Greater Celandine Leaf Extract
Also known as: Greater Celandine, Swallow-wort, Bai-qu-cai, Chelidonium majus
Overview
Greater Celandine (*Chelidonium majus*) is a flowering plant native to Eurasia, traditionally utilized for its antispasmodic and mildly sedative properties. It is commonly used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion and nausea. While historically significant in herbal medicine, the scientific evidence supporting its benefits is limited and varies in quality, primarily due to a lack of well-designed clinical trials. Notably, greater celandine poses risks of liver injury, with its hepatotoxicity being a critical concern for its usage. It often appears in multi-herb formulations, such as Iberogast, indicating a synergy with other components rather than a strong standalone efficacy.
Benefits
The potential benefits of greater celandine include: - **Indigestion**: Some studies indicate that formulations containing greater celandine, like Iberogast, may alleviate symptoms of indigestion, although contributions from other ingredients are likely significant. - **Gallbladder Health**: There is minimal evidence for its effectiveness regarding gallbladder conditions, with most observed benefits attributable to other herbs in combined products. - **Cancer**: Preliminary research exploring the anticancer effects has produced inconclusive results and lacks robust clinical validation. Overall, while some evidence exists, it is generally weak, highlighting the need for further research.
How it works
Greater Celandine is rich in over 20 active alkaloids that may affect the digestive system by reducing bowel contractions and enhancing bile flow. Although its precise mechanisms of action remain unclear, these alkaloids are hypothesized to interact with digestive enzymes and influence liver function, potentially contributing to both its therapeutic claims and risks, namely hepatotoxicity.
Side effects
The safety profile of greater celandine reveals significant concerns, primarily related to idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, with documented liver injury cases. While common side effects are inadequately recorded due to limited research, liver damage remains a severe risk, particularly when combined with other hepatotoxic agents. Additional drug interactions may occur, especially with medications metabolized by the liver, such as those that involve the CYP2D6 enzyme, as well as drugs with depressive effects. Consequently, it is contraindicated for individuals with existing liver diseases or those taking potentially harmful medications.
Dosage
Currently, no established minimum effective dose for greater celandine exists, and it is often found in multi-herb formulations where it serves as a minor component, like Iberogast. The typical range or maximum safe dosage is undefined due to its associated hepatotoxicity risks. Consequently, specific timing considerations for administration are also absent, necessitating caution and potentially avoiding its use altogether.
FAQs
Are there safety concerns with greater celandine?
Yes, greater celandine can cause serious liver damage and should be avoided in individuals with liver conditions or who are taking medications that harm the liver.
What are the expected results from using greater celandine?
Benefits mainly come from anecdotal reports, and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and not well-established.
Is greater celandine safe because of its traditional uses?
Despite its longstanding traditional use, greater celandine poses significant risks for liver injury, and its safety should not be underestimated.
Research Sources
- https://journals.lww.com/acgcr/fulltext/2024/05000/a_yellow_flower_with_jaundice_power__liver_injury.4.aspx – This case report highlights the first documented instance of liver injury due to greater celandine usage in the U.S., illustrating its potential for idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28379595/ – A literature review assessing greater celandine's risk-benefit ratio concluded that its usage may present more risks than benefits, particularly due to hepatotoxicity concerns.
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/celandine/ – A meta-analysis investigated the effects of Iberogast, which contains greater celandine, finding improvements in indigestion symptoms; however, the specific contribution of celandine alone remains unclear.