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Cardiospermum halicacabum is a tropical plant widely found in India and has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and soothing properties.
It has small, white flowers, and the medicinal part—that is, the part used for medicinal purposes—consists of the fresh above-ground parts of the flowering plant. The specific name of the genus, “Cardiospermum,” derives from the appearance of the seeds—which are the size of a peppercorn, dark brown in color, and have an easily recognizable white center—and the species name “halicacabum” comes from Greek and means “barrel of salt.”
The plant extract from Cardiospermum halicacabum has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties due to an effect similar to that of cortisone, known as the cortisone-like effect .
The active ingredients responsible for the cortisone-like effect are the phytosterols found in the flowering tops, which have anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, sebum-regulating, and anti-itching properties ; above all , they are able to stabilize the cell membranes of hair and mucous membranes, which become less reactive in cases of dermatitis.
This approach does not compromise the skin’s natural regeneration process and helps prevent the dryness and thinning of the skin that are common with corticosteroid treatments.
The phytosterols contained in Cardiospermum normalize the synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites without completely suppressing the formation of leukotrienes and/or prostaglandins, as occurs with the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Since arachidonic acid metabolites perform important metabolic functions even in physiologically healthy cells, the suppression of their synthesis leads to disorders that manifest as the specific side effects of the aforementioned therapeutic agents. Cardiospermum leads to a significant reduction in the activity of inflammatory enzymes and in the levels of lipid peroxides that damage cells.
Various studies have shown that the topical application of an extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (10% dry weight of the plant) has been effective in controlling a symptom that is almost always present and significantly affects the overall condition of individuals with dermatitis: itching.
At the conclusion of the tests, both objective symptoms—such as erythema, edema, and papules—and subjective symptoms—particularly itching, hypersensitivity to pain, and a sensation of heat—were evaluated; the treatment was effective in 80% of patients, resulting in either a significant improvement or complete remission of all symptoms. A macroscopic anti-inflammatory effect was observed as early as 2–3 days after application of the extract. No significant adverse effects occurred during the study.
The data collected suggest that Cardiospermum halicacabum has promising potential for treating many forms of skin inflammation; its particularly safe profile suggests it may be indicated for many forms of dermatitis in children , adults, and the elderly alike .
Topical application of Cardiospermum provides physiological support for allergic and inflammatory symptoms, including itching. It also helps restore the integrity of the irritated skin barrier.
The advantage of this natural cortisone is that it is very safe and well-tolerated, even when used for an extended period of time.
The plant is also useful for soothing reddened skin, treating flaking skin and insect bites, and treating diaper rash.
