Njottanjodiyan

  • Botanical Name : Physalis minima
  • English Name : Wild Cape Gooseberry
  • Sanskrit Name : Tankari
  • Malayalam Name : Njottanjodiyan (ഞൊട്ടാഞൊടിയൻ)
  • Part Used : Leaf, Fruit
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Overview

  • Physalis is a tart berry wrapped in a papery case, resembling a tomatillo, giving it the look of a tiny Chinese lantern — hence the nickname.
  • Originating from South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile.
  • It is a versatile fruit that can be consumed raw, cooked, or in the form of jams or jellies, it is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
  • It is a small herbaceous plant with an erect growth habit, with ovate to cordate leaves (9.7 cm long, 8.1 cm wide), long petioles (4 cm long), and wavy leaf margins. The flower is enclosed in a balloon-like calyx.

Habitat

  • Found along riverbanks, cultivable lands, and roadsides from plains to 1000m above sea level. Common- in Tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. In Assam, they are wild edible plants.
  • It is found in marshes and forests of Java, the American Subcontinent, Australia, and some parts of the Indian Subcontinent, including India, Baluchistan, Afghanistan, amongst others.

Phytochemistry

  • Physalis minima contains bioactive components like flavonoids, steroid alkaloids, ellagic acid, catechol, gallic acid, catechins, vitamin C, free amino acetamide, cyclopentane, palmitic acid, stearic acid, octadecanoic and linoleic acids.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • One cup of Physalis contains over 50% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, promoting wound healing, and aiding nutrient absorption.
  • Physalis withanolides can combat inflammatory conditions and may also play a role in cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Physalis fruit can help meet daily calcium needs for building and maintaining bone mass.
  • High pectin content in Physalis is ideal for making jams and jellies and serves as a good source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion.

Dermatological Perks

  • Physalis extract eliminates harmful bacteria, utilized for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties in cosmetic products.
  • Particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, reducing redness, itchiness, and inflammation while promoting overall skin health.
  • Known for reducing aging effects, stimulating collagen production, and retaining moisture, offering a calming effect and antioxidant benefits. .
  • Used in formulations of creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, sun care products, and other skin and hair care products.

Follicular Fortification

  • When used in hair care, Physalis reduces dandruff, maintains a healthy scalp, and promotes hair growth.
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