GREATER CELANDINE (CHELIDONIUM) EXTRACT

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract, root, and rhizome (underground stem) are used to make medicine.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract celandine for conditions such as cancer, problems with the digestive tract, liver and gallbladder disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. 
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract using greater celandine can also be unsafe.

CAS Number: 84603-56-5
EINECS Number: 283-257-3

Synonyms: Chelidonium majus, ext., 84603-56-5Chinese pulsatilla Root Extract;Pulsatilla extract;Pulsatillae Radix。;Chelidonium majus, ext.;CHELIDONIUM MAJUS EXTRACT;Ccris 8084;Chelidonium;Einecs 283-257-3

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is a herbal remedy derived from the Greater Celandine plant, a perennial herb in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to Europe and parts of Asia. 
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various ailments, but it contains active compounds that can be both therapeutic and toxic.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract grows primarily in Europe and Asia, although it has been introduced in North America. 
The leaves and small yellow flowers of greater celandine are used as medicine. 
Although the roots and rhizomes of the plant have also been used medicinally, most clinical trials have used the above-ground parts of the plant collected at the time of flowering.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract, the greater celandine, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. 
One of two species in the Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract, it is native to Europe and western Asia and introduced widely in North America.
The plant known as lesser Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is not closely related, as it belongs to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is a perennial herbaceous plant with an erect habit, and reaches 30–120 cm (12–47 in) high. 
The blue-green leaves are pinnate with lobed and wavy margins, up to 30 cm (12 in) long. 
When injured, the plant exudes a yellow to orange latex.

The flowers consist of four yellow petals, each about 18 mm (0.71 in) long, with two sepals. 
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract a double-flowered variety occurs naturally. 
The flowers appear from late spring to summer, May to September (in the UK), in umbelliform cymes of about four flowers.

The seeds are small and black, borne in a long, cylindrical capsule. 
Each has an elaiosome, which attracts ants to disperse the seeds (myrmecochory).
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is one of the many species described by the father of taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus, in volume one of his Species Plantarum in 1753.

Ancient writers said that the flower bloomed when the swallows returned and faded when they left.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has also been called great celandine, nipplewort, tetterwort, or simply "celandine".
The common name tetterwort also refers to Sanguinaria canadensis.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is considered an aggressive invasive plant in parts of North America, and an invasive plant in other areas. 
In Wisconsin, for example, it is a restricted plant.
Control is obtained mainly via pulling or spraying the plant before seed dispersal.

The whole plant is toxic in moderate doses as it contains a range of isoquinoline alkaloids; use in herbal medicine requires the correct dose.
The main alkaloid present in the herb and root is coptisine. 
Other alkaloids present include methyl 2'-(7,8-dihydrosanguinarine-8-yl)acetate, allocryptopine, stylopine, protopine, cryptopine, hemochelidonine, homochelidonine, norchelidonine, berberine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and 8-hydroxydihydrosanguinarine.

Sanguinarine is particularly toxic with an LD50 of 18 mg per kg body weight (IP in rats).
Caffeic acid derivatives, such as caffeoylmalic acid, are also present.
The characteristic latex also contains proteolytic enzymes and the phytocystatin chelidostatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is a traditional folk remedy against warts in France and the UK. 
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is used in the preparation of a range of off-the-shelf treatments for warts and skin conditions.
Chelidonium is used to make Ukrain, a drug that has been promoted for, but is not known to be effective for, the treatment of cancer and viral infections.

The fresh herb is no longer used officially. 
No dose-finding studies exist and the reported clinical studies are characterised by a considerable heterogeneity.
Except for homeopathic medicines, the drug is no longer used in most English-speaking countries. 

In Germany and Switzerland, extracts of Chelidoni herba are a controversial component of the gastric remedy "Iberogast". 
The OTC-preparation is a top-selling product for the company Bayer, which is now under investigation for not warning consumers from possible hepatotoxic side-effects when taking the drug. 
Elevated liver-enzymes and toxic hepatitis with a documented fatality have been reported.

The plant is poisonous to chickens.
The aerial parts and roots of greater celandine are used in herbalism. 
The above-ground parts are gathered during the flowering season and dried at high temperatures. 

The root is harvested in autumn between August and October and dried. The fresh rhizome is also used. 
Celandine has a hot and bitter taste. 
Preparations are made from alcoholic and hot aqueous extractions. 

The related plant bloodroot has similar chemical composition and uses as greater celandine.
As far back as Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides (1st century CE) this herb has been recognized as a useful detoxifying agent. 
The root has been chewed to relieve toothache.

John Gerard's Herball (1597) states that "the juice of the herbe is good to sharpen the sight, for it cleanseth and consumeth away slimie things that cleave about the ball of the eye and hinder the sight and especially being boiled with honey in a brasen vessell."
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract was formerly used by some Romani people as a foot refresher; modern herbalists use its purgative properties.

The modern herbalist Juliette de Baïracli Levy recommended greater celandine diluted with milk for the eyes and the latex for getting rid of warts.
Chelidonium was a favourite herb of the French herbalist Maurice Mességué. 
Chelidonium majus has traditionally been used for treatment of various inflammatory diseases including atopic dermatitis.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is also traditionally used in the treatment of gallstones and dyspepsia.
Traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, and liver disorders.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract may help stimulate bile production, supporting liver and gallbladder function.

Greater Celandine has been used to treat gallstones and liver conditions, potentially aiding in the detoxification of the liver.
In modern herbal medicine, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract's sometimes recommended for liver protection and to assist in managing conditions like hepatitis.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has been used as a natural antispasmodic to relieve muscle spasms, especially in the digestive tract. 

This is why Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has been used for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gallbladder spasms.
In traditional external applications, the yellow-orange sap of Greater Celandine has been applied to warts, eczema, and fungal infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
Some herbalists use it as a topical remedy for minor skin irritations, sores, and rashes.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has historically been used as a remedy for respiratory problems, including coughs and bronchitis, due to its expectorant properties.
Some studies suggest that Chelidonium extract may exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in various inflammatory conditions.
While Greater Celandine has therapeutic uses, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is associated with several risks, primarily due to its alkaloid content:

One of the most significant concerns is its potential to cause hepatotoxicity. 
There have been reports linking Greater Celandine to liver damage, including cases of jaundice and hepatitis.
Symptoms of liver toxicity include fatigue, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, and abdominal pain. 

The herb should be avoided by people with pre-existing liver conditions or those using other hepatotoxic medications.
Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking Greater Celandine. 
This is likely due to its strong alkaloid content.

When applied topically, the sap may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
In high doses or when used improperly, Greater Celandine can be toxic. 
Overconsumption can lead to severe side effects like difficulty breathing, hallucinations, dizziness, and confusion due to the neurotoxic effects of its alkaloids.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract may interact with medications for the liver, as well as with other herbs or pharmaceuticals that affect liver function. 
Caution is advised if you're taking medications metabolized by the liver.

Uses Of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract:
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is commonly used to treat symptoms of indigestion, including bloating, cramping, and gas. 
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract acts as a bitter tonic, stimulating bile production and aiding in digestion.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is traditionally used to manage conditions like gallstones and to help promote bile flow, which is important for fat digestion and liver health.

The herb’s antispasmodic properties make it useful for alleviating abdominal cramps and spasms associated with IBS.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has been historically used for liver disorders, including hepatitis and jaundice, as it is believed to support liver detoxification and bile secretion.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract acts as a cholagogue, stimulating the flow of bile from the liver, which is essential for digestion and detoxification processes.

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extracts antispasmodic effects are particularly useful for relieving smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, making it a remedy for stomach cramps, colic, and menstrual cramps.
In the past, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has been used to reduce spasms in the airways, offering relief for asthma, bronchitis, and coughing.
The sap of the plant, which is rich in alkaloids, is traditionally applied topically to treat warts and corns.

The extract has also been used for treating eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions, as it may reduce itching and redness.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is sometimes applied to fungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract may be used to treat minor inflammation, whether internally (in conditions like IBS or liver inflammation) or externally on the skin.

The alkaloids in Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, making the extract useful for treating infections, particularly on the skin.
In traditional European medicine, Greater Celandine was sometimes used for pain relief, especially in conditions involving the digestive system and gallbladder.
In the past, Greater Celandine was used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs. 

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
In some traditional medicinal systems, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract was used as an adjunct in cancer treatment, particularly for skin cancers. 
However, there is no strong scientific evidence to support its efficacy for this purpose, and it should not be used without medical supervision.

Historically, eye drops made from Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract were sometimes used to treat cataracts or conjunctivitis. 
This practice is rare today due to concerns over the plant’s potential toxicity.
Some believe that the herb's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties could help support the immune system in fighting off infections, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Its antispasmodic properties are also thought to help relieve menstrual pain and cramping.
Historically, Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract has been used for its mild sedative effects to calm the nervous system, although this is not a common use today.

Safety Profile Of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract:
One of the most serious hazards of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract is its potential to cause liver damage. 
There have been multiple reports linking the use of Chelidonium extract to cases of hepatitis, jaundice, and liver failure.
Symptoms may include fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes in blood tests.

Long-term or high-dose use of the extract increases the risk, especially in individuals with preexisting liver conditions or those taking other hepatotoxic medications.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium) extract can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

The alkaloids in the extract can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and diarrhea.
Prolonged use may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, especially in those with sensitive stomachs.