Cardiospermum halicacabum leaves

Leaves of the balloon vine.

No processing by Commission E, no processing by HMPC, no processing by ESCOP.

Commission D: positive monograph: Homeopathic mother tincture: Allergic reactions, hay fever, dermatitis, eczematous dermatoses, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, insect bites, itching, dandruff

Flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, pentacyclic triterpene glycosides, phytosterols

Extracts from the monk's head plant (not to be confused with the "monk's head" Infundibilicybe geotropa - an edible mushroom from the chivalrous family) have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antihelmintic effects. Anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid, formation of leukotrienes and prostaglandins PGE2. Ca influx into the cell is reduced, reduction of the activity of phospholipase A2.

Flavones and flavonol glycosides probably play a role in the anti-eczematous effect of Cardiospermum externa.

Clinical studies:A clinical study showed anti-inflammatory effects comparable to the active substance bufexamac. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study in eczema patients, a positive effect compared to placebo was demonstrated(LOE-A). There are also several uncontrolled studies in eczematous(atopic dermatitis) skin diseases.

Application as ointments and tea preparations (compresses). Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis and pruritus.

The use during pregnancy and lactation is not sufficiently documented and should not be used in this respect.

Cardiospermum® mother tincture, Dermaplant® ointment, Halicar® ointment,

The oil content of Cardiospermum halicacabum seeds is high (around 33 %). It mainly contains long-chain fatty acids (lignocceric acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid).

1. Huang MH et al,(2011) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol 133:743-750.
2. Khunkitti W et al. (2000) In vitro antifilarial activity of extracts of the medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum against Brugia pahangi. J Helminthol 74:241-246
3. Menichini F et al.(2014) Chemical profiling and in vitro biological effects of Cardiospermum halicacabum L (Sapindaceae) aerial parts and seeds for applications in neurodegenerative disorders. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 29:677-685.
4. Merklinger S et al. (1995) Eczema treatment with Cardiospermum halicacabum. Zschr. for Phythotherapy 16: 263-266
5. Pratheeshkumar P et al,(2010) Cardiospermum halicacabum inhibits cyclophosphamide induced immunosupression and oxidative stress in mice and also regulates iNOS and COX-2 gene expression in LPS stimulated macrophages. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 11:1245-1252.
6. Reuter J et al. (2010) Which plant for which skin disease? Part 1. JDDG 10: 788-796
7. Sheeba MS et al.m(2009) Cardiospermum halicacabum ethanol extract inhibits LPS induced COX-2, TNF-alpha and iNOS expression, which is mediated by NF-kappaB regulation, in RAW264.7 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 124:39-44.
8. Zalke AS et al. (2013) Pharmacognostical evaluation of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. leaf and stem. Anc Sci Life 33:15-21.
9. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp.76-77
10. Niedner R et al (1996): Cardiospermum halicacabum - a new agent in non-sterioidal eczema treatment? Dermatology close to the skin 8: 50-55.
11. Gehring W et al. (1989) Cardiospermum--a new herbal agent in dermatology? [Cardiospermum--a new phytogenic drug in dermatology?]. Z Hautkr. 64:274, 277-8. german. PMID: 2660445.