Organic Greater Celandine
Also known as: Greater celandine, Swallow-wort, Bai-qu-cai, Chelidonium majus L.
Overview
Greater celandine, scientifically known as *Chelidonium majus L.*, is a herb traditionally utilized in phytotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine. This plant has a long history of use for various health conditions including indigestion, liver disorders, cancer, and arthritis. The extracts are recognized for their potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. Nonetheless, substantial high-quality evidence supporting these applications is lacking, and most existing studies are small and methodologically flawed. Thus, while greater celandine may exhibit interesting properties, its overall effectiveness and safety remain uncertain. The key forms available are hydroethanolic extracts, with a research focus primarily on its application in functional digestive disorders, although serious safety concerns have been raised regarding its hepatotoxic potential.
Benefits
Greater celandine has shown some efficacy in alleviating symptoms related to indigestion, particularly in the context of a specific formulation known as Iberogast, which combines it with other herbs. A meta-analysis indicated that this formulation can effectively reduce symptoms such as acid reflux, stomach pain, and nausea over a four-week period. However, evidence supporting the use of greater celandine in treating other conditions, such as its potential antitumor effects, is either poorly designed or anecdotal. In animal studies, hepatoprotective effects were observed, but these findings are not consistently replicable in human subjects. Population-specific benefits remain unclear, emphasizing caution for those with liver conditions or who are taking medications that could exacerbate liver issues.
How it works
The potential mechanisms of action for greater celandine involve modulation of immune responses and an increase in bile flow, known as choleretic activity. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids and phenolic compounds, that contribute to its pharmacological effects, such as reducing inflammation and possibly offering protective effects to the liver. However, despite these potential benefits, greater celandine extracts can also lead to hepatotoxicity due to their interaction with liver metabolism.
Side effects
The primary concern regarding greater celandine is its hepatotoxicity, with documented cases of liver injury and hepatitis as significant side effects, occurring in over 5% of users. Other less common side effects (1-5%) include hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and liver cytolysis. Rare severe side effects (<1%) such as liver failure requiring transplantation have been recorded, underscoring the risk involved in its use. The supplement interacts adversely with medications that compromise liver function, immunosuppressants, and other drugs metabolized via the liver, emphasizing the need for caution. Contraindications include liver disease, bile duct obstruction, and concurrent use of hepatotoxic agents. Special consideration should be made for individuals with autoimmune conditions, as greater celandine may exacerbate these diseases.
Dosage
Due to the absence of definitive clinical trials, there is no established minimum effective dose for greater celandine. However, for the specific product Iberogast, the recommended dosage is 1 mL administered three times daily for four weeks. While an optimal dosing range has not been clearly established, awareness of the potential for hepatotoxicity at high doses is critical. Timing guidelines for administration are not specifically provided, but the hydroethanolic extract appears to be the most studied formulation. The bioavailability and absorption characteristics of greater celandine compounds remain inadequately explored, making definitive dosage recommendations complicated.
FAQs
Is greater celandine safe to use?
Greater celandine poses a risk of liver damage and should not be used by individuals with liver disease or those on hepatotoxic medications.
How should I take greater celandine?
There are no specific timing recommendations, but usage under medical supervision is advised.
What benefits can I expect from greater celandine?
Expected benefits remain uncertain, with evidence primarily linked to symptom relief in indigestion through a specific preparation.
Are there misconceptions about greater celandine?
Yes, many consider it a safe and effective treatment, though the available evidence does not strongly support this view.
Research Sources
- https://iris.uniroma1.it/retrieve/e3835317-63b5-15e8-e053-a505fe0a3de9/Panatano_Hepatotoxicity_2017.pdf – This systematic review explores the hepatotoxicity associated with greater celandine. It reveals a significant risk of liver injury and questions the overall risk-to-benefit ratio of the herb, primarily indicating low-quality evidence from heterogeneous sources.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34307603/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis outlining the incidence of herb-induced liver injury (HILI), establishing greater celandine as a notable contributor. Notably, over 6% of cases resulted in liver transplantation, highlighting the serious risks associated with its usage.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28379595/ – This meta-analysis assessed the phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia, specifically evaluating Iberogast which contains greater celandine. Results indicated a reduction in digestive symptoms, although the focus on a single formulation limits its applicability to the herb alone.