Cardiospermum halicacabum extract does not display glucocorticoid-like activity

Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae) is a medicinal plant used in European phytotherapy and in Ayurveda for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases [1]. A recently published paper described a glucocorticoid-like activity of C. halicacabum extract similar to dexamethasone [2]. The aim of this study was to verify this effect. An ELISA assay was employed to assess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion in murine ACTH-secreting corticotroph cells AtT-20/D16v-F2, treated with C. halicacabum extract (CE). Dexamethasone was used as a reference glucocorticoid. Cell proliferation was assessed by colorimetric measurement of XTT. Proliferation of AtT-20/D16v-F2 cells was not suppressed by CE in a time-dependent manner (up to 96 h exposure). Treatment with dexamethasone (100 nM) reduced ACTH release (− 29% as compared to control untreated cells), whereas treatment with CE (50 µg/ml) did not affect ACTH levels. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRH; 100 nM) significantly stimulated ACTH secretion (+ 55% vs. control untreated cells). Dexamethasone (100 nM) significantly reduced CRH-induced ACTH secretion (− 41% vs. CRH treated cells), while CE (50 µg/ml) did not affect the ACTH release. Finally, ACTH secretion was impaired more markedly by dexamethasone after 48 h incubation than after 24 h, whereas it remained the same upon treatment with CE. Consequently, in our study CE up to a concentration of 50 µg/ml did not exhibit any significant glucocorticoid-like effect.

Acknowledgment: We are grateful for the funding of the project by Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022

• References

• 1 Huang MH, Huang SS, Wang BS. et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 133: 743-750
• 2 Martini C, Zanchetta E, Di Ruvo M. et al. Cushing in a Leaf: Endocrine Disruption from a Natural Remedy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101: 3054-3060