Chinese lantern
Alkekengi
Alkekengi, also known as Physalis alkekengi, is a traditional plant with roots in various cultural practices, though specific uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence for its use is limited but promising. A novel cream derived from Alkekengi showed good safety and efficacy in reducing neurovascular hyper-reactivity and improving symptoms in sensitive skin compared to control creams. Additionally, an ethanolic extract of the plant improved sperm parameters and reduced DNA fragmentation after cryopreservation. The fruit extract demonstrated variable antibacterial activity, potentially downregulating virulence factors in E. coli, though it also exhibited developmental and cardiotoxicity effects, with glycidyl stearate identified as a primary toxic component. Safety concerns are currently minimal, and no significant drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The novel cream showed good safety and efficacy in reducing neurovascular hyper-reactivity and improving symptoms in sensitive skin compared to the control cream.
- The study found that ALA-Ph-SER-NC improved sperm parameters and reduced DNA fragmentation after cryopreservation.
- The ethanolic extract of Physalis alkekengi showed variable antibacterial activity and downregulated luxS and fimH expression in E. coli, suggesting potential as an antivirulence agent.
- The fruit extract of P. alkekengi exhibited stronger developmental and cardiotoxicity effects, with Glycidyl stearate identified as the primary toxic component in the 5-10 kDa fraction.
- PAE from Hami, Xinjiang, most potently inhibited carboxymethyllysine formation and restored cellular stiffness in MGO-damaged cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese lantern?
Chinese lantern (Alkekengi) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese lantern?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese lantern; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The novel cream showed good safety and efficacy in reducing neurovascular hyper-reactivity and improving symptoms in sensitive skin compared to the control cream.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese lantern?
The strongest finding for Chinese lantern carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese lantern safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese lantern in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese lantern interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese lantern in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese lantern?
Chinese lantern is also known as: Физалис, Alkékenge, Coqueret.
Is Chinese lantern a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Clinical Observation of a Novel Moisturizing Cream for Reducing Neurovascular Hyper-Reactivity in Sensitive Skin. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acute developmental toxicity and cardiotoxicity of Physalis alkekengi L. fruit and calyx extracts based on zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Modulation of Quorum Sensing and Virulence Gene Expression in Escherichia coli by Extracts of Physalis alkekengi. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Protective Effect of Physalis alkekengi Extract on MGO-Induced Nonenzymatic Glycation Fibroblasts via ECM-Integrin Interactions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physalis polysaccharide-sericin nanocarriers for controlled alpha-lipoic acid delivery and improved human sperm cryopreservation. literature abstract metadata