Celandine Extract
Also known as: Chelidonium majus L., Greater celandine, Tetterwort, Chelidonium majus
Overview
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various ailments, including digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder conditions, and skin problems. The extract contains alkaloids, peptides, and other bioactive compounds. It is often marketed as a natural remedy for liver support, digestive spasms, and inflammation. However, research into celandine extract is complicated by safety concerns, particularly hepatotoxicity. While some studies explore its antimicrobial and anticancer properties, the clinical evidence is limited and often based on small or poorly controlled trials. Systematic reviews highlight risks of liver injury associated with its use, tempering enthusiasm for its therapeutic application. Due to these safety concerns, its use should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Benefits
The primary purported benefits of greater celandine extract include antimicrobial activity and anticancer potential, although robust clinical validation is lacking. A novel cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide (CM-AMP1) isolated from C. majus shows membrane-lytic activity against bacteria such as *E. coli*, indicating potential as an antimicrobial agent. Early research suggests some antitumor effects in vitro and in small clinical observations (e.g., esophageal cancer), but these findings lack robust clinical validation and well-designed RCTs. Traditionally, it has been used for digestive spasms and liver disorders, but clinical evidence supporting efficacy is insufficient and overshadowed by safety concerns. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are suggested in traditional use but lack rigorous clinical confirmation. Potential benefits in conditions like arthritis, gout, and skin disorders are anecdotal or based on preliminary data.
How it works
The antimicrobial peptide CM-AMP1 from C. majus is a 25-amino acid cysteine-rich peptide with three disulfide bonds conferring stability and antimicrobial activity via membrane disruption of bacteria. Alkaloids in celandine (e.g., chelidonine) may contribute to anticancer and antispasmodic effects through modulation of cellular pathways, though precise molecular targets remain unclear. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited; the peptide’s stability suggests potential for oral or topical activity, but systemic bioavailability is not well documented.
Side effects
Greater celandine is associated with herb-induced liver injury (HILI), including cases of acute hepatitis and liver failure. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions. Uncommon side effects include liver enzyme elevations and mild hepatotoxicity. Rare side effects include severe liver injury, liver failure requiring transplantation, and death reported in case studies. Potential interactions with hepatotoxic drugs or those metabolized by the liver exist, so caution is advised. It is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing liver disease, pregnancy, and lactation. Use is also contraindicated or not recommended in children and patients with liver impairment. Due to the risk of liver damage, regular monitoring of liver function is recommended if celandine is used.
Dosage
No standardized dosing has been established due to a lack of clinical trials and safety concerns. Traditional herbal preparations vary widely in concentration. Use under medical supervision is advised if at all. There is no clear data on minimum effective or maximum safe doses. Absorption factors and required cofactors are not well studied. Due to the potential for hepatotoxicity, it is crucial to avoid exceeding any suggested dosage and to monitor liver function regularly if using celandine extract.
FAQs
Is celandine extract safe?
It carries a significant risk of liver injury; caution and medical supervision are essential.
Does it work for liver disorders?
Evidence is insufficient and conflicting; risks may outweigh benefits.
Can it be used for cancer?
Early research is inconclusive and not supported by high-quality clinical trials.
Are there safer alternatives?
Yes, many liver-supportive supplements with better safety profiles exist.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/livertox/Celandine/ – This LiverTox monograph summarizes clinical reports of hepatotoxicity linked to greater celandine use, including liver enzyme elevations and severe hepatitis. The evidence is based on case reports and series, indicating a probable causal relationship between celandine and liver damage.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8281430/ – This systematic review analyzed 446 references including 936 cases of herb-induced liver injury; greater celandine was among herbs implicated in hepatotoxicity, with cases of acute liver injury documented. This review highlights the clinical risk of liver damage, underscoring the need for caution when considering celandine use.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00939 – This study identified and characterized a novel antimicrobial peptide (CM-AMP1) from C. majus with potent antibacterial activity and proteolytic stability. This molecular-level study provides insight into potential antimicrobial mechanisms but does not address clinical efficacy or safety.
- https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/articlehighlights/v9/i20/5490.htm – This article highlights the potential of Chelidonium majus in cancer therapy, focusing on its alkaloids' effects on cancer cells. It suggests that while celandine shows promise in cancer treatment, further research is needed to validate its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.