Chelidonium majus
Chelidonium majus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (18 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Chelidonium majus is a versatile medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is derived from its roots, leaves, rhizomes, and stems. Various preparations, including aerial parts, 10% mother tinctures, and 75% ethanol extracts, are utilized to harness its potent biological properties. The plant is rich in specialized alkaloids such as coptisine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine. These chemical compounds contribute to a wide range of activities, specifically acting as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer agents. Furthermore, its medicinal application extends to addressing antiviral conditions, inhibiting 12-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, and relieving abdominal pains.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Root · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Chelidonium majus is a botanical specimen known by a variety of different names across various regions and languages. It is frequently referred to by its scientific designation, Chelidonium majus, in formal academic settings. In many local contexts, you may encounter it called by the common name Celidonia or the variant Celidònia. Some people also recognize the plant through the name Chelidoine, which highlights its unique characteristics. Additionally, in certain linguistic traditions, it is recognized by the common name Böyük dəmrovotu.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Chelidonium majus is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Ranunculales, highlighting its evolutionary connections. Specifically, this species is a member of the family Papaveraceae, which is known for its distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, it is identified by its unique genus, Chelidonium, which defines its biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Chelidonium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Chelidonium majus exhibits a broad geographical footprint that spans across several key regions. This plant is widely distributed throughout Africa, with a significant presence noted in Northern African territories such as Algeria and Morocco. Its range further extends into the Macaronesia region, encompassing the Azores and the Canary Islands. Additionally, the species is well-established on the island of Madeira. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse environmental niches that this plant successfully inhabits.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Chelidonium majus is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 1 meter, allowing it to stand prominently in its environment. Depending on the specific conditions, its stature can vary significantly, with a minimum height often measured around 0.3 meters. In many instances, the plant maintains a more consistent presence with a baseline height of approximately 0.5 meters. These varying dimensions highlight the flexible physical nature of this hardy herbaceous species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, possesses a diverse range of biological activities that make it a subject of significant pharmacological interest. Research indicates that the plant exhibits potent antioxidant properties, which contribute to its potential role in managing oxidative stress. Its bioactive constituents also demonstrate strong antimicrobial and antibacterial activities, including the ability to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria like Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, the plant has shown promise in antiviral applications, supported by the presence of specialized defense-related proteins in its latex. Emerging studies are also investigating its anticancer potential, suggesting that its complex phytochemical profile may offer unique therapeutic mechanisms.
Compounds
Chelidonium majus is a plant renowned for its complex phytochemical profile, specifically its diverse array of isoquinoline alkaloids. Among its primary bioactive constituents are sanguinarine and chelerythrine, both of which have demonstrated significant inhibitory and antimicrobial properties. The plant also contains chelidonine and coptisine, which contribute to its varied pharmacological effects, such as antispasmodic activity. Additionally, the presence of 8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine highlights the plant's potential in addressing serious infections caused by drug-resistant fungi. Together, these specific alkaloids form the chemical foundation for the long history of medicinal use associated with this species.
Conditions
Chelidonium majus exhibits significant therapeutic potential by treating A549 cancer cell lines through cytotoxic effects and apoptosis induction. The plant also serves as an effective agent for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities, largely driven by its bioactive isoquinoline alkaloids. Research specifically highlights its capacity to treat diabetic wound healing by accelerating wound closure and increasing collagen levels in skin models. These diverse biological properties demonstrate its multifaceted utility in addressing various pathological conditions.
Preparations
Chelidonium majus is prepared as extracts to study various medicinal properties, including its antibacterial and anti-ulcerogenic activities. The plant is prepared as aerial parts for use in novel nutraceuticals and traditional treatments for jaundice. In specific clinical observations for COVID-19, Chelidonium majus is prepared as a 10% mother tincture. Research into its chemical constituents has also utilized the 75% ethanol extract of the plant to isolate new lignanamides and alkaloids. Finally, the Celandine Alkali Injection Formula (CAIF) is prepared from the plant to explore its synergistic therapeutic potential against melanoma.
Parts used
Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, is a medicinal species characterized by a complex phytochemical profile distributed throughout its various anatomical structures. Scientific research indicates that the plant's roots contain a higher concentration and variety of alkaloids compared to its aerial parts. Beyond the root system, the plant's chemical and elemental compositions are also found within the leaves, stems, and rhizomes. Studies on trace elements have shown that heavy metals can be detected in the rhizomes and subsequently translocated to the leaves. Ultimately, understanding the distinct biological activities and mineral concentrations in each part of C. majus is essential for evaluating its potential medicinal and ecological properties.