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

AbstractObjectivesWithanolides 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 genusPhysalis 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 fromPhysalis ranging from January 2015 to June 2019.Key findingsApproximately 351 natural withanolides with novel and unique structures have so far been identified from genusPhysalis, mainly isolated from the species ofP.  angulata andP.  peruviana. Withanolides demonstrated diverse biological activity, such as anticancer, anti ‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity. Their observed pharmacological functions supported the uses ofPhysalis species in traditional or folk medicines.SummaryDue 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 genusPhysalis, exploiting their pharmacological values and evaluating their potency as therapeutic...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research