Understanding the Nutrients in Cardiospermum halicacabum

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Recent research shows that the leaves of Cardiospermum halicacabum contain significant levels of essential nutrients and a wide array of bioactive compounds. Understanding what are the nutrients in Cardiospermum halicacabum can unlock its potential for use in traditional and modern health applications.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional composition and rich phytochemical profile of Cardiospermum halicacabum. It details its macro and micronutrient content, and examines the various bioactive compounds contributing to its traditional medicinal uses.

Key Points

Rich in Minerals: The leaves are notably high in calcium and iron, exceeding concentrations found in many common leafy vegetables.
Abundant Phytochemicals: The plant is loaded with bioactive compounds like flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids, which contribute to its medicinal properties.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Saponins and other constituents provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional use for conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
Antioxidant Power: Its high concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids provides strong antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative stress.
Varying Nutrient Profiles: The nutrient composition differs between fresh and dried leaves, with fresh leaves offering a higher caloric density and raw mineral content.
Supports Traditional Uses: The identified nutrients and phytochemicals scientifically support the plant's long-standing use in folk medicine for a range of ailments.

A Comprehensive Look at the Nutritional Profile

Cardiospermum halicacabum, a climbing plant, is recognized in various traditional medicine systems and consumed as a leafy vegetable in some cultures. Scientific analysis reveals a complex nutrient composition that varies slightly between fresh and dried leaves. This nutritional richness stems from macronutrients, vital minerals, and a potent mix of phytochemicals.

Macronutrients and their Significance

Macronutrients provide energy and building blocks. Fresh leaves offer a significant energy yield and a balance of carbohydrates and protein. A 100-gram sample of fresh leaves provides 455.6 kcal of energy, 96.5 grams of carbohydrates, 5.67 grams of protein, and a low 0.58 grams of fat. With 6.83 grams of fiber per 100 grams, it aids in digestion.

Essential Minerals

The mineral content of Cardiospermum halicacabum is particularly noteworthy, with some studies highlighting its richness in certain micronutrients. An impressive 608.4 mg of calcium and 12.3 mg of iron are present per 100 grams of fresh leaves. Additional minerals identified include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, copper, and zinc.

The Power of Phytochemicals

A key aspect of Cardiospermum halicacabum's benefits lies in its diverse phytochemical content, responsible for many traditional uses. These include:

Flavonoids: Apigenin and quercetin are potent antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Saponins: Found in large amounts, they are known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
Alkaloids: These nitrogen-containing compounds have shown various therapeutic activities, including antimicrobial effects.
Tannins: Powerful antioxidants, partly responsible for traditional use in treating diarrhea.
Glycosides: Including cardiac glycosides, these compounds have significant biological activity.
Steroids: Phytosterols like beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol are present and known for anti-inflammatory effects.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Dried Cardiospermum halicacabum Leaves

The processing method can affect the final nutritional values. Here's a comparison of nutrient composition per 100 grams based on research:


Nutrient	Fresh Leaves	Dried Leaves
Energy	455.6 kcal	365.6 kcal
Carbohydrates	96.5 g	84.4 g
Protein	5.67 g	4.7 g
Fat	0.58 g	0.43 g
Fiber	6.83 g	5.81 g
Calcium	608.4 mg	574.3 mg
Iron	12.3 mg	11.6 mg

Drying concentrates some nutrients but reduces overall mass and some values. Fresh leaves offer higher energy and mineral content per 100g, while dried leaves are a concentrated source in a different form. The choice depends on intended use and desired concentration.

The Importance of Bioactive Compounds

The diverse bioactive compounds in Cardiospermum halicacabum explain its widespread use in folk medicine. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds contribute to its antioxidant capacity. Saponins and steroids are primarily responsible for anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts have also been linked to antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities, highlighting the therapeutic potential of its phytochemicals.

How Nutrients Support Traditional Uses

The nutrient profile correlates with the plant’s historical applications. High calcium and iron are beneficial for general health, while anti-inflammatory phytochemicals explain traditional use for joint pain and swelling. Diuretic and laxative properties are likely supported by specific saponins and other phytochemicals. Scientific analysis helps validate and quantify these benefits by identifying the specific nutrients and compounds at play.

Conclusion

Cardiospermum halicacabum is a nutrient-dense plant with a rich chemical profile. Its leaves are a valuable source of macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, and essential minerals such as calcium and iron. Its true value lies in its extensive array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids, responsible for numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studying this plant highlights the importance of traditional botanical knowledge and provides a strong rationale for further research into its therapeutic applications. A Comprehensive Review on Cardiospermum halicacabum provides further insights into its properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scientific analysis indicates that the leaves are particularly nutrient-dense, containing high levels of calcium, iron, and a wide array of phytochemicals, making them the most studied part for nutritional content.

Yes, in certain parts of the world, such as southern India, the young leaves and stems are cooked and consumed as a leafy vegetable. However, its consumption varies culturally, and it is important to be cautious and properly identify the plant.

A study shows that fresh leaves have a higher energy value and slightly higher levels of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and iron per 100g compared to dried leaves. This is largely due to the concentration effect of removing water.

The leaves are remarkably rich in calcium and iron, with high concentrations of both minerals reported in scientific studies.

The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are primarily attributed to its high content of phytochemicals like saponins, steroids, and flavonoids.

Yes, studies have shown that the plant's extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which scavenge free radicals.

Yes, alongside minerals and phytochemicals, Cardiospermum halicacabum also contains essential macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber, as well as vitamins and other lipids.