Cardiospermum halicacabum

Shepherd's vine

Cardiospermum halicacabum, commonly known as bladder pod or balloon vine, is a versatile medicinal climbing plant. Widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, it possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This plant is highly valued for treating skin ailments, joint pain, and various inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Cardiospermum halicacabum
  • Family: Sapindaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified in the family Sapindaceae and is identified by the genus Cardiospermum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Sapindaceae WCVP
Genus Cardiospermum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum, is known by various names across different languages and regions. In Southern Min, it is referred to as Ké-khó͘-koe, while in Chinese, it is commonly called 倒地铃 (zh-hans), 倒地鈴 (zh-hant), and 倒地鈴 (zh-hk). In German, the species is known as Ballonrebbe.
Language Common Name Source
nan Ké-khó͘-koe Wikidata
zh-hans 倒地铃 Wikidata
zh-hant 倒地鈴 Wikidata
zh-hk 倒地鈴 Wikidata
de Ballonrebe Wikidata
ja フウセンカズラ Wikidata
qu Pukuchu Wikidata
ko 풍선덩굴 Wikidata
ta முடக்கொத்தான் Wikidata
my ကုလားမျက်စိ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it inhabits Albania and Greece. Additionally, it is distributed throughout Southeastern Europe within the country of Italy. Finally, this medicinal species is also located in the southeastern European region of Kriti.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum, is a climbing vine known for its diverse therapeutic uses involving various components. The medicinal properties are often derived from the leaves, which can be used individually in herbal preparations. In many traditional practices, the leaf is harvested and processed to extract its beneficial compounds. Furthermore, the aerial parts of the vine, including the stems and foliage, are frequently utilized in decoctions. For convenience and potency, the whole plant powder is often prepared, allowing for the integrated consumption of all its active constituents.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
whole plant powder 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cardiospermum halicacabum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include GA3, ROS, berberine, flavonoids, glycosides.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
GA3 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ROS 1 ★☆☆☆☆
berberine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
taxol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cardiospermum halicacabum has 9 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Antiulcer.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Nephroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cardiospermum halicacabum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Brugia pahangi, Plasmodium falciparum, Strongyloides stercoralis, cancers, dermatophytoses.

Total uses
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Brugia pahangi 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Strongyloides stercoralis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dermatophytoses 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malignancy 1 ★☆☆☆☆