Celandine alkaloids are obtained from the flowering tops and roots of Chelidontum majus. When used topically, celandine has analgesic, antiseptic, and caustic effects.

When taken orally, the herb may have cytostatic activity with nonspecific immune stimulation and may facilitate bile flow in the GI system. It may also have antispasmodic and diuretic effects. Celandine is available as dry plant, dry root, liquid extract, ointment, tinctures, and in various multiingredient products.

Benefits And Uses of Celandine

Celandine is used orally to treat nonobstructive cholecystitis, jaundice, cholelithiasis, hypercholesterolemia, angina pectoris, asthma, breast lumps, constipation, diffuse latent liver complaints, stomach cancer, and gout. It may also help manage blood pressure, but such use isn’t well documented.

Celandine is used topically as an analgesic, antiseptic, and caustic agent for eczema, blister rashes, scabies, scrofulous diseases, insect bites, warts, and hemorrhoids.

Administration

• Liquid extract: 1 to 2 ml by mouth three times a day .
• Tincture: 10 to 15 gtt sublingually three times a day.
• Herb decoction, infusion: 2 to 4 g powdered herb (not root) in 1 cup of boiling water three times a day .
• Ointment: Applied to affected area three times a day, as needed .
• Root decoction or infusion: 1 1/2 cups of cold liquid every day; prepared by steeping 1 level teaspoon (about 0.5 g) of rootstock in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes .
• Topical juice: Mixed with vinegar and dabbed on no more than two or three warts at a time, two to three times a day.

Side Effects of Celandine

Adverse effects associated with the use of celandine include stupor, seizures, drowsiness, burning in the mouth, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, salivation, hematuria, jaundice, contact dermatitis, and allergic response.

Extracts or tinctures prepared with alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Celandine may have blood pressure lowering effects and may contribute to the antihypertensive effects of such medications. Changes in electrocardiogram results may occur when celandine is used in conjunction with digoxin.

Efficacy may be reduced if celandine is used with morphine derivatives or sulfonamides. Celandine may cause hypoglycemia when used with sulfonylureas.

Patients with latex or celandine allergy, pregnant patients, breast-feeding patients, and patients with painful gallstones, acute bilious colic, obstructive jaundice, or acute viral hepatitis should avoid using celandine.

Clinical considerations

• Dried celandine is less active than the fresh herb.
• Patient should be cautioned about crosssensitivity between latex allergy and oral use of celandine.
• Overdose, especially of stem juice, could be toxic and life threatening.
• Caution patient to use celandine only under a health care provider’s supervision.
• Tell patient to alert his health care provider if he’s allergic to latex or herbs before he starts using celandine.
• If patient is pregnant or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use celandine.
• Warn patient not to exceed the recommended dosage.
• Advise patient to notify his health care provider and immediately seek medical attention if herb causes allergic reaction or yellowing of the skin or sclera.
• Inform patient that herb is not recommended for long-term use.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of celandine and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

Tagged under:alkaloids allergic response bile flow cholelithiasis gi system Health Flash liver complaints tinctures

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