Cardiospermum halicacabum: the natural cortisone

Cardiospermum halicacabum is a creeping herbaceous plant with small white flowers belonging to the Sapindaceae family.

The genus name, Cardiospermum, is derived from the appearance of its seeds, resembling dark brown peppercorns with a white heart in the center. Halicacabum derives from Greek, meaning “barrel of salt.”

This tropical genus is widespread in India, South America, and Central Africa. It is not easily found in our national territory but is certainly of great interest in the field of herbal medicine. It possesses therapeutic properties studied and used by significant industry participants.

Cardiospermum halicacabum has long been used in the indigenous medicine of various tropical countries.

The medicinal part of the plant, known as the drug, consists of the flowering aerial parts, exhibiting a significant cortisone-like action that positively influences allergic-inflammatory reactions on the skin and itching.

Currently, Cardiospermum-based preparations are primarily used for the treatment of contact or chronic inflammatory dermatitis, as well as hives, eczema, and insect bites.

The plant is also beneficial for soothing red skin and cutaneous peeling.

Numerous clinical studies on subjects with dermatitis of different origins have confirmed the plant’s effectiveness in symptom improvement after a treatment with Cardiospermum halicacabum, applied in the form of ointment and for a duration of no more than 4 weeks.

The cortisone-like effect, in particular, has positioned this tropical plant to be a natural substitute for cortisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

As is known, prolonged use of these medications, even topically, can overload our detoxification organs (liver, intestine, skin, kidneys), leading to more severe side effects. This is not observed with the use of Cardiospermum halicacabum.

In terms of the mechanism of action, Cardiospermum extracts act on a crucial step in the inflammatory process (the arachidonic acid cascade), exerting a modulating effect rather than a suppressive one.

Due to its good tolerability, it is recommended even in prolonged therapies.

The active principles responsible for the cortisone-like effect are the phytosterols found in the flowering tops. They demonstrate anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, sebum-regulating, antipruritic actions, and, most importantly, they can stabilize the cellular membranes of skin and mucous membranes, making them less reactive in cases of dermatitis. This ensures the synthesis of the epidermis is not compromised, avoiding situations of dryness or thinning of the skin, common in corticosteroid therapies.

ELISA CARNEVALE