A mini review on anti-microbial effects of physalis fruit extract

Abstract

Infectious diseases are among the most common diseases in the world and the death rate due to these diseases is increasing, especially in developing countries, and imposes great costs on human societies. One of the main ways to treat infectious diseases is to use antibiotics. The biggest challenge of this field, today is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, which has become a major problem for patients. This increases the need to explore novel more effective methods. In recent years, researchers have examined the antimicrobial effects of various plant extracts as natural antimicrobial sources against a wide range of microorganisms. Herbs are among the best candidates for inhibiting antibiotic-resistant infectious bacteria due to their cost-effectiveness and low side effects. Plants are known as one of the most important sources of drugs with antibacterial and antifungal effects due to their secondary compounds and stimulation of the immune system and abundant antioxidant properties. Biochemical compounds of the ethanolic extract of Physalis peroviana fruits contains carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, vitamins C, A, B. Physalis fruit extract has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Physalis fruit extract has also shown a significant positive effect on Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity of this plant against Listeria pathogen has also been proven. Therefore, extracts of Physalis plant can be considered as an important source for alternative antibiotics.