The balloon vine is a handsome annual climbing plant that originated in India but is now also cultivated in southern Germany and Switzerland (especially in wine-growing areas). It bears striking, balloon-like fruits containing pea-sized seeds with a heart-shaped mark. The balloon vine belongs to the soap tree family (Sapindaceae). The famous Swedish naturalist Carl von Linn\u00e9 gave the plant the scientific name Cardiospermum halicacabum in 1753. Cardiospermum translates to “heart seed” and refers to the black seeds that bear a white heart-shaped mark. The term “halicacabum” is the Greek term for salt barrel, which is due to the inflated appearance of the fruits.<\/p>\n
Since the balloon vine contains a lot of foaming saponins<\/strong>, its seeds were often used for washing in earlier times. In some cases, however, they also served as a substitute for buttons or rosary beads. In Indian and Caribbean regions, balloon vine tea is prepared from the leaves: It is said to stimulate labor in pregnant women. Other traditional uses include respiratory diseases, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, wound healing disorders, and digestive and urinary tract disorders.<\/p>\n Numerous studies have already shown that the balloon vine has an anti-inflammatory, soothing and anti-itching effect<\/strong> on skin and mucous membranes. Nevertheless, the balloon vine still belongs to the relatively new remedies, because its effectiveness has been described in Europe only for about twenty years.<\/p>\n The plant is recommended for external treatment of dry, itchy skin, as well as dermatitis and eczema<\/strong>. Cardiospermum halicacabum extract, due to its antioxidant effect<\/strong>, can be used to treat conditions related to oxidative stress and inflammation. It shows good results in neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis), desiccation eczema (exsiccation eczema), psoriasis, hives, as well as allergic contact eczema. The balloon vine protects the skin from moisture loss and reduces redness. Furthermore, it can support the healing of painful cracks that occur, for example, with very dry skin.<\/p>\n In the case of eczematous dermatosis, an external therapy with the balloon vine should lead to a state that the local application of corticoids can be completely dispensed with in the best case. It is not for nothing that the creeping plant is often referred to as a herbal cortisone. Although dermatological products containing the balloon vine are not quite as effective as conventional cortisone, no severe side effects are to be expected. One could also say that preparations with the creeping plant perfectly bridge the gap between a classic basic care with fatty products and cortisone-containing preparations. Last but not least, the balloon vine also serves as a reliable relapse prophylaxis in the case of clinical pictures such as inflammatory skin changes. The fresh above-ground parts (herb or leaves) of the flowering balloon vine are usually used for formulations, from which a so-called mother tincture (an ethanolic extract) can be produced. This mother tincture can be easily added to a wide variety of formulations. In homeopathy, Cardiospermum globules are often administered.<\/p>\n The possible applications in dermatology and cosmetics are wide-ranging. Whether body care oil, hand and nail care, lip balm, sun and day care, lotion or even for shaving and beard care, cardiospermum lends itself wherever the skin is highly stressed and\/or inflamed. As a scalp fluid, it relieves annoying itching. However, creams and ointments with the balloon vine are considered to be particularly effective in acute cases. So, if the skin is very itchy, the affected area is smeared with a balloon vine ointment several times a day. In the case of very acute symptoms, ointment compresses are also a good option.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The oil content of Cardiospermum halicacabum seeds is extremely high, at around 33 percent. Of particular importance are long-chain fatty acids such as lignoceric acid, arachidic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid.<\/strong> But the other parts of the plant also score with valuable ingredients. Tannins, triterpene saponins, pentacyclic triterpene glycosides, flavonoids (including apigenin and luteolin), alkaloids and phytosterols are particularly noteworthy. The flavones and flavonol glycosides play the main role in the anti-eczematous effect of the plant.<\/p>\n The ingredients of the herbaceous creeping plant are well tolerated. Hypersensitivity reactions have been observed only very rarely. According to current knowledge, the use of preparations containing the balloon vine is also possible over a longer period of time without any problems. Self-treatment is also considered harmless when handled responsibly. Furthermore, depending on the concentration, the products are also suitable for children.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fact Sheet: Balloon Vine<\/strong><\/p>\n INCI: Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower\/Leaf\/Vine Extract<\/p>\n Botanical name: Cardiospermum halicacabum<\/p>\n CAS number: 89958-27-0<\/p>\n EINECS\/ELINCS-Nummer: 289-651-1<\/p>\n Alternative names: Monk’s head, canphuti, heart seed, balloon vine<\/p>\n Action: strong anti-inflammatory, protects the skin from excessive moisture loss, acts against skin redness, sunburn, and itching<\/p>\n Indications: for eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, hives, as well as for dry and\/or inflamed skin, ideal as a herbal and very well tolerated substitute for topical glucocorticoids<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Balloon vine extract proves excellent for almost all allergy-related and inflammatory diseases of the skin, eczema, hives and nettle fever, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. The ingredients of the climbing plant Cardiospermum halicacabum are very well tolerated and a gentle alternative to cortisone. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, itch-relieving and skin-caring properties, the balloon vine can be integrated into numerous sophisticated formulations. Ask us: we will be happy to support you in planning, development and implementation!<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\nBalloon vine and its importance in homeopathy, dermatology, and cosmetics<\/h2>\n
The ingredients of cardiac seed<\/h3>\n
Balloon vine in sophisticated cosmetics from Cosmacon<\/h3>\n