Physalis alkekengi

Physalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acid
Physalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acidPhysalis alkekengi, Solanaceae, Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acid
Botanical Nomenclature Physalis alkekengi
Common Name Bladder Cherry, Chinese Lantern, Japanese-Lantern, Strawberry Groundcherry, Winter Cherry
Taxonomy- Family Solanaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Physalis alkekengi is an annual or perennial plant growing from 30 to 100cm, with simple, petiolate, oval leaves, radial, five-lobed, white, hermaphrodite flowers and red, spherical fruits. The flowering lasts from June to July, the fruiting happens in November and the harvesting takes place from September to October.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Ripe berries
Active Substances Alkaloids, solanine, bitter agent (physaline), malic acid (which causes the fruits' sour taste), vitamin C, caffeic acid, citric acid
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antitussive and expectorant properties, while the fruits have diuretic, sudorific and laxative actions. In folk medicine the herbal tea is used for the treatment of kidney stones, arthritis, rheumatism, jaundice and fever. The leaves are applied externally as emollient and soothing in the form of poultice and ointment. In homeopathy the tincture made from the ripe berries is recommended as diuretic against various renal and gallbladder diseases.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as a diuretic and antipyretic in the form of herbal tea (6-20g of the ripe, dried fruits in 1L of boiled water, 2-3 cups a day), and it is applied externally as an emolient in the form of poultice. In homeopathy it is recommended as diuretic in the form of tincture (30 drops)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects The whole plant is poisonous. Overdosing may cause constipation, abortion and weight gain. The buds which surround the fruits are toxic.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 553-554 2)http://www.haniotika-nea.gr/fisalis-alkekensios/ 3)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Physalis_alkekengi 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Physalis+alkekengi 5)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/physalis-alkekengi-franchetii=winter-cherry.php 6)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chewin57.html