Félicien Mushagalusa Kasali
1, 2* 
, Naasson Tuyiringire
1, 3 , Emanuel L Peter
1, 4 , Lucrèce Y . Ahovegbe
1, 5 , Muhammad Shaiq Ali
6 , Jonans Tusiimire
7 , Patrick Engeu Ogwang
1, 7 , Justin Ntokamunda Kadima
2, 8 , Amon Ganafa Agaba
9 1 Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, PO. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
2 Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Public Health, Official University of Bukavu, PO. Box 570 Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
3 School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, University Avenue, PO. Box 56, Butare, Rwanda
4 National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Innovation, Technology Transfer & Commercialization, PO. Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
5 Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious and Allergic Diseases, ISBA and FAST, University of Abomey-Calavi, P.O. BOX: 04 BP 1221 Cotonou, Benin
6 H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Centre for Chemical & Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, PO. Box 75270 Karachi, Pakistan
7 Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, PO. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
8 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO. Box 117 Huye, Rwanda
9 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, PO. Box 1410 Mbarara, Uganda
Abstract
Physalis peruviana L. is among plant species possessing evident nutritional, nutraceutical, and commercial interests. This review highlights the complexity of the chemical composition supporting the multiple pharmacotherapeutic indications and dietary values of this plant through evidence-based studies from Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, SciFinder, Science Direct, Scopus, the Wiley online library, and Web of Science. The literature mentions at least 40 compounds isolated from different parts; others are still under investigation. High yields in carotenoids, amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids have healthy nutritional benefits. Various phytoconstituents, particularly withanolides, exhibit anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic potentials, as well as cardiovascular and liver protective effects. Prospective studies reveal that the leaves would also provide various beneficial bioactive chemicals worth being isolated. However, clinical evidence-based studies are seldom. Therefore, adequate pharmaceutical formulations and more in-depth controlled clinical trials are needed to fill the gap.