A study by IIAP has shown that a waterproof Physalis, an Amazonian plant, is effective in the fight against Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer. Let’s discover the extraordinary properties and results of the research.
Nature never stops surprising us with its incredible resources. In Peru, among the wonders of the Amazon forest, a small fruit with extraordinary power grows, the Physalis windshieldcalled mullaca. Strict relative of the Aquaymanto, less known but equally fascinating, is making himself talked about for the incredible beneficial properties on human health. According to a recent study by the Peruvian Institute of Research on the Amazon (IOP), Mullaca could play a key role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s, in the control of type 2 diabetes and in the fight against cancer.
A revolutionary discovery
The research was conducted by an international team-with Gabriel Vargas-Arana-and published in the scientific journal Antoxidants, where he highlighted the extraordinary skills of the Mullaca. The main focus was on the ethanolic extract of the fruit, which proved to inhibit the acetylcolinesterase and the butyrrilcolinesterase, enzymes related to the development of Alzheimer’s.
That’s not all. The scientists analyzed every part of the plant, from the root to the leaves, to the glass that envelops the fruit, discovering that the mullaca aqueous extract has even passed the effectiveness of some reference drugs in the protection of brain cells.
An ally for diabetics
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most popular pathologies globally, and Mullaca could offer concrete help for those suffering from it. The study has in fact highlighted that the extract of the root is able to inhibit the Alfa glucosidase and the Alfa Amilase, enzymes that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates. Translated into simple words, this means that the fruit contributes to keeping blood sugar levels under control, in fact, avoiding that hazardous hazards are generated.
In addition to Alzheimer and diabetes: an anti -cancer potential
As if that were not enough, scientists also identified chemical compounds from the anticancer properties in the mullaca. These are physaline and withangulatine, powerful natural anti -inflammatory that can prevent the transformation of healthy cells into carcinogenic cells.
The results obtained open the way for further research, but the therapeutic potential of the Mullaca already appears extremely promising today.
A plant studied all over the world
It is not only Peru to take an interest in the windlars Physalis. The research project involved scholars from the National University of the Peruvian Amazon, of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of San Sebastián in Chile, of the Institute of Pharmacy of the Southern University of Chile, the National Technology Institute of Mexico and the Mexican Institute of Social Security. A collective work that has brought results of great importance, destined to change forever the way we look at this Amazonian plant.
We know better the watermelon Physalis
Strait relative of the Aquaymanto – are often overlapped – and among the many epithets (as we will have to observe in the next paragraphs) also known as the head of the head, stands out, precisely from the Aquaymanto, for the smaller dimensions and the opaque yellow color of the fruit.
The flavor? Sweet, enveloping and slightly acidic, perfect for being enjoyed in different preparations.
Origins and diffusion of watermelon Physalis
It grows spontaneously in the Amazonian regions of Peru, in particular in the Departments of Loreto, Amazonas, San Martín and Mother De Dios.
It goes up to a thousand meters of altitude, finding space also in other areas such as Libertad and Junín, even if it is now largely cultivated and used in different tropical and subtropical regions of the globe.
Aspect and botanical characteristics
The waterproof Physalis belongs to the family of Solanaceaethe same as tomatoes and potatoes. The plant, of a herbaceous and annual nature, is presented with dark green leaves with an oval shape and slightly toothed margins, while the flowers appear to be a pale yellow, with a discreet flowering, and contain inside a fruit protected by a thin and paper glass, which recalls a Chinese lantern, a hesbid and as already observed by the large beneficial properties.
Consumption and uses
Those who are lucky enough to taste it can taste it fresh, perhaps directly from the plant, or use it for different preparations, and make with her in fruit juices, jams and desserts. In countries where it grows spontaneously, the mullaca is a versatile ingredient that also lends itself to sweet and savory dishes, salads with an exotic touch and original cocktails.
Be careful, though! If the ripe fruit is edible and full of benefits, the other parts of the plant tell another story. Leaves, flowers and stems contain toxic alkaloids, such as solar and solanidine, potentially dangerous for humans and breeding animals.
Many names for the watermelon Physalis
Our plant is known, appreciated and widespread all over the world, and for this reason it has an infinite number of vernacular names (in the field of taxonomy, the term “vulgar name”, and still “common name” or “vernacular name”, refers to the denomination with which an organism, or a taxon – a grouping of organisms and/or objects – is commonly recognized. adopted in the binomial nomenclature both in zoology and in botany). Let’s see some.
In English it is called Balloon Cherry, Gooseberry, Wild Tomato, Camapu, while in Spanish it is known as Bolsa Mullaca, Camapu, Capulí (in Peru and other regions of South America is called Aguaymanto, such as Peruvian Physalis).
In Malayalam (language spoken in India) has the names of Njottanjodiyan and MottaMPuli, instead in Indonesian it is said to be ceplukan, or Ciplukan.
In the Sundanese language it is known as Cecendet, while in Suriname as Batoto Wiwiri, in Meru (Bantu language that is talked about in Kenya) they know her as Nkabakabu, while the ancient Egyptians called her Hrankash.
In Yoruba (language spoken in Nigeria and Togo) is known as Koropo, while in Guaraní language he is called Kamambu.
