Cardiospermum Halicacabum: A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Properties and Phytochemical Profile
Ashiwini Patil, Vipul Patil, Anand Gadad
Abstract:
Cardiospermum halicacabum L., a member of the Sapindaceae family, is an herbaceous plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of rheumatism, abdominal pain, orchitis, dropsy, lumbago, skin diseases, cough, nervous disorders, and hyperthermia. This review aims to compile and analyse global research on the pharmacological properties, phytochemical composition, toxicological profile, and ethnomedicinal applications of C. halicacabum. Scientific literature on this plant was gathered from reputable databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, BMC, and Google Scholar, with a focus on studies published in English. Pharmacological investigations have validated its antibacterial, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, antifertility, antimalarial, anti-plasmodial, anticancer, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anti-filarial activities. Phytochemical analysis has identified various bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, lignins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides, across different plant parts. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of both the traditional and contemporary applications of C. halicacabum, along with its pharmacological potential and phytochemical profile. However, several traditional uses remain scientifically unverified. Further research is necessary to elucidate the plant’s mechanisms of action, isolate its active or synergistic compounds, and explore its therapeutic potential for modern medical applications.
Keywords: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Traditional Medicinal Uses, Pharmacological Activity, Phytochemistry, Phytopharmaceutical Formulation, Toxicity.
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