The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Common names | Mullaca, Angular winter cherry, Balloon cherry, Cutleaf groundcherry, Camapu
Scientific name | Physalis angulata
Used part | Aerial part
Known active compounds | kaempferol, quercetin, physalin E
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
Product name | Mullaca-ANB
Plant Story
Mullaca (Physalis angulata), also known as angular winter cherry, balloon cherry, cutleaf groundcherry, and camapu, is an herbaceous, annual plant. It is native to tropical Americas and now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Both fruit and leaf are used. Fruit can be consumed fresh but leaves are primarily used for medicinal purposes. Leaves are externally applied to various skin conditions. The whole aerial part has also been traditionally used to treat skin sores, rashes, pruritus, and earaches.
Researches have shown phenolic profile and bioactivities of mullaca. In mullaca leaves, flavonols kaempferol glycosides and quercetin glycosides were found to be major constituents. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were higher in leaves than in roots and stems. Anti-oxidant activity analyzed by DPPH and iron reducing power assays was also higher in leaves than in roots and stems. Physalin E, a secosteroid isolated from mullaca plant showed a dose-dependent inhibition of mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. Other compounds such as physangulatins isolated from mullaca stems and leaves also showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.