An updated review on Physalis peruviana fruit: Cultivational, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical aspects

Abstract

Plants have always been rich sources of medicinally active constituents in the quest for curing numerous diseases. Among those, Physalis peruviana has been utilized traditionally as a therapeutic (antispasmodic, diuretic, antiseptic, sedative, and analgesic) and nutraceutical herb. It contains numerous active components like essential minerals, α-linolenic acid, iron, vitamins, carbohydrates, phytosterols etc. Its potential as a multifunctional agent in beverages, foods and nutraceutical industries makes it an important crop for consideration. From the agricultural point of view, this fruit is a profitable commercial crop for arid regions also and does not require much effort and investment for cultivation. It easily grows in wild and arid regions. Despite being a nutraceutical and a medicinally important crop, its utilization is not up to the mark. Thus the objective of the present review was to explore and emphasize the nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of Physalis peruviana. It provides exhaustive insight into the origin, distribution, cultivation, harvesting, active constituents and its prospective utility in food, nutrition and pharmaceutical industries.