# Celandine (Chelidonium majus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/celandine
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Chelidonium majus, Greater Celandine, Swallowwort, Tetterwort, Wartwort, Nipplewort, Devil's Milk, Bai Qu Cai

## Overview

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a European medicinal plant containing alkaloids like chelidonine and sanguinarine that demonstrate anticancer and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. These compounds work by disrupting cellular processes in cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.

## Health Benefits

• Anticancer potential: In vitro studies showed methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated strong cytotoxic activity against gastric (HGC-27) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells without harming non-cancerous cells (PMID: 38301936) - evidence quality: preliminary
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: CM-AMP1 peptide from aerial tissue exhibited membrane-lytic antibacterial effects against E. coli through bacterial [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) mechanisms (PMC10959680) - evidence quality: preliminary
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties: High phenolic and alkaloid content in methanol extracts demonstrated cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition - evidence quality: preliminary
• Traditional [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) support: Historical use suggests anti-inflammatory benefits, though no clinical studies available - evidence quality: traditional only
• [Digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) support: Traditional applications include digestive issues, though lacking modern clinical validation - evidence quality: traditional only

## Mechanism of Action

Celandine's primary bioactive alkaloids, including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine, exert cytotoxic effects by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) dysfunction and DNA fragmentation. The [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) peptide CM-AMP1 disrupts bacterial cell membranes, while other alkaloids inhibit topoisomerase enzymes. These compounds selectively target abnormal cells while demonstrating minimal toxicity to healthy tissue.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for celandine is limited to preliminary in vitro studies. Laboratory research showed methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated strong cytotoxic activity against gastric (HGC-27) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines without harming non-cancerous cells. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies identified the peptide CM-AMP1 with activity against various pathogens. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety or efficacy, making the evidence quality preliminary and insufficient for therapeutic recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient content is not well-characterized in nutritional databases; however, as a leafy plant it contains approximately 15-25% dry weight protein, ~5-10% lipids, and ~40-50% carbohydrates including cellulose and pectins. The primary bioactive compounds are isoquinoline alkaloids, present predominantly in the latex and aerial tissues: chelidonine (0.1-1.0% dry weight, the most abundant), berberine (0.01-0.1%), coptisine (0.05-0.3%), sanguinarine (0.01-0.05%), chelerythrine (0.01-0.1%), and stylopine. Chelidonic acid (pyran-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) is a characteristic non-alkaloid constituent at approximately 0.2-0.5% dry weight. Flavonoids include rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycosides at combined concentrations of ~0.5-1.5% dry weight. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid) are present at ~0.1-0.5%. Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein) contribute to the yellow-orange latex pigmentation. Vitamin C has been detected in aerial parts (~20-50 mg/100g fresh weight). Minerals include potassium (~300-500 mg/100g dry weight), calcium (~200-400 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (~100-200 mg/100g dry weight), and iron (~5-15 mg/100g dry weight). Bioavailability note: alkaloid absorption is significant via mucous membranes and GI tract; however, sanguinarine and chelerythrine have narrow therapeutic-to-toxic margins. The plant is NOT used as a food source due to hepatotoxicity risk; all concentrations are for reference in medicinal/research contexts only.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established in human trials. In vitro studies used various extracts without specifying doses equivalent to human intake. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celandine contains hepatotoxic alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage, particularly with prolonged use or high doses. The plant's latex is highly irritating to skin and mucous membranes and can cause severe contact dermatitis. Celandine may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects. Internal use is banned or restricted in several countries due to liver toxicity concerns.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research. Evidence is limited to in vitro studies, including one examining cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines (PMID: 38301936) and another investigating the [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) peptide CM-AMP1's effects on E. coli (PMC10959680).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Chelidonium majus has been used for centuries in European and East Asian traditional medicine systems for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), anticancer, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes. Historical applications included treating skin conditions, infections, and digestive issues, utilizing the plant's distinctive latex and alkaloid content.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Dandelion Root, Artichoke Extract, Schisandra

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What alkaloids in celandine provide anticancer effects?

The primary anticancer alkaloids in celandine include chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine. These compounds induce apoptosis in cancer cells through mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA fragmentation while showing selective toxicity that spares healthy cells.

### Is celandine safe for liver health?

No, celandine contains hepatotoxic alkaloids that can cause serious liver damage including hepatitis and jaundice. Several countries have banned or restricted internal use due to documented cases of liver toxicity, particularly with prolonged use.

### How does celandine work against bacterial infections?

Celandine produces an antimicrobial peptide called CM-AMP1 that disrupts bacterial cell membranes. Additionally, its alkaloids demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, though clinical evidence for treating infections in humans is lacking.

### Can you apply celandine topically for skin conditions?

Traditional use includes topical application for warts and skin lesions, but celandine's latex is highly irritating and can cause severe contact dermatitis. Any topical use should be under professional guidance due to skin toxicity risks.

### What's the difference between greater and lesser celandine?

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) contains isoquinoline alkaloids and belongs to the poppy family, while lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) contains different compounds and is in the buttercup family. They are completely different plants with distinct chemical profiles and effects.

### Is celandine safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Celandine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to its alkaloid content and potential uterotonic effects, which could stimulate uterine contractions. Limited safety data exists for pregnant and nursing women, making it prudent to avoid this herb during these periods. Consult with a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### Does celandine interact with common medications like blood thinners or antifungals?

Celandine may interact with anticoagulant and antithrombotic medications due to its bioactive alkaloids affecting platelet function and coagulation. It can also potentially interact with hepatically metabolized drugs given its effects on liver function. Always inform your healthcare provider about celandine use if you take prescription medications, particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or drugs requiring hepatic metabolism.

### What does the current clinical evidence show about celandine's effectiveness compared to pharmaceutical alternatives?

Current evidence for celandine is primarily from preliminary in vitro studies showing cytotoxic activity against specific cancer cell lines, rather than human clinical trials. This means results cannot yet be directly compared to established pharmaceutical treatments, which have undergone rigorous clinical testing in human populations. More robust clinical research is needed before celandine can be considered an evidence-based alternative to conventional medical therapies.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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