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS in the presence of TRAIL (100 ng/mL). An investigation of the TRAIL-resistance overcoming activity of physalins using western blot analysis showed that 3 promoted TRAIL-induced apoptosis by suppressing anti-apoptotic proteins c-FLIP and Bcl-2.

Anti-inflammatory withanolides from the aerial parts of Physalis minima

Eight undescribed and two known withanolides were obtained from the aerial parts of Physalis minima. The structures of these compounds were defined by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis. Physminin E was elucidated to be a rare 13,14-seco-withanolide. Inhibitory effects of these compounds on nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated by using LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages, and physminin C was shown to be the most active with an IC₅₀ value of 3.5 μM. The further mechanistic analysis of NO inhibition was performed by molecular docking and Western blotting.

Silencing Tautomerization to Isolate Unstable Physalins from Physalis minima

The inherent structural instability of some physalins has hampered the isolation and identification of these compounds for approximately 50 years, and an effective method to overcome these challenges remains unavailable. In the present study, the unprecedented tautomerization mechanism of unstable physalins was elucidated by performing isotopic labeling experiments and DFT calculations, which led to the successful separation of tautomers and isolation of highly pure products for the first time. As a result, 15 new physalins, physaminins A-O (1-15), as well as 17 known analogues (16-32), were isolated from the whole plants of Physalis minima L. The chemical structures of the new compounds were established by performing a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, and their absolute configurations were confirmed by using computational ECD calculations and/or single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All obtained isolates were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against four human cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, MCF-7, and SCG-7901) and two noncancerous cell lines (RAW 264.7 and human normal hepatocytes L02), as well as their anti-inflammatory activities by measuring their abilities to inhibit NO production in LPS-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Compounds 1-5, 13, 16, 18, 19, 23, and 30 exerted significant antiproliferative effects on the four human cancer lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.2(0) to 24.7(2) μM, and these compounds were not toxic to the two noncancerous cell lines at a concentration of 10 μM. Moreover, compounds 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 22, and 27 significantly inhibited NO production, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9(1) to 9.5(2) μM.

The powerful Solanaceae: Food and nutraceutical applications in a sustainable world

The Solanaceae family is considered one of the most important families among plant species because, on one hand encompasses many staple food crops of the human diet while, on the other hand, it includes species rich in powerful secondary metabolites that could be valorized in medicine or drug formulation as well as nutraceuticals and food supplements. The main genera are Solanum, Capsicum, Physalis, and Lycium which comprise several important cultivated crops (e.g., tomato, pepper, eggplant, tomatillo, and goji berry), as well as genera notable for species with several pharmaceutical properties (e.g., Datura, Nicotiana, Atropa, Mandragora, etc.). This chapter discusses the nutritional value of the most important Solanaceae species commonly used for their edible fruit, as well as those used in the development of functional foods, food supplements, and nutraceuticals due to their bioactive constituents. The toxic and poisonous effects are also discussed aiming to highlight possible detrimental consequences due to irrational use. Finally, considering the high amount of waste and by-products generated through the value chain of the main crops, the sustainable management practices implemented so far are presented with the aim to increase the added-value of these crops.

Phytonutrient Composition of Two Phenotypes of Physalis alkekengi L. Fruit

Physalis alkekengi L. is the only representative of the genus Physalis (Solanaceae) that is native to Bulgaria, found in wild habitats under different climatic and soil conditions. The plant is poisonous, but produces edible fruit, which are a source of functional nutrients—vitamins, phenolic antioxidants, minerals, etc. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the presence of certain nutrient and bioactive substances in two phenotypes of P. alkekengi fruit from Bulgaria, in order to better reveal the prospects of fruit use in nutrition. Different macro and micronutrients were determined in the fruit—protein, ash, lipids, fiber, natural pigments, sugars, amino acids, minerals—and the results showed differences between the phenotypes. Fruit energy values were low and identical in the samples, 43 kcal/100 g. The fruits were rich in extractable phenolics (TPC, 17.74–20.25 mg GAE/100 g FW; flavonoids, 15.84–18.03 mg QE/100 g FW) and demonstrated good antioxidant activity (DPPH, 171.55–221.26 mM TE/g; FRAP, 193.18–256.35 mM TE/g). P. alkekengi fruits were processed to obtain a dry extract with ethanol (yield 47.92–58.6%), and its individual composition was identified (GC-MS). The results in this study supported the presumed phytonutritive potential of P. alkekengi fruit, thus, opening doors for further research.

Therapeutic Applications of Physalins: Powerful Natural Weapons

Physalins, or 16,24-cyclo-13,14-seco steroids, are compounds belonging to the class of withanolides that can be found in plants of Solanaceae family, mainly in species belonging to the genus Physalis spp., which are annual herbaceous plants widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Physalins are versatile molecules that act in several cell signaling pathways and activate different mechanisms of cell death or immunomodulation. A number of studies have shown a variety of actions of these compounds, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, and antiviral activities. Here we reviewed the main findings related to the anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiparasitic activities of physalins and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the \challenges and future directions in the pharmacological application of physalins.

Natural Products from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A Review on Their Structural Analysis, Quality Control, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (P. alkekengi), a medicinal and edible plant, are frequently used as heat-clearing and detoxifying agents in thousands of Chinese medicine prescriptions. For thousands of years in China, they have been widely used in clinical practice to treat throat disease, hepatitis, and bacillary dysentery. This systematic review summarizes their structural analysis, quality control, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research studies on this medicinal plant are discussed. Relevant information on the calyxes and fruits of P. alkekengi was collected from electronic databases, Chinese herbal classics, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Moreover, information was collected from ancient documents in China. The components isolated and identified in P. alkekengi include steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, terpenoids, megastigmane, aliphatic derivatives, organic acids, coumarins, and sucrose esters. Steroids, particularly physalins and flavonoids, are the major characteristic and bioactive ingredients in P. alkekengi. According to the literature, physalins are synthesized by the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathways, and flavonoids are synthesized by the phenylpropanoid pathway. Since the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. alkekengi are complex and varied, there are different standards for the evaluation of its quality and efficacy. In most cases, the analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection. A pharmacological study showed that the crude extracts and isolated compounds from P. alkekengi had extensive in vitro and in vivo biological activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, antibacterial, anti-leishmanial, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-malarial, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and vasodilatory). Moreover, the relevant anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor mechanisms were elucidated. The reported activities indicate the great pharmacological potential of P. alkekengi. Similarly, studies on the pharmacokinetics of specific compounds will also contribute to the progress of clinical research in this setting.