# Chelidonium majus **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chelidonium-majus **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** European **Also Known As:** Chelidonium majus L., Greater celandine, Swallowwort, Tetterwort, Devil's milk, Wartweed, Celandine poppy ## Overview Chelidonium majus is a European herb containing alkaloids like chelidonine and sanguinarine that demonstrate immune-modulating and anti-cancer properties. The plant's bioactive compounds work by activating immune cells and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation through multiple cellular pathways. ## Health Benefits • [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) support: Activates peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increases CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios (preliminary evidence, PMID: 33706629) • Potential anti-cancer activity: Shows antiproliferative effects against multiple cancer cell lines including HT-29 and PANC-1 (in vitro evidence only, IC50 20.6-73.9 µg/ml) • COVID-19 symptom relief: Observational case series of 20 patients reported symptom resolution in 1-9 days (very limited evidence, no controls) • Traditional respiratory support: Historically used for coughs and asthma for over 21 centuries (traditional use only) • Antimicrobial properties: Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids demonstrate antimicrobial activity (preliminary evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Chelidonium majus alkaloids, particularly chelidonine and sanguinarine, activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells and modulate [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) populations by increasing CD4+/CD8+ ratios. The antiproliferative effects against cancer cells involve multiple pathways including apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Sanguinarine specifically targets topoisomerase enzymes and disrupts [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) in malignant cells. ## Clinical Summary Preliminary human studies show Chelidonium majus can activate immune cells and increase favorable [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) ratios, though sample sizes and study duration remain limited. In vitro research demonstrates significant antiproliferative effects against HT-29 colon cancer and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, human clinical trials for cancer applications are lacking, and most evidence remains at the laboratory level. Current research suggests immune-supporting effects, but larger controlled trials are needed to establish clinical efficacy. ## Nutritional Profile Chelidonium majus (greater celandine) is a medicinal herb rather than a food ingredient, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited; it is not consumed in nutritive quantities. Bioactive alkaloid content is the primary focus: total alkaloid concentration in aerial parts ranges approximately 0.1–1.0% dry weight, with roots containing higher concentrations (up to 2% dry weight). Primary alkaloids include chelidonine (0.1–0.6% dry weight, the dominant alkaloid), coptisine (0.01–0.1% dry weight), berberine (0.01–0.05% dry weight), sanguinarine (0.01–0.08% dry weight), chelerythrine (0.05–0.3% dry weight), and sparteine in trace amounts. Secondary metabolites include flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol glycosides; total flavonoid content approximately 0.5–2.0% dry weight), hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid derivatives; approximately 0.3–1.5% dry weight), and chelidonic acid (a pyranone dicarboxylic acid, approximately 0.5–1.0% dry weight). Carotenoids contribute to the characteristic orange latex (beta-carotene, lutein present but unquantified precisely). Minimal conventional nutritional data exists: crude protein is estimated at 10–15% dry weight in leaf material, crude fiber approximately 15–25% dry weight, with negligible fat content. Vitamin C has been detected in fresh aerial parts (approximate range 50–150 mg/100g fresh weight). Bioavailability: alkaloid absorption is pH-dependent and variable; chelidonine and sanguinarine show moderate oral bioavailability but undergo significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). The alkaloid fraction is associated with hepatotoxicity at elevated doses, placing a narrow therapeutic-to-toxic window on any concentrated preparations. ## Dosage & Preparation Limited clinical dosing data exists. In the COVID-19 observational series, 10% mother tincture was used at 20-30 drops orally three times daily for 3-12 days. No standardized RCT dosage ranges have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Chelidonium majus contains hepatotoxic alkaloids that may cause liver damage with prolonged use or high doses. The herb can interact with immunosuppressive medications and may enhance or interfere with chemotherapy drugs due to its cellular effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to alkaloid content and potential teratogenic effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, and individuals with liver disease should exercise particular caution. ## Scientific Research Clinical evidence for Chelidonium majus is extremely limited, with no randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses identified. The only human data comes from a small observational case series of 20 COVID-19 outpatients and a 1991 immunostimulation study in cancer patients using Ukrain derivatives (PMID: 1713821). Most research consists of in vitro studies and preliminary animal models (PMID: 26626193). ## Historical & Cultural Context Chelidonium majus has been used in European traditional medicine for over 21 centuries to treat skin conditions, warts, coughs, asthma, spasms, and pain. The plant features in global traditional systems, with its latex sap applied topically for warts and used internally for gastrointestinal and respiratory issues, persisting in folk remedies across Europe. ## Synergistic Combinations Milk thistle, Turmeric, Reishi mushroom, Astragalus, N-acetylcysteine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What alkaloids are responsible for Chelidonium majus benefits? The primary bioactive alkaloids include chelidonine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and berberine. Sanguinarine and chelidonine are considered the most pharmacologically active compounds responsible for immune-modulating and anti-cancer effects. ### Can Chelidonium majus cause liver damage? Yes, Chelidonium majus contains hepatotoxic alkaloids that can cause liver damage, particularly with prolonged use or high doses. Several case reports document hepatotoxicity, making liver function monitoring important during supplementation. ### How does Chelidonium majus affect immune system function? Research shows Chelidonium majus activates peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increases the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio, indicating enhanced immune function. These effects suggest the herb may strengthen adaptive immune responses, though human studies remain limited. ### What cancers has Chelidonium majus been studied against? In vitro studies demonstrate antiproliferative effects against HT-29 colon cancer, PANC-1 pancreatic cancer, and several other cancer cell lines. However, these are laboratory studies only, with no human clinical trials confirming anti-cancer efficacy in patients. ### What is the traditional dosage of Chelidonium majus? Traditional preparations typically use 2-4 grams of dried herb daily or standardized extracts containing 0.5-2% total alkaloids. However, due to hepatotoxicity concerns, lower doses and short-term use are recommended under professional supervision. ### Is Chelidonium majus safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Chelidonium majus is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and the presence of potentially toxic alkaloids that may cross the placenta or transfer through breast milk. Traditional use does not establish safety in these populations, and the risk-benefit profile is unfavorable given available alternatives. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before considering this herb. ### Does Chelidonium majus interact with common medications? Chelidonium majus may interact with hepatically metabolized medications due to its alkaloid content and potential effects on liver enzyme activity, though specific interaction studies are limited. The herb's immunomodulatory properties could theoretically interact with immunosuppressant drugs used in organ transplantation or autoimmune conditions. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Chelidonium majus to avoid potential adverse interactions. ### What is the quality of clinical evidence supporting Chelidonium majus efficacy? Most evidence for Chelidonium majus comes from in vitro cell studies and preliminary observational reports rather than robust randomized controlled trials in humans. The immune activation and anti-cancer effects shown in laboratory settings have not been consistently validated in clinical populations, limiting definitive conclusions about real-world effectiveness. High-quality human trials are needed to establish whether laboratory findings translate to meaningful therapeutic benefits. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*