Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the poppy family, Papaveraceae. This plant is native to Europe and western Asia but has become naturalized in various regions globally, including North America, often found in disturbed areas like roadsides and gardens. It typically grows to a height of 12 to 47 inches, featuring blue-green, pinnate leaves with lobed margins. The plant is recognized by its distinctive four-petaled yellow flowers that appear from late spring to summer. A notable characteristic of Greater Celandine is the bright orange-yellow latex, or sap, that exudes from its stems and leaves when they are bruised or broken.
Historical and Traditional Applications of Greater Celandine
Greater Celandine has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In European herbalism, it was traditionally employed for issues related to the liver and gallbladder. Historical accounts suggest its use in treating jaundice and promoting bile flow, aligning with the belief that its yellow sap resembled bile. The plant was considered beneficial for conditions like liver stagnation, gallbladder issues, and digestive complaints.
Beyond internal uses, the plant’s orange sap was also traditionally applied externally. It was a folk remedy for various skin conditions, including warts, ringworm, and corns. Some historical texts also mention its use for eye conditions, with the juice sometimes diluted with milk to “sharpen the sight” or clear “slimy things” from the eye. These traditional applications highlight the plant’s long-standing, albeit unscientific, reputation as a therapeutic agent in folk medicine.
Scientific Perspectives on Greater Celandine’s Compounds
Greater Celandine contains bioactive isoquinoline alkaloids. Over 90 different alkaloids have been identified, including compounds like chelidonine, sanguinarine, berberine, and coptisine. These alkaloids are responsible for the plant’s pharmacological activities.
Research indicates that these compounds may possess various properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. For instance, sanguinarine and chelerythrine have shown antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings. Most studies have been conducted in vitro or in animal models, and human clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy remain limited or inconclusive. The presence of these potent alkaloids underscores the plant’s strong pharmacological activity, necessitating caution.
Safety Information and Risks
Despite its historical uses, Greater Celandine is toxic, and its internal use carries significant risks. Its compounds, particularly the alkaloids, can cause serious liver problems, including acute hepatitis and liver damage. Symptoms of liver toxicity can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, and jaundice. Due to this potential for liver damage, health experts advise against its internal use.
Gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can also occur with ingestion. External contact with the plant’s orange sap can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Greater Celandine is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals due to potential harm to the fetus and infant. It should also be avoided by those with pre-existing liver disease, bile duct obstructions, or those taking medications that can harm the liver. Self-medication is strongly discouraged, and professional medical advice is essential before considering any use.
Distinguishing Between Greater and Lesser Celandine
Confusion often arises between Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) and Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna, also known as pilewort), though botanically distinct. Greater Celandine belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae), while Lesser Celandine is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Greater Celandine typically grows taller, reaching up to 47 inches, with deeply lobed, blue-green leaves and four-petaled yellow flowers that bloom from May to September. It also produces a distinctive orange-yellow sap when broken.
In contrast, Lesser Celandine is a much smaller plant, usually growing no more than 2 inches tall, with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that often have darker markings. Its bright yellow flowers typically have 8 to 12 petals and appear earlier in the spring, from March to April. Understanding these botanical distinctions is important, as misidentification could lead to unintended health consequences.