Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) as a functional food for metabolic health: A narrative review of glucose and lipid regulatory effects

Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial and progressive disorder characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolism-related conditions. Cape gooseberry (CP) (Physalis peruviana L.), an exotic fruit rich in bioactive compounds, has attracted growing attention for its potential benefits on metabolic health. This narrative review critically examines preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the metabolic effects of CP consumption, with a focus on biomarkers related to glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A comprehensive search was conducted in four major scientific databases. A total of 40 studies were analyzed, including 28 preclinical investigations, 2 clinical trials, and 10 complementary studies addressing compound characterization and the impact of processing. While preclinical studies consistently report beneficial effects in animal models, clinical evidence is limited to two studies with heterogeneous results, both of which are affected by methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and inadequate dosing. Additionally, this review explores processing techniques aimed at preserving the bioactive profile of the fruit, which may enhance its application in functional food formulations. Despite encouraging evidence from preclinical studies, robust randomized controlled trials are required to validate the therapeutic potential of CP in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome in humans.