Physalis Peruviana Intake Against Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases: A Biomedical Approach

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 71% of deaths worldwide, making their prevention and treatment a priority today. NCDs are characterized as chronic organic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles and physical inactivity. For decades, researchers have been studying the bioactive effects of plant-derived molecules on mechanisms associated with the development of NCDs such as diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. The biological activity of Physalis peruviana (PP) and its by-products makes it a promising nutraceutical for the prevention or treatment of some NCDs. This chapter will address critical aspects of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the different NCD subgroups and how PP components improve biomarkers associated with damage, inflammation, and cell death present in this disease group. Several PP components have potential activity in preventing the progression of certain NCDs by suppressing both oxidative damage and proinflammatory signals in tissues, as well as antiproliferative effects.