Protective role of Physalis angulata L. extract in mitigating pulmonary damage from benzo[a]pyrene exposure: A histological study

The study explores the defensive properties of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) in preventing lung injury caused by exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen known to cause significant mutagenic DNA adducts. The focus is on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of P. angulata, which contain phenols that may alleviate the oxidative stress associated with B[a]P exposure. This study highlights the tissue changes that occur in the lungs of mice exposed to B[a]P with or without application of P. angulata. This process was carried out by continuous histological analysis with the help of a light microscope. The results indicated that there was a significant damaged to the ling tissue such as vascular congestion and destruction of the alveoli, which was caused by B[a]P. Similarly, there was a noticeable improvement in the lung tissue and a reduction in damage, with a normal lung structure being achieved after treatment with P. angulata. This protective effect is due to the active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in this plant such as physalis and flavonoids, which played a major role in reducing the pneumonia caused by B[a]P. Overall, the study focuses on demonstrating the potential of natural plant extracts to reduce carcinogens from B[a]P environmental toxins, thereby identifying an advanced approach to support overall lung health from widespread toxic exposures.