Withanolides from the genus Physalis: a review on their phytochemical and pharmacological aspects

Abstract

Objectives Withanolides are a group of modified C28 ergostane‐type steroids with a C‐22, C‐26 δ‐lactone side chain or a C‐23, C‐26 γ‐lactone side chain. They enjoy a limited distribution in the plant kingdom and predominantly occur in several genera of Solanaceae. Of which, the genus Physalis is an important resource for this type of natural molecules. The present review aims to comprehensively illustrate the structural characteristics and classification of withanolides, and particularly focus on the progression on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of withanolides from Physalis ranging from January 2015 to June 2019. Key findings Approximately 351 natural withanolides with novel and unique structures have so far been identified from genus Physalis, mainly isolated from the species of P. angulata and P. peruviana. Withanolides demonstrated diverse biological activity, such as anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity. Their observed pharmacological functions supported the uses of Physalis species in traditional or folk medicines. Summary Due to their unique structure skeleton and potent bioactivities, withanolides are regarded to be promising drug candidates, particularly for developing anticancer and anti‐inflammatory agents. Further investigations for discovering novel withanolides of genus Physalis, exploiting their pharmacological values and evaluating their potency as therapeutic agents are significant work.

Physalin A, 13,14-Seco-16, 24-Cyclo-Steroid, Inhibits Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway and Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)

“…Traditional Chinese medicine using the calyx of this plant is commonly adopted for the treatment of excessive phlegm, pharyngitis, phemphigus, cough, sore throat, hepatitis, eczema, dysuria, and tumors [8]. These data suggest that the genus Physalis is an important source of withanolide-type molecules with potential therapeutic effect against human diseases [9]. Studies have demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties of Physalin A. Nrf2 pathway was regulated by physalin A through ERK and p38 for induction of detoxifying enzymes [10].…”

Withanolide C Inhibits Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells via Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and DNA Damage

“…Withanolide is a general name for at least 300 natural C-28 steroidal lactones [ 1 , 2 ]. Several kinds of withanolides are reported to have anticancer effects [ 3 ].…”

Physalis peruviana L.: perspectiva de aplicabilidade no tratamento de câncer

“…De uso popular, seus farmacógenos são aplicados em várias doenças, como câncer, hepatite e reumatismo, destacando-se na literatura pela composição química, aspecto nutricional e farmacológico. Os frutos são de sabor agradável, semelhante ao de tomate doce, rico em vitamina, vitamina A e vitaminas do complexo B, (Franco et al, 2006;Huang et al, 2020;Puente, 2011;Rodríguez & Rodríguez, 2007;Vega et al, 2020;Yu et al, 2021).…”