Physalis Research Articles

Ethnoveterinary treatment of livestock in Ghana: Cultural importance and consensus on plants used

The traditional free-range system of livestock rearing contributes to the socioeconomic well-being of most rural households in Ghana. The traditional management system exposes livestock to a high disease incidence, but healthcare support for animal production is limited. Ethnoveterinary practice is an integral part of livestock treatment, particularly in rural communities where veterinary services are poor. However, documentation of the plants used for ethnoveterinary treatment of livestock is scant in the country. Given the dearth of information on ethnoveterinary treatment, this study aimed to document the cultural significance and level of agreement of plant species used for treating livestock ailments in the Adaklu district. Ethnoveterinary data were collected from 120 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to ascertain the most culturally significant plant species for livestock healing. It was found that 38 plant species were used to treat various livestock ailments. Ethnobotanical indices revealed that Mangifera indica, Elaeis guineensis, Khaya senegalensis, Spondias mombin, and Physalis peruviana were the most culturally significant plant species for treating livestock ailments. Mangifera indica was found to be the most versatile species for treating livestock ailments and had the highest cultural importance (CI). This study reveals the high cultural importance of plants in the Adaklu district to improve livestock healthcare. The perceived efficacy influences the selection and utilization of a resource for folk medicine. The study recommends isolating and characterizing the active compounds in the most culturally significant plants and testing the properties on the medical conditions attributed to these plants.

Control biológico contra Fusarium sp. en plantas de uchuva (Physalis peruviana L.) a nivel de invernadero mediante aplicación combinada de Trichoderma sp. y Bacillus sp.

Contextualization: The production of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), an exotic fruit of great commercial importance in Colombia, has been limited by the presence of Fusarium sp. Which causes losses of up to 40% of production; this pathogen is mainly controlled with chemical synthesis products. Knowledge gap: The individual use of microorganisms for biological control has become a useful strategy to reduce the impact caused by Fusarium sp. However, its activity is limited in the field, and therefore it is necessary to carry out consortium combinations of different native microbial genera as a promising tool for biological control. Purpose: To evaluate the antagonistic activity of the combined application of Trichoderma sp. and Bacillus sp. as biocontrollers of Fusarium sp. at greenhouse level in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Methodology: Microorganisms were isolated from soil samples and plant material from a cape gooseberry crop. Isolates consistent with Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. were confronted in vitro conditions to determine the percentage of inhibition over three Fusarium sp. that showed pathogenicity in cape gooseberry seeds according to their germination and root length. The in vivo antagonist activity was tested individually and in a consortium of Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. that most inhibited Fusarium sp. with a higher pathogenicity index. Additionally, these isolates were identified by morphological, molecular and phylogenetic techniques. Results and conclusions: Seven native isolates consistent with Bacillus sp. with inhibitory activity against three Fusarium sp. were obtained. The bacterial isolate IB4B (identified as Bacillus sp.) registered the highest percentage of inhibition (48%), and TV1 was the fungus with the highest activity (64%) although. It did not differ statistically from TV2 (identified as Trichoderma asperellum). The pathogenicity test indicated that UCMV21 (identified as Fusarium oxysporum) inhibited the germination of 58% of the evaluated seeds. In the in vivo tests on cape gooseberry seedlings, UCMV21 presented low pathogenicity by developing few symptoms of vascular wilt. However, treatments with the Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma sp., achieved control of the pathogen and improved the root length of the seedlings.

Effect of Organic Manure and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Enriched Biocapsules on Growth Yield and Quality of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.)

Effect of Organic Manure and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Enriched Biocapsules on Growth Yield and Quality of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.)

Modes of action of Trichoderma virens Gl006 and Bacillus velezensis Bs006: decoding the arsenal of the microbial consortium

The consortium based on Trichoderma virens Gl006 and Bacillus velezensis Bs006 was selected in a previous study because the high effectiveness against Fusarium wilt of cape gooseberry (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. physali—Foph). The compatibility among the strains was determined previously, but the modes of action exerted by the consortium remained unknown. In this study, the modes of action displayed by the Gl006 and Bs006 consortium against the Foph strain Map5 were determined and compared with the modes of action of the single microorganisms. Production of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDE), cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) by Bs006 and gliotoxin by Gl006, and fusaric acid (FA) production by Foph were evaluated in the co-culture of the strains in several culture media. Furthermore, the survival of the strains in the soil, the colonization of plant tissues and the induction of systemic responses through a split root model bioassay were evaluated. While Bs006 showed protease, β-1,3-glucanase, and chitobiosidase enzymatic activities, and production of CLPs, Gl006 showed β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, chitobiosidase, total chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, and protease activities. All the metabolites produced by the single strains were also found in the consortium, but in a culture medium dependent manner. The FA was found in the experiment on the interaction of the consortium with Foph Map5 in the minimal basal medium and in potato dextrose broth. The population of Foph was reduced by the consortium in vitro, under the synthetic media that favored the production of all the CWDE tested. In soil conditions, the consortium reduced the population of Foph by 63% in a synergistic way. Bs006 was recovered from the inner tissues of the plant, where Gl006 prevented the entry of Foph to the roots and reduced the incidence of the disease under the split root model. These results suggest that the consortium of Gl006 and Bs006 displays modes of action through CWDE and CLP´s and indirectly through induction of systemic resistance, which could act complementary since neither of them were enhanced in consortium. Here we characterized a consortium capable of reducing the population of Foph in soil and control the disease in a synergistic way.

Germination Performance of Physalis peruviana L. Seeds under Thermal and Water Stress Conditions

Physalis peruviana holds significant economic value, making it crucial to determine optimal cultivation conditions, particularly concerning seed germination under varying water and temperature conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of heat and water stress on the germination and vigor of P. peruviana seeds. The study was divided into two trials: the first examined the effect of constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C and alternating temperatures of 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period (control) on seed germination and vigor. The second trial investigated germination and vigor under different water and thermal conditions using various osmotic potentials (0; −0.3; −0.6; and −0.9 MPa) and two temperatures (constant 30 °C and alternating 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period). Both trials used a 16 h photoperiod. The germination tests revealed optimal (30 °C), moderate (20/30 °C), minimal (20 °C), and inhibited (40 °C) temperatures for the species’ germination. It was found that the first germination count could be conducted on the seventh day after sowing. Low water availability had negative effects on seed germination and vigor, especially at osmotic potentials below −0.45 and −0.61 MPa, combined with temperatures of 30 and 20/30 °C, respectively. Severe water stress, with osmotic potentials equal to or below −0.9 MPa, completely inhibited seed germination and vigor. Reduction in water potential and increased temperature resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage, speed, and quality of P. peruviana germination. These findings indicate that the species does not tolerate extreme temperatures, whether low (less than 15 °C) or high (greater than 35 °C), nor water stress with osmotic potentials lower than −0.45 MPa, much less the combination of these factors.

Evaluation of nutritional composition, biochemical, and quality attributes of different varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Due to the wide variety and great quality differences, it is very confusing for consumers and growers to choose the best variety. For this purpose, we conducted a greenhouse test to focus on the nutrients and bioactive substances of diverse varieties of tomato. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we analyzed 28 quality traits across the nine tomato varieties. The results revealed significant variations in quality attributes of nine varieties, such as naringenin and cinnamic acid content, ranging from 0 to 2.02 and 0.97 μg/g, respectively. Similarly, sucrose, malic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, and gentisic acid exhibited high coefficients of variation of 31.60 %, 74.82 %, 30.94 %, 39.59 %, and 86.32 %, respectively. For the comprehensive evaluation of quality and difference among tomato varieties, we used Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with membership function methods. Notably, strawberry tomato (S2) and Yuanwei No.1 (S1) exhibited the highest quality, and Pink Belle No.2 (S7) showed lowest. The above metabolites show different accumulations potential among different varieties. In addition, we explored the nutritional variations in tomatoes different parts at various growth stages of two varieties. Overall, study result investigated metabolic differences of nutrients at different growth stages, especially ripening stage affecting fruit quality. Thus, these useful findings will provide useful information for consumers and researchers.

Protective Effects of Golden Berry (Physalis peruviana L.) Juice against Diabetic Renal Injury in Rats

Protective Effects of Golden Berry (Physalis peruviana L.) Juice against Diabetic Renal Injury in Rats

Evaluation of Cape Gooseberry Varieties for Growth and Bioactive Compounds Under Subtropical Conditions of Northwestern India

Evaluation of Cape Gooseberry Varieties for Growth and Bioactive Compounds Under Subtropical Conditions of Northwestern India

Phyto- and biochemical study on cape gooseberry (physalis peruviana L.) extract incorporated with metal nanoparticles against hepatic injury induced in rats

The study aimed to investigate the role of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) in improving the efficiency of Physalis peruviana (Cape gooseberry) juice, which is rich in numerous important therapeutic phytochemicals. Therefore, it was subsequently studied against chemically-induced toxicity in rats. The present study demonstrated that C. gooseberry juice was used for the biosynthesis of silver (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The ZnO-C. gooseberry nano-extract exhibited higher in vitro biological activities compared to the other extracts. It was also found to be safer when administered orally. Moreover, it demonstrated a greater ameliorative effect against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. It restored the integrity of the liver tissue by increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the inflammatory markers significantly (p ≤ 0.05). The study found that the ZnO-C. gooseberry nano-extract demonstrated greater efficacy in combating CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity compared to the other extracts.

Stability of an isotonic beverage based on sweet whey permeate added with cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Carbohydrate and mineral content in whey permeate is similar to that of commercially available sports drinks, most of which are formulated without functional ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical stability of two formulations of isotonic beverage from whey permeate obtained by membrane separation (ultrafiltration), added with cape gooseberry fruit (Physalis peruviana L.). Physicochemical and microbiological stability, total polyphenol and carotenoid content, antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH) and sensory profile were evaluated during two-months of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The results showed high physicochemical stability (pH, acidity, and total soluble solids) for the functional beverage. Important differences were observed in osmolality, which increased from 304.83 to 324.13 mOsm kg-1 for the non-hydrolyzed drink (BIUN) and from 330.1 to 350.53 mOsm kg-1 for the hydrolyzed drink (BIUH). The average content of total phenols was 9.64 and 9.72 mg-AG.100 g-1 for the BIUN and BIUH beverages, respectively. There was a reduction in the antioxidant activity of the drinks by both DPPH and ABTS analysis during storage time. Total carotenoid content decreased from 0.095 to 0.076 mg β-carotene.100 g-1 and from 0.115 to 0.076 mg β-carotene.100 g-1 for the BIUN and BIUH beverages, respectively. The sensory profile showed that both drinks had high overall quality.

Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of Physalis peruviana L. plants under different water availabilities

Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of Physalis peruviana L. plants under different water availabilities

Integrated nutrient module: an efficient tool for sustainable farming of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Cape gooseberry is a nutrient loving crop. But excessive use of inorganic fertilizers may leads to health hazards, ecological vulnerabilities and diminution of soil physico-chemical characteristics. Hence, a trial was conducted for substituting inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizer in cape gooseberry to maintain the yield potential with soil fertility status too. The experimental plants were treated with azotobacter, phosphate and potash solubilizing bacteria (PSB and KSB) at 10 g plant-1 each with reduced dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF) (100- 60%) for two consecutive growing season. Total harvestable fruit plant-1 with highest yield was recorded in 90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment with par value in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Quality of ripped fruit with respect to TSS (15.90 °B), total sugar (11.29%), ascorbic acid (60.03 mg 100 g-1) and carotenoid content (49.25 µg 100 g-1) was also improved significantly in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Soil physico-chemical properties of the field was not varied significantly over initial reading. However, microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes count was improved significantly in all the nutrient modules. Hence, it can be concluded that integrated nutrient module comprising 60% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB at 10 g plant-1 is the best treatment module for improving the production system of cape gooseberry in sustainable manner for long run without hampering the soil health and quality. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 83-90, 2024 (March)

Protective effect of sucrose esters from cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in TNBS-induced colitis.

Phytotherapy is an attractive strategy to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that could be especially useful in developing countries. We previously demonstrated the intestinal anti-inflammatory effect of the total ethereal extract from the Physalis peruviana (Cape gooseberry) calyces in TNBS-induced colitis. This work investigates the therapeutic potential of Peruviose A and B, two sucrose esters that constitute the major metabolites of its calyces. The effect of the Peruvioses A and B mixture on TNBS-induced colitis was studied after 3 (preventive) and 15-days (therapy set-up) of colitis induction in rats. Colonic inflammation was assessed by measuring macroscopic/histologic damage, MPO activity, and biochemical changes. Additionally, LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with test compounds to determine the effect on cytokine imbalance in these cells. Peruvioses mixture ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis in acute (preventive) or established (therapeutic) settings. Although 3-day treatment with compounds did not produce a potent effect, it was sufficient to significantly reduce the extent/severity of tissue damage and the microscopic disturbances. Beneficial effects in the therapy set-up were substantially higher and involved the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS, COX-2), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), as well as epithelial regeneration with restoration of goblet cells numbers and expression of MUC-2 and TFF-3. Consistently, LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells produced less NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1. These effects might be related to the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results suggest that sucrose esters from P. peruviana calyces, non-edible waste from fruit production, might be useful as an alternative IBD treatment.

Effect of saline stress on the metabolic profile and antidiabetic potential of Physalis peruviana

Goldenberry is a fruit widely utilised for treating diabetes. Its nutraceutical properties can be enhanced by subjecting it to saline stress during cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of applying NaCl (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mM) to goldenberry plants on the metabolite profile and hypoglycaemic potential of both fruit and leaf decoctions. The findings demonstrated that NaCl increases the phenolic content, flavonoids, and hydrolysable polyphenols in leaf decoctions. Additionally, four alkaloids previously unreported in Physalis peruviana were identified. Saline stress improved the profile of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds in both leaves and fruits. Furthermore, incubation with decoctions of stressed leaves at a concentration of 0.50 mg/mL reduced extracellular glucose levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, extracts of leaves subjected to 40 mM NaCl stress slightly diminished the postprandial hyperglycaemic peak in healthy rats, potentially attributable to increased glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Effects of Physalis peruviana L. (leaf crude extracts) on blood glucose and functional biomarkers in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

Promoting antidiabetic phytomedicines necessitates evidence-based preclinical investigations, particularly in animal models. The present study investigated the validity of using the streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic (STZ/NA-induced T2DM) model to evaluate the effects of Physalis peruviana leaf crude extracts on controlling blood glucose levels and regulating physiological biomarkers in rats. Aqueous and methanol extracts dissolved in carboxymethylcellulose 1% (100, 200, mg/kg/day) were administered orally to STZ/NA-induced T2DM rats alongside glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) as the standard drug for four weeks. Blood samples were collected in fasting rats on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to measure glucose concentration, lipoprotein-cholesterol, and common serum biomarkers. Nutrition characteristics were also monitored, as well as the pancreas histology. Administration of STZ/NA in Wistar rats induced the T2DM significantly lower than did STZ alone (glycaemia 200 vs 400 mg/dL). The significant effects observed with plant extracts compared to untreated diabetic rats were blood glucose reduction (28-52 %), HDL-C increase, LDL-C decrease, ALAT increase, WBC increase, body weight gain (24%), and pancreas protection. The findings confirm the antidiabetic effect of P. peruviana in T2DM animal model.

Withaperuvin O, a new withanolide from Physalis peruviana L

Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) has been used in tropical and subtropical countries of the world as medicinal and fruit trees. In this study, a new withanolide named withaperuvin O (1) and seven known ones, including physalolactone B-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), withanolide J (3), physapruin A (4), physaperuvin G (5), withaperuvin (6), withaperuvin C (7) and 28-hydroxywithaperuvin C (8), were isolated from the whole plants of P. peruviana. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses including NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The bioactivities of these compounds against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells and cytotoxicity against HepG2 were tested. Compound 3 showed strong anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 3.55 ± 0.12 µM (compared to positive control L-NMMA 7.72 ± 0.46 µM). Compounds 3 and 4 inhibited HepG2 cell line with the IC50 values of 2.01 ± 0.12 µM, 0.96 ± 0.05 µM, respectively (Ellipticine, 0.32 ± 0.02 µM). Our study indicated that compounds 3 and 4 could be new potential natural products for the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents.

Evidencing the importance of the functional unit in comparative life cycle assessment of organic berry crops.

LCA methodology provides the best framework to evaluate environmental impacts in agriculture systems. However, the interpretation of LCA results, in particular when the objective was to compare different production systems, could be affected by the selection of the functional unit (FU). That is why an accurate definition of the FU, in agreement with the function considered for the systems analysed, is essential. In this work, the organic production at small scale of blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and cape gooseberry in North Spain has been analysed following LCA methodology. Although a different distribution of environmental loads was obtained for each crop, in all cases, the main contributions to most of the considered environmental categories were electric and fertiliser consumptions. The different production systems have been compared on the basis of the environmental impacts associated considering different FUs, i.e. based on fruit mass, cultivated area, farm-gate price and nutritional quality of fruits. Carbon footprints (CF) have been also calculated. It was observed that the order of the crops with respect to their environmental performances was the same for the blueberry and raspberry crops (with the lowest and the highest CF, respectively), independently of the selected FU, whereas the order of the blackberry and cape gooseberry crops was interchanged, depending on the FU used. This work supports the need of being aware of the final objective of the orchards when choosing the FU (i.e. producing fruits, cultivating an area, economic benefits or nourishing people), so that valid conclusions can be achieved from the environmental comparison, even for different agricultural products.

Farmer Preferences Regarding Andean Fruit Crops Across Six Municipalities in the Department of Nariño, Colombia

Understanding the dynamics of crop choices in different regions is critical to designing effective strategies for sustainable agriculture and rural development. The experiment was carried out in six municipalities in the Andean region of the department of Nariño, Colombia. The correspondence analysis was used to explore the association between the preferences of farmers and cultivated fruit species. On farms of 90 fruit growers, seven Andean fruit crops were planted, including Solanum betaceum, S. quitoense, Physalis peruviana, Passiflora pinatistipula, P. ligularis, P. edulis, R. fruticosus. At the end of the experiment, a structured survey was carried out to ask the producers which crop they preferred to implement on their farm, and which one produced the worst experience. In addition, a general diagnosis of the main phytosanitary problems they had throughout the cultivation period was carried out. Arboleda and Sandoná farmers demonstrate a distinctive inclination towards S. betaceum, while Ipiales exhibits a preference for P. peruviana. Conversely, La Florida, Providencia, and El Peñol distinctly favor S. quitoense, with widespread acceptance for R. glaucus and P. ligularis. Farmers do not have a preference for planting P. pinatistipula in Ipiales. S. betaceum was intensified Anthracnosis and Potyvirus-related issues, affecting crop periods and fruit quality. S. quitoense faces altitude-dependent pathogen susceptibility, while R. fruticosus contends with downy mildew. Passion fruit confronts Fusarium sp., gray mold, and dieback. Tailored interventions are crucial for sustainable agriculture amidst diverse challenges. This research contributes valuable insights for informed agricultural planning and regional development policies.

Prediction of physicochemical properties of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) using near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI)

Cape gooseberries possess high nutritional value, characterized by elevated levels of vitamin C. This study proposed the application of near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) coupled with chemometrics (Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR)) to predict vitamin C content (mg/mL), firmness (N), soluble solids content (SSC) (°Brix), and titratable acidity (TA) ( %). Vitamin C content was the property with best prediction performance (RMSEP = 4.15 (mg/mL) and RPD = 2.61.) SVMR for predicting firmness achieved an RPD of 2.31, while for predicting SSC and titratable acidity, RMSEP values were <1 %. The bottom/calyx of berries proved to be the best region for image acquisition. Overall, full-spectral-based PLSR and SVMR exhibited comparable performance regarding RPD values. However, following a meticulous variable selection process, SVMR demonstrated superior adaptability to dimensionality reduction, increasing +17 % RPD values. Finally, we demonstrate that NIR-HSI could predict the physicochemical composition of Cape gooseberries.

Daily Consumption of Golden Berry (Physalis peruviana) Has Been Shown to Halt the Progression of Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Obese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

In a study addressing the high risk of chronic diseases in people with diabetes and obesity linked to metabolic syndrome, the impact of a Golden Berry diet was investigated using a diabetic animal model. Obese rats with diabetic characteristics were fed a diet containing five percent Golden Berry for 16 days. This study focused on various parameters including organ weights, expression of metabolic genes, and urinary biomarkers. Post-Golden Berry intake, there was a notable decrease in the body, liver, pancreas, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue weights in these obese, hyperglycemic rats. In contrast, an increase in brown adipose tissue (BAT) cell mass was observed. This diet also resulted in reduced blood glucose levels and normalized plasma biochemical profiles, including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL levels. Additionally, it modulated specific urinary biomarkers, particularly pipe-colic acid, a primary marker for type 2 diabetes. Bioinformatics analysis linked these dietary effects to improved insulin signaling and adipogenesis. Regular consumption of Golden Berry effectively prevented insulin resistance and obesity in rats, underscoring its significant health benefits and the protective role of an antioxidant-rich diet against metabolic syndrome. These findings offer promising insights for future therapeutic strategies to manage and prevent obesity and related chronic diseases.