Physapubescin B From Physalis: A Food‐Derived Withanolide for Cancer Chemoprevention and Nutraceutical Development

Physapubescins are secondary metabolites from the genus Physalis that have been associated with multiple health‐related activities, including anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti‐ischemic effects. Among the identified derivatives (A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, K), Physapubescin B (PB) has received the greatest attention, yet its anticancer potential has not been fully defined. This review summarizes current evidence on PB and related derivatives, including in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity, mechanistic pathways, combination strategies with anticancer agents, and available information on toxicity, safety, and side effects. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Across studies, PB and its derivatives showed anticancer activity against several tumor types (including prostate, breast, gastric, and renal cancers), with reported mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis and suppression of cell viability and proliferation. In vivo data, although limited, indicate reduced tumor growth accompanied by decreased vascularization and vessel density. However, the evidence base remains dominated by cell‐line studies, with relatively few animal investigations and no human studies to date. Further rigorous preclinical work is required to clarify pharmacokinetics, safety, and translational feasibility before clinical evaluation.