Studies on the pharmacological actions of Cardiospermum helicacabum

The leaves of the plant "Cardospermum helicacabum" were extracted with different solvents and found to contain largely tannins, saponins and traces of alkaloids. The alcoholic extract was tested for its pharmacological effects on various intact and isolated biological preparations. On the CNS the extract produced depression in near lethal doses. On the CVS the extract produced fall of blood pressure and bradycardia. The fall of blood pressure was antagonised partially by atropine and anti-histamine. On guinea pig ileum the extract produced powerful contraction which was partially antagonised by atropine and anti-histamine. The extract produced mild analgesia as tested by the radiant heat method in rats. It appears to be a proconvulsant in nature as tested by the electroshock method in rats. The extract when administered orally produced significant anti-inflammatory effect in rats as tested by the granuloma pouch and cotton pellet implantation methods.