Comprehensive review on the therapeutic potentials of fruits of Kaknaj (Physalis alkekengi).

The fruit of Physalis alkekengi Linn. (Family-Solanaceae), commonly known as Kaknaj/Habbe-Kaknaj is an important plant drug of Unani System of Medicine since antiquity. It is a diffuse perennial herb comprising about 100 species, of which only three species are native to India. The fruits are reddish or orange colored, fully covered by thin sheath of membrane consisting of flattened, light brown colored reniform seeds. It has been used frequently by physicians since ancient time to ameliorate various renal disorders. The attributed effects of Kaknaj in Unani literature i.e., anti-inflammatory, lithotryptic, diuretic, nephroprotective and tonic to the kidney are considered instrumental for its efficacy in kidney and urinary bladder stones, urinary tract infections, wounds of kidney and urinary tract etc. The fruits are rich source of minerals, vitamins, fibers, carotenoids, proteins, flavonoids, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phytosterols etc. The presence of active constituents like flavonoids, alkaloids (tropane), physalins (physalin A), withanolides, and sterols, is responsible for various pharmacological activities, the most promising of which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, renoprotective, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, etc. Physalin A, one of the major bioactive compounds isolated from Kaknaj is reported to possess many pharmacological properties, including antifungal, anti-cough, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic in vivo and in vitro. The paper is meant to present a detailed description of Kaknaj highlighting its effect mentioned by Unani authors and its correlation with current studies.