Analysis of the use of Camapú (Physalis angulata L.) in medicinal applications: an integrative literature review

Abstract

The interest in Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs) has grown in recent years due to their nutritional diversity, potential for sustainable cultivation, and resilience to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, many of these plants have medicinal properties and are being rediscovered as healthy and environmentally sustainable alternatives to complement diets, such as Camapú (Physalis angulana L.), a species native to the American continent, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Camapú stands out for its significant potential in medicinal applications, combating diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, asthma, rheumatism, otitis, fever, among others. This species is characterized by its significant commercial potential, fast growth, and high yield, besides being considered a functional food with high nutritional value, containing substances that directly combat free radicals and unstable molecules, potentially acting as an important agent in preventing and combating certain diseases. Thus, considering the existing properties of Camapú and its relevance for medicinal purposes, this research aimed to present an integrative literature review on the use of this species for phytotherapeutic purposes.