170 /CELANDINE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
EFFECTS: CELANDINE HERB
Celandine has mild analgesic, cholagogic, antimicrobial,,
oncostatic and central-sedative effects. It also acts as a
spasmolytic on smooth muscles. In animal tests, Celandine is
a cytostatic. It also has a nonspecific immune-stimulating
effect.
Note: The blood pressure-lowering effects and the therapeu-
tic efficacy for mild forms of hypertonia (borderline
hypertonia) need further investigation.
COMPOUNDS: CELANDINE ROOT
Isoquinoline alkaloids of the protoberberine type: including
coptisine (main alkaloid), berberine
Isoquinoline alkaloids of the benzophenanthridine type:
including chelidonine. sanguinarine, chelerythrin
Isoquinoline alkaloids of the protopine-type: including
protopin, cryptopine
Caffeic acid derivatives: including 2-(-)-coffeoyl-D-glyceric
acid, coffeoyl-L-malic acid
EFFECTS: CELANDINE ROOT
Only clinical studies and experiments on the fresh plants are
available. However, previous studies have shown that the
extract, with an alkaloid content of 80%, should have similar
effects to those of the fresh leaves. These effects include
immobilization in mice, when it was applied subcutaneously
and orally. On rabbit intestines it caused limpness; and in
higher doses, tone reduction. When applied to the rabbit
uterus, it caused contraction of the smooth muscle. Positive
inotropic effects were observed in isolated cat and frog
hearts; in a canine heart-lung preparation it stimulated the
heart, raised blood pressure and widened the arteries.
Experimental data are unavailable, therefore the results must
be considered unofficial.
An oncostatic effect was observed through the cytotoxic
results of Eagle's 9 KB carcinoma of the naso-pharynx in
cell cultures.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
CELANDINE HERB
Approved by Commission E:
- Liver and gallbladder complaints
Unproven Uses: Celandine is used for spasmodic pain of the
bile ducts and the gastrointestinal tract. In folk medicine, it
was used for skin conditions such as blister rashes, scabies
and warts. It is said to be effective in the treatment of
cholecystitis, chloelithiasis, catarrhal jaundice, gastroenteri-
tis, and diffuse latent liver and gall bladder complaints. It has
also been used for intestinal polyps and breast lumps. Other
uses include angina pectoris, cramps, asthma, arteriosclero-
sis, high blood pressure, stomach cancer, gout, edema and
hepatitis.
Chinese Medicine: Celandine is used for inflammation of the
rim of the eyelid, febrile and ulcerating dermatitis, warts,
edema, ascites, jaundice and stomach carcinomas
CELANDINE ROOT
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, the fresh roots are chewed
to alleviate toothache, and a powder derived from the roots is
applied to ease tooth extraction.
Chinese Medicine: Preparations are used for irregular
menstruation.
Homeopathic Uses: Chelidonium majus is used for inflam-
mation, stones and chronic disorders of the hepatobiliary
system, rheumatism and inflammation of the lungs and
pleura.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
CELANDINE HERB
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. Older scientific literature credits the
plant with toxicity (burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting,
bloody diarrhea, hematuria, stupor), but recent studies offer
no clear proof of this; animal experiments yielded no results.
No symptoms of inflammation were observed in the eyes of
rabbits following introduction of the chyle. Nevertheless,
contact between it and the eyes should be avoided.
Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy.
CELANDINE ROOT
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. Older scientific literature credits the plant with
toxicity (burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, bloody
diarrhea, hematuria, stupor), but recent studies offer no clear
proof of this. Animal experiments yielded no examples of
toxicity.
DOSAGE
CELANDINE HERB
Mode of Administration: Comminuted and powdered drug
for infusions and decoctions; dried extracts for liquid and
solid medicinal forms for internal use.
Preparations:
Fluid extract — 1:1 in 25% ethanol.
Tincture — 1:10 in 45% ethanol (BHP83).
Tea — allow 1V2 dessertspoonfuls to draw in boiling water
for 10 minutes.
