Physalis peruviana calyces extract ameliorate oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune loss in rats-exposed to hexaflumuron

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Jan 22;25(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04750-z.

Abstract

Background: Hexaflumuron (HFM), a common pesticide, can disrupt the immune system and cause oxidative stress. This study investigated the potential of Physalis peruviana L. calyces extract (PP) to counteract these effects in rats.

Methods: Rats were divided into 6 groups including control, PP-treated, HFM-exposed, and co-treated (HFM + PP) groups. Immune function, antioxidant activity, and organ damage were assessed. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified potential bioactive compounds in PP extract.

Results: HFM exposure suppressed immune responses and caused organ damage. Notably, the co-administration of PP extract with HFM reversed these effects, indicating its ability to reduce oxidative stress and protect the immune system. UPLC-MS/MS analysis of PP calyces ethanolic extract revealed its richness in various health-promoting metabolites, including acyl sucrose sugar, withanolides, and flavonoids, which may provide valuable insight into the underlying mechanisms of PP's calyces protective effects against HFM toxicity.

Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into the potential of P. peruviana L. calyces ethanolic extract as a natural agent to counteract the harmful effects of HFM exposure. These findings have significant implications for developing effective strategies to mitigate pesticide-induced toxicity and promote human health.

Keywords: Physalis peruviana; Anti-inflammatory; Hexaflumuron; Immune system toxicity; Oxidative stress; UPLC-MS/MS analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Flowers / chemistry
  • Inflammation* / chemically induced
  • Inflammation* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • Physalis* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Plant Extracts