Medical Research, Folk Medicine and Potential Health Value
Scientific studies of the cape gooseberry show its constituents, possibly polyphenols and/or carotenoids, demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The crude extract of the fruit-bearing plant has demonstrated antihepatoma and anti-inflammatory activities.
It has shown possible antidiabetes and antihypertension properties in vitro.
Some "withanolides" isolated from the plant have shown anticancer activity. The unusual 5-chloride withanolide, 9, displayed significant cytotoxic activity.
Antihepatotoxic effects (in rats) against CCl4 were found.
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has been found in the plant. Evidence, mainly from animal models, suggests melatonin administration may help to prevent or cure diseases associated with oxidative stress, including neurodegenerative diseases, which frequently occur during aging.
In folk medicine, Physalis peruviana has been used as a medicinal herb to treat cancer, leukemia, malaria, asthma, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism. None of these diseases, however, is yet confirmed in human clinical in vivo studies as treatable by the cape gooseberry.
Read more about this topic: Physalis Peruviana
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