Common names | Golden berry, Cape gooseberry, Goldenberry, Poha, Physalis 

Scientific name | Physalis peruviana
Used part | Fruit

Known active compounds | polyphenols, carotenoids 

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant 

Product name | Golden Berry-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Physalis peruviana, commonly known as golden berry, cape gooseberry, goldenberry, poha, and physalis, is an herbaceous, fruiting plant in the Solanaceae family. It is native to Andean regions like Peru but also grows worldwide in temperate and tropical regions. It produces yellow-orange fruits which are used in various types of foods such as sauces, pies, puddings, chutneys, jams, and ice creams and also eaten fresh or in salads. Berries are known to be a rich source of anti-oxidants, including polyphenols and carotenoids and has been used as a folk remedy against asthma, edema, optic nerve disorders, throat afflictions, upset stomach, and various skin conditions.

 

Total phenolic content, as well as ascorbic acid and β-carotene contents were analyzed in golden berry fruit. Other carotenoids such as lutein and its derivatives were also identified. Anti-oxidant activity of golden berry fruit was analyzed by DPPH, ORAC, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In particular, ORAC value was positively correlated with total phenolic content, indicating that polyphenols are important contributors to anti-oxidant capacity of golden berry fruit.