Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.
Family – Sapindaceae
Common name – Jyotishmati, balloon vine.
Cardiospermum is the combination of the Latin words cardio, meaning heart & Sperma meaning seed.
Seeds are black in color having large white heart-formed aril.
Medicinal values –
1. Anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antipyretic, antifilarial, urinary tract infections suppression, epilepsy & certain nervous disorders, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal problems.
2. The leaves are rubefacient & are excellent for arthritis & fever.
3. Anticancer activity.
4. Leaves & stalks of the plant are employed in the curing of diarrhea, dysentery & headache.
5. The use of its oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, is the valuable aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Other uses –
1. Due to the presence of saponin, the plant is based on herbal products like gel, cream, shampoo, spray are helpful in dry itchy skin & scalp.
2. Young leaves of the plant can be cooked as a vegetable.
3. The flour obtained by grinding the inner part of the seeds, mixed with cereals flour, is an excellent basis for baking.
Sugimani Marndi
Biodiversity and Conservation Lab.
Ambika Prasad Research Foundation
Cuttack, Odisha India