Celandine Herb Extract
Also known as: Greater celandine, Celandine herb, Chelidonium majus L.
Overview
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) is a perennial herb historically used in traditional European medicine for various conditions, including digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder issues, and skin ailments. The plant contains a range of alkaloids, such as chelidonine, which are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects, including potential cytotoxic, spasmolytic, and choleretic properties. Despite its long history of use, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of celandine extract as a standalone supplement is limited and often mixed. Research maturity is considered low to moderate, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on celandine extract. Most available data are derived from case reports, observational studies, or trials involving multi-herb formulations where celandine is one component. Importantly, its use is associated with significant safety concerns, particularly regarding liver toxicity.
Benefits
Evidence for the benefits of Greater Celandine is largely insufficient or mixed, with significant safety concerns outweighing potential advantages. Some limited evidence suggests that celandine, when included as part of a multi-herb formulation (e.g., Iberogast), may help reduce symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia) such as acid reflux, stomach pain, and nausea over a four-week period. However, these observed benefits are attributed to the synergistic effects of the combined herbs rather than celandine alone, making it difficult to ascertain its individual contribution. Claims regarding anticancer, anti-inflammatory, or other systemic benefits lack rigorous scientific support from well-controlled trials. While early-phase or poorly designed studies have hinted at potential antitumor effects, these findings have not been confirmed by robust research. There are no well-powered randomized controlled trials demonstrating clear benefits for any specific patient population, and the strength of evidence for any purported benefit is generally low.
How it works
The pharmacological actions of Greater Celandine are primarily attributed to its active alkaloids, such as chelidonine. These compounds are thought to possess cytotoxic, spasmolytic (muscle-relaxing), and choleretic (bile-stimulating) properties. In the digestive system, these properties may contribute to the relaxation of smooth muscles, potentially alleviating spasms and discomfort, and influencing bile flow. However, the precise molecular targets, detailed mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes the compounds) of celandine alkaloids in humans are not well understood or characterized. The bioavailability and metabolism of these compounds in the human body require further study.
Side effects
Greater Celandine carries a significant risk profile, with the most serious adverse effect being hepatotoxicity (liver injury). Numerous case reports and systematic reviews have documented herb-induced liver injury (HILI) associated with celandine use, ranging from mild hepatocellular damage to severe cases requiring hospitalization, and in rare instances, leading to acute liver failure. The onset of liver injury typically occurs 2 to 5 weeks after initiating supplementation, with recovery often taking up to 8 weeks after cessation. Re-exposure to celandine can lead to a recurrence of liver damage. While gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, it is not well quantified. Due to its hepatotoxic potential, celandine is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing liver disease or compromised liver function. Potential interactions with other hepatotoxic drugs or medications metabolized by the liver are a concern, though not extensively studied. The safety of celandine in special populations, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and the elderly, has not been established, and its use in these groups is not recommended.
Dosage
There are no standardized or widely accepted dosing guidelines for Greater Celandine herb extract due to the lack of robust clinical trial data specifically on its efficacy and safety as a standalone supplement. Traditional uses vary considerably, and the alkaloid content can differ significantly between commercial preparations. While some multi-herb products, such as Iberogast, include celandine as one component and have recommended dosages, the specific contribution and safe dosage of celandine within these formulations are unclear. Given the well-documented risk of hepatotoxicity associated with celandine, its use, if considered at all, should be approached with extreme caution and only under strict medical supervision. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds for celandine due to its inherent risks, and safer alternatives are generally available for conditions it is traditionally used for.
FAQs
Is celandine safe?
No, Greater Celandine has a well-documented and significant risk of liver injury, which can be severe and lead to hospitalization. Its use is generally not recommended due to these safety concerns.
Does celandine work for cancer or liver diseases?
Current scientific evidence is insufficient and preliminary; any purported benefits for cancer or liver diseases are unproven. The risks associated with celandine use, particularly liver toxicity, far outweigh any potential, unconfirmed benefits.
Can celandine be used for indigestion?
Possibly, but primarily as part of a multi-herb formulation like Iberogast, where its individual contribution is unclear. Celandine alone lacks strong evidence for indigestion and carries significant safety concerns, especially regarding liver injury.
How long until effects appear?
If used for digestive issues as part of a multi-herb blend, effects might appear within weeks. However, it's crucial to note that liver injury, the most serious side effect, can also manifest within 2 to 5 weeks of starting supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548684/ – This systematic review from LiverTox documents numerous cases of hepatocellular injury associated with Greater Celandine use. It highlights that liver damage typically occurs 2-5 weeks after starting the supplement and resolves upon cessation, confirming a causal link between celandine and herb-induced liver injury.
- https://www.wjgnet.com/2307-8960/full/v9/i20/5490.htm – This systematic review by Ballotin et al. identifies Greater Celandine as one of the herbs frequently implicated in herb-induced liver injury (HILI) among 782 patients. While most patients recovered, the review underscores the significant risk of severe liver damage associated with its use, based on observational data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.14044 – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Gwee et al. on herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia found that certain multi-herb formulas, which may include celandine, could reduce dyspepsia symptoms. However, the review notes quality and standardization issues in studies and emphasizes that celandine's specific contribution to these effects is unclear, as most studies involved combinations of herbs.