Estudio de la capacidad antioxidante y saberes etnobotánicos de dos especies del género Physalis en áreas degradadas del bosque seco tropical

Abstract

This study compared the antioxidant properties, biochemical components, and traditional Physalis pubescens and Physalis peruviana knowledge. The ethnobotanical analysis was conducted in specific areas of the Guayas province, Ecuador, where it was found that these species are primarily used for nutritional purposes. Phytochemical tests were carried out using solvents such as methanol and ethanol on the leaves of Physalis pubescens. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, saponins, coumarins, and phenolic compounds, which were compared with bibliographic studies of P. peruviana, showing a high degree of similarity in the metabolite profiles. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the leaves of P. pubescens possess greater antioxidant capacity than P. peruviana. Lastly, an oleo-regulating moisturizing cream was formulated using the ethanolic extract of P. pubescens leaves, proving its efficacy and opening new perspectives for developing therapeutic products with antioxidant properties.