Balloon vine
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Cardiospermum halicacabum, commonly known as lady's slipper or soap flower, is a traditional plant used in various folk medicine practices. While its specific uses vary across different cultures, there are no recorded traditional medical applications for this plant. Scientific research has shown promising results with the plant’s bioactive constituents, such as stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and chrysoeriol, indicating potential anti-leptospiral properties through their binding affinity to peptide deformylase. Additionally, studies suggest that Cardiospermum halicacabum may offer neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits, with its ethanol extract demonstrating high levels of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in human skin fibroblasts. Notably, there are no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with the use of this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and chrysoeriol from Cardiospermum halicacabum showed promising binding affinity to peptide deformylase, suggesting potential as anti-leptospiral agents.
- Cardiospermum halicacabum extract significantly alleviates UVB-induced cellular senescence in human skin fibroblasts by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
- Studies suggest Cardiospermum halicacabum may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties due to its bioactive constituents.
- The ethanol extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. leaves showed high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balloon vine?
Balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Balloon vine?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Balloon vine; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and chrysoeriol from Cardiospermum halicacabum showed promising binding affinity to peptide deformylase, suggesting potential as anti-leptospiral agents.
How strong is the evidence for Balloon vine?
The strongest finding for Balloon vine carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Balloon vine safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Balloon vine in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Balloon vine interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Balloon vine in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Balloon vine?
Balloon vine is also known as: Халикакаб, Cardiosperme des Indes, Pois-de-coeur des Indes.
Is Balloon vine a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Cardiospermum halicacabum Extract Attenuates UVB-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin Fibroblasts via Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring Antileptospiral Agents of Phytochemicals from Cardiospermum Halicacabum Through In Silico Docking Approach. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antimicrobial evaluation of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. leaf fractions and its usage in active bioactive film formation for shelf-life enhancement in fresh-cut fruits. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cardiospermum halicacabum: A Scoping Review on its Phytoactives, Neuroprotective, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Potential. literature abstract metadata