Abstract

A REVIEW OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM (SAPINDACEAE)

Manju Shree S. and Mohammad Azamthulla*

ABSTRACT

The present review describes the morphological, Geographical, phytochemical and pharmacology aspects of Cardiospermum halicacabum (Sapindaceae). It grows extensively in India, Africa and South America, where, in some places. Balloon Vine is a woody perennial vine distributed almost globally in the tropics. It is a fast growing vine up to 10 feet. This plant, commonly known as “kanphuti”, is used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, earache and fever. It is regarded as a rampaging weed and is a deciduous, branching, herbaceous climber, the whole plant has been used for several centuries in the treatment of rheumatism, stiffness of limbs, snake bite. Cardiospermum halicacabum has been reported to be a rich source of β-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Flavones Alkaloids, Steroids, Terpenoids, Saponins, Sugars, Essential oil, Resin, Tannin. The microscopic evaluation of dried leaves of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn, showed the presence of acicular crystals and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate. An overview of Cardiospermum halicacabum plant is given in the present paper

Keywords: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Phytochemistry, Steroids, Terpenoids, Saponins.