Chelidonium majus
What's the taxonomical classification of Chelidonium majus?
Chelidonium majus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Following its taxonomic descent, it is placed in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. This species is a member of the order Ranunculales and falls under the family Papaveraceae. Within this family, it is categorized under the genus Chelidonium, specifically identifying as the species Chelidonium majus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Chelidonium |
| Species | majus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Chelidonium majus has a herbaceous perennial structure characterized by hollow, succulent stems that exude a bright yellow, caustic latex when damaged. The leaves are large and deeply lobed, typically displaying a basal arrangement with three to five distinct, irregularly shaped segments. These foliage elements possess a glaucous or dull green appearance and often feature serrated margins. During the flowering season, the plant produces small, four-petaled yellow flowers that emerge from terminal clusters. The overall morphology is defined by this combination of spreading leafy growth and delicate, upright inflorescences.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the temperate regions of Europe and parts of western and central Asia. Its range extends from the British Isles through much of continental Europe and reaches into the Caucasus and parts of the Middle East. It typically inhabits moist, shady woodlands and forest edges across these various longitudinal stretches. In certain areas, it can be found growing in deciduous forests where the soil remains consistently damp. The distribution follows a pattern characteristic of many shade-loving perennials found across the Palearctic realm.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Chelidonium majus, thrives in moist, nitrogen-rich soils within partially shaded to shady environments such as woodland edges or hedgerows.
It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and requires consistent moisture to prevent the foliage from wilting. Propagation is most successful through seeds collected in late summer or by dividing the rhizomes during the dormant season. While it is easy to grow, its tendency to spread via self-seeding means it should be managed carefully in garden settings.
Once established, the plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate various temperate climates.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Chelidonium majus utilizes its aerial parts, which include the flowers, fruits, and leaves, as well as its roots for various medicinal purposes. The yellow flowers and the small, dark fruits contain alkaloids that are often used in topical preparations. The green leaves are frequently harvested to produce extracts used for treating skin conditions. Below the surface, the root is highly valued for its potent chemical properties and is often used in traditional remedies. Each of these specific components provides different therapeutic concentrations required for medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuedics", the aerial parts of Chelidonium majuus L. are used as an active ingredient in a novel nutraceutic. This specific nutraceutic is formulated alongside curcuminoids, other actives from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, roots of Taraxacum officinale L., vitamins C, D3, A, E, and the mineral zinc. The study focuses on evidencing beneficial biological effects such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the research examines nutritional status, biocompatibility, cell proliferation capacity, and immunomodulation related to these components.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- flower
- fruit
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Chelidonium majus, has been utilized for centuries across various medical traditions to treat conditions involving the liver, gallbladder, and skin. In Russian herbal medicine, practitioners have historically employed its bitter alkaloids to stimulate bile production and support digestive functions. Homeopathic practitioners use highly diluted preparations of the plant to address ailments such as jaundice and certain types of skin eruptions. Historically, the bright yellow latex from the stems was applied topically to manage warts and other cutaneous growths. These diverse applications reflect a long-standing recognition of the plant's potent chemical properties.
According to a study published by "Biomeditsinskaia khimiiia", plant peptides obtained from traditional Russian herbal medicine have gradually gained considerable attention as a new source of anticancer drugs. One such peptide extract, known as PE-PM, was obtained from a mixture containing Chelidonium majuus L. In a new mouse T-lymphoma/leukemia model ASF-LL, the antitumor activity of two local injections of the PE-PM extract was detected. This treatment resulted in tumor growth inhibition and survival improvement of 33% of recipients bearing the intraperitoneal form of ASF-LL.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Russian herbal medicine
- homeopathy
What are the pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce pain sensations and decrease swelling in damaged tissues. The presence of specific alkaloids also allows the plant to inhibit the growth of various harmful microorganisms. Research indicates that its extracts can interfere with cancer cell progression through antitumor mechanisms. Additionally, the plant provides significant protection to liver cells against chemical toxins and oxidative stress.
According to a study published by "Cancer letters", Chelidonium majis L. herb extract (CH) serves as an analgesic traditionally prescribed for gastric and duodenal ulcer patients. In an experiment involving sixty-four male 6-week-old Wistar rats, the extract was administered in a basal diet containing 0.1% or 0.2% CH for 16 weeks starting from week 4. The results showed that in the MNNG + S-NaCl-->CH (0.1%) group, the number of preneoplastic pepsinogen 1 altered pyloric glands (PAPGs) was significantly smaller than in the MNNG + S-NaCl group (P < 0.02). Additionally, the incidences of forestomach neoplastic lesions, including papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, showed a tendency to decrease with CH treatment. These findings indicate that CH exerts inhibitory effects on glandular stomach carcinogenesis in the rat.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 1. choleretic activity
- 2. cholagogue
- 3. hepatoprotective
- 4. anti-inflammatory
- 5. anticancer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a variety of isoquinoline alkaloids including chelidonine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine, dihydrosanguinarine, and 8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine. These specific medicinal compounds are primarily responsible for the biological activities associated with the species. Sanguinarine and chelerythrine are often studied for their potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of chelidonine contributes to the plant's complex pharmacological profile used in traditional medicine. Researchers continue to investigate how these combined alkaloids interact to produce therapeutic effects.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", the benzophenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine of Chelidonium majuus are potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and 12-lipoxygenase in mouse epidermis. The extract of the herb of Ch. majus also inhibits the 5-LO enzyme. Chelidonine is noted as being inactive against LO enzymes because it cannot form pseudobases. The inhibitory effects against LO enzymes appear to be due to specific enzyme interaction rather than a nonspecific redox mechanism. This conclusion is supported by a lack of deoxyribose degradation, reactivity against free radicals, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chelidonine
- Chelerythrine
- Sanguinarine
- Dihydrosanguinarine
- 8-hydroxydihydrochelerythrine
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cough, colic, gastric disorders, skin disorders, and warts. The extracts from the plant act as an expectorant to help soothe respiratory issues like a cough. It is also applied topically to address various skin disorders and to remove warts. Internally, it has been utilized to relieve intestinal colic and manage different gastric disorders. Proper application depends on the specific ailment being addressed by the medicinal properties of the plant.
According to a study published by "European review for medical and pharmacological sciences", Chelidonium majuus L. has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and phytotherapy for a wide variety of biological activities. Its extracts are claimed to display antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, anti-neoplastic, hepatoprotective, and analgesic effects. Additionally, herbal medicine suggests the plant may have effects that have not yet been scientifically evaluated, such as antitussive, diuretic, and eye-regenerative properties. Despite these claimed hepatoprotective effects, several hepatotoxicity cases have been reported as probably or highly probably connected with Chelidonium majus exposure. Due to the absence of considerable benefits and the presence of these cases, the risk to benefit ratio of using products containing this plant can be considered negative.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cough
- pain
- constipation
- gastric ulcers
- skin warts
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Chelidonium majus, a species used to produce various medicinal preparations including a 75% ethanol extract, Iberogast®, STW 5, Ukrain, and raw latex. The latex is a bright yellow substance harvested directly from the plant that contains potent alkaloids. Specifically, the STW 5 and Iberogast® formulations are standardized liquid preparations used primarily for treating functional gastrointestinal disorders. Ukrain is another specific medicinal extract used in certain therapeutic contexts to address digestive issues. Each of these preparations varies in concentration and intended application within herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Gastro hep advances", Iberogast® is a formulation containing 9 medicinal plant extracts, one of which is Greater Celandine. This herbal preparation has been widely used over the past 5 decades. The plant has proven effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. While safety and tolerability have been evaluated in double-blind and randomized studies versus placebo, occasional cases of drug-induced liver injury have been documented. In a reported case, a 32-year-old female experienced symptoms that resolved spontaneously 5 weeks after treatment interruption.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 75% ethanol extract
- Iberogast®
- STW 5
- Ukrain
- latex
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe physiological damage including acute hepatitis, cardiotoxic effects, centrolobular necrosis, hepatotoxicity, and renal failure. The ingestion of its alkaloids leads to profound hepatotoxicity that frequently manifests as centrolobular necrosis within the liver tissue. This cellular destruction often progresses into clinical acute hepatitis, significantly impairing metabolic functions. Beyond the liver, the plant's chemical compounds exert cardiotoxic effects that can disrupt normal heart rhythms. Furthermore, the systemic toxicity can culminate in life-threatening renal failure as the kidneys struggle to process the toxins.
According to a study published by "Gastroenteology", 10 cases of acute hepatitis were induced by preparations of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) over the last 2 years. The course of hepatitis ranged from mild to severe, with marked cholestasis observed in 5 patients. While liver failure did not occur, liver enzyme levels returned to normal in 2-6 months after the discontinuation of the plant. One patient experienced a second flare of hepatic inflammation due to an unintentional rechallenge. Greater celandine is capable of inducing acute cholestatic hepatitis.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- acute hepatitis
- cardiotoxic effects
- centrolobular necrosis
- hepatotoxicity
- renal failure
What herbs are paired with Chelidonium majus?
This plant Chelidonium majus pairs most effectively with herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile to balance its intense bitter profile and potent alkaloids.
Combining it with minty aromatics can help mask the acrid taste often associated with its yellow latex. Lemon balm provides a bright, citrusy note that complements the plant's earthy undertones during infusion preparations. Chamomile serves as a gentle sedative partner that may assist in soothing the digestive system when these botanicals are used together.
These specific combinations are frequently explored in traditional herbalism to create more palatable and balanced topical or internal blends.