Bioactive Compound Optimization in Physalis Species
Summary
Physalis species, commonly known as cape gooseberry or golden berry, are emerging as valuable sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds. These include phenolic acids, flavonoids, withanolides and terpenoids endowed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer properties. Optimisation efforts span from agronomic practices—such as light spectrum management, nitrogen fertilisation and canopy training—to precise harvest timing and post-harvest handling, all aimed at maximising yield and compound content. Recent advances in analytical chemistry and metabolomics have enabled comprehensive profiling of metabolites, while biotechnological and breeding approaches are beginning to unlock genetic determinants of bioactive accumulation. The ultimate goal is to integrate cultivation, processing and extraction strategies to deliver standardised, high-quality extracts for functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications on a global scale.
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Bioactive Compound Optimization in Physalis Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compound optimization in physalis species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Untargeted metabolomics: A global analytical strategy that profiles all detectable metabolites in a sample without restricting the analysis to predefined compounds.
UPLC-ESI/QToF-MS: Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, a technique offering high sensitivity and mass accuracy for compound identification.
Withanolides: A class of naturally occurring steroidal lactones found in Physalis and other Solanaceae, recognised for their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities.
References
- Main urinary biomarkers of golden berries (Physalis peruviana) following acute and short-term nutritional intervention in healthy human volunteers. Food Research International (2023).
- Plasma Metabolome Profiling by High-Performance Chemical Isotope-Labelling LC-MS after Acute and Medium-Term Intervention with Golden Berry Fruit (Physalis peruviana L.), Confirming Its Impact on Insulin-Associated Signaling Pathways. Nutrients (2021).
- Phenolic acids from fruits of Physalis angulata L. in two stages of maturation. South African Journal of Botany (2020).
- Light spectrum on the quality of fruits of physalis species in subtropical area. Bragantia (2016).
- Chemical characteristics of fruits of two species of Physalis under nitrogen fertilization. African Journal of Agricultural Research (2016).
- Sistemas de condução para o cultivo de physalis no planalto catarinense. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura (2011).
- Avaliação física, química e fitoquímica de frutos de Physalis, ao longo do período de colheita. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura (2012).
- Post harvest quality of Cabe-gooseberry under room temperature and refrigeration. Revista CERES (2013).
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