Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A review of the pharmacognosy, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, quality control, and applications

BACKGROUND:Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF) (Chinese name Jin-Deng-Long) from the Solanaceae family is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects, such as removing heat, detoxification, improving throat conditions, removing phlegm, and ameliorating diuresis. PURPOSE:This paper reviews the existing literature and patents and puts forward some suggestions for future PAF research. METHODS:Using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, we performed comprehensive search of literature and patents published before April 2022 on PAF and its active ingredients. RESULTS:We comprehensively reviewed the research progress of PAF from aspects of the traditional application, botany, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology, and first discussed quality control and modern applications, which have not been explored in previous reviews. Thereafter, we reviewed the limitations of pharmacological mechanism and quality control studies and proposed appropriate solutions, which is of great practical significance to subsequent studies. CONCLUSION:In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on PAF, and put forward new insights on studies regarding quality control, material basis, and mechanisms in classical prescription, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical application and development of Chinese medicine.