Cardiospermum halicacabum leaves

Flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, pentacyclic triterpene glycosides, phytosterols

Extracts from the monk's head plant (not to be confused with the "monk's head" Infundibilicybe geotropa - an edible fungus from the family of the knightly ones) have an anti-inflammatory, antipruriginous and antihelminthic effect.

Flavones and flavonol glycosides probably play a role in the anti-eczematous effect of Cardiospermum-Externa.

Clinical studies:In a clinical study, anti-inflammatory effects were shown comparable to the active ingredient bufexamac. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study in eczema patients, a positive effect could be demonstrated compared to placebo(LOE-A). Furthermore, several uncontrolled studies also exist in eczematous ( atopic eczema) skin diseases.

Application as ointments and tea preparations (compresses). Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis and pruritus.

The use during pregnancy and lactation is not sufficiently documented and should not be used in this respect.

Cardiospermum® mother tincture, Dermaplant® ointment, Halicar® ointment,

Cardiospermum-halicacabum seeds have a high oil content (about 33 %). It contains mainly long-chain fatty acids (lignococcinic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid).

1. Huang MH et al,(2011) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol 133:743-750.
2. Khunkitti W et al (2000) In vitro antifilarial activity of extracts of the medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum against Brugia pahangi. J Helminthol 74:241-246
3. Menichini F et al(2014) Chemical profiling and in vitro biological effects of Cardiospermum halicacabum L (Sapindaceae) aerial parts and seeds for applications in neurodegenerative disorders. J Enzymes Inhib Med Chem 29:677-685.
4. Merklinger S et al (1995) Eczema treatment with Cardiospermum halicacabum. Cschr. for phythotherapy 16: 263-266
5. Pratheeshkumar P et al,(2010) Cardiospermum halicacabum inhibits cyclophosphamide induced immunosupression and oxidative stress in mice and also regulates iNOS and COX-2 gene expression in LPS stimulated macrophages. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 11:1245-1252.
6. Reuter J et al (2010) Which plant for which skin disease? Part 1 JDDG 10: 788-796
7. Sheeba MS et al.m(2009) Cardiospermum halicacabum ethanol extract inhibits LPS induced COX-2, TNF-alpha and iNOS expression, which is mediated by NF-kappaB regulation, in RAW264.7 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 124:39-44.
8. Zalke AS et al (2013) Pharmacognostical evaluation of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. leaf and stem. Anc Sci Life 33:15-21.