PHYTOCHEMICAL ESTIMATION AND IN VITRO CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY STUDY OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM LEAF EXTRACT

Abstract

Background: Cardiospermum halicacabum L., commonly known as balloon vine, is used extensively in traditional medicine due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. However, its capacity to suppress lipid absorption and inhibit cardiovascular disease is not well understood. The present study aims to establish the phytochemical constitution of C. halicacabum leaves and evaluate their lipid-lowering and cardioprotective effects through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies.
Methods: The study involved exhaustive phytochemical analysis, i.e., total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and instrumental determination by GC-MS and HPLC. Lipid-lowering efficacy was assessed by in vivo zebrafish model of hyperlipidemia, where lipid load was analyzed using Oil Red O staining. Cardioprotective activity was screened through in vitro experiments on H9c2 cardiomyocytes with induced oxidative stress, i.e., cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and apoptosis markers.
Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis revealed high phenolic content (27.3 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (22.1 mg QE/g), suggesting high antioxidant activity of the extract. GC-MS and HPLC profiling identified bioactive peaks corresponding to lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory activity. The zebrafish model exhibited a significant reduction (~30%) in lipid absorption in extract-treated groups, reflecting inhibition of lipid absorption via saponin-binding bile salt and flavonoid-induced inhibition of pancreatic lipase. Cardioprotective effects were observed in vitro via assays with the extract that enhanced cell viability (~25%), suppressed ROS (~35%), and reduced caspase-3 activity (~30%), all reflecting the extract's ability to avert cardiac damage caused by oxidative stress.
Conclusion: The study herein lays strong evidence for C. halicacabum having lipid-lowering and cardioprotective activities through its high phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and lipid metabolism modulation.