Planta Med 2013; 79 - PN53
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1348734

Fruits of Physalis Longifolia Inhibit Tumor Growth in Colorectal Cancer

RJ Gallagher 1, H Zhang 1, CM Cao 1, MS Cohen 2, S Corbett 3, K Kindscher 3 BN Timmermann 1*
  • 1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
  • 2Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  • 3Kansas Biological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047

Recently we reported the isolation of Withaferin A, Withalongolide B along with 23 other withanolides from the aerial parts of Physalis longifolia Nutt. (Solanaceae). Its edible fruit (wild tomatillo or long leaf groundcherry) has a long history of ethnobotanical usage by several North American indigenous tribes. In this study, dried fruit material was extracted, partitioned and examined for its chemical composition and biological activity. Explorative TLC analysis indicated the presence of several withanolide-like compounds including Withaferin A and Withalongolide B which was further confirmed by HPLC analysis. The therapeutic potential of orally administered whole fruit was also investigated. Preliminary results indicated that gavage treatment induced a 1 – 2 week delay in colorectal tumor growth in an experimental mouse model. This encouraging data highlights the potential of P. longifolia fruits as a dietary supplement. Experimental results accompanied by an ethnobotanical review of the species, will be presented.