Physalis Genus, a Plant Source against Breast Cancer on MCF-7 Cell Line: A Systematic Review

Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating that bioactive compounds derived from Physalis genus, such as ginsenosides, berberine, astragaloside IV, matrine, and tanshinones, could impede the formation and spread of tumors. Hence, the purpose was to identify studies that assessed the anticancer properties of extracts or compounds derived from different species within the genus Physalis, specifically targeting the MCF-7 cell line.

Various species of Physalis, such as Physalis alkekengi, Physalis angulata, Physalis ixocarpa, Physalis longifolia, Physalis minima, Physalis philadelphica, Physalis pubescens and Physalis peruviana have been scientifically proven for their cytotoxic property. Specifically, the withanolides found predominantly in the Physalis genus have demonstrated a wide variety of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative.

The present study conducted a systematic review using online databases such as PubMed Central, PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest. During our study, a total of twenty-two research articles derived from 150 investigations that satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria were included into the review. About 20 research examined withanolides, with 4 ẞ-hydroxywithanolide E being the molecule that received the most attention, with four study reports in the MCF cell line. Hence, it can be concluded that phytochemicals of the genus Physalis possess their efficacy in treating breast cancer by their cytotoxic impact on the MCF-7 cell line.