# Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/greater-celandine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** European **Also Known As:** Chelidonium majus, Swallowwort, Tetterwort, Wartwort, Nipplewort, Devil's Milk, Rock Poppy, Celandine Poppy ## Overview Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a European herb containing isoquinoline alkaloids like chelidonine and sanguinarine that demonstrate [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and cytotoxic properties. The plant's bioactive compounds work through enzyme inhibition mechanisms, particularly affecting cholinesterase and tyrosinase activity. ## Health Benefits • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated in vitro through high phenolic content in methanol extracts (preliminary evidence only) • Enzyme inhibition showing cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects in laboratory studies (in vitro evidence) • Selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines HGC-27 and HT-29 without harming non-cancerous HEK293 cells (preliminary in vitro data) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity via membrane-lytic peptide CM-AMP1 against E. coli (laboratory evidence only) • Traditional use for skin conditions and digestive issues dating to 1st century CE (historical evidence only) ## Mechanism of Action Greater celandine's isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly chelidonine and sanguinarine, exert biological effects through enzyme inhibition pathways. The herb demonstrates cholinesterase inhibitory activity, which affects [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and tyrosinase inhibition, which impacts melanin synthesis. Its phenolic compounds contribute to [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for greater celandine is limited to in vitro laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials. Research has demonstrated [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through high phenolic content in methanol extracts, though this represents only preliminary evidence. Laboratory studies show enzyme inhibition effects against cholinesterase and tyrosinase, and selective cytotoxicity against HGC-27 cancer cell lines. Human studies with specific dosages and clinical outcomes are lacking, limiting the strength of therapeutic claims. ## Nutritional Profile Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is not consumed as a food ingredient due to its toxicity, so conventional macronutrient profiling is not applicable in a dietary sense. However, its phytochemical and bioactive compound profile is well-characterized. Primary bioactive constituents include isoquinoline alkaloids at approximately 0.1–1.0% dry weight of aerial parts, with the dominant alkaloids being chelidonine (0.2–0.4% dry weight), coptisine, berberine (0.08–0.2% dry weight), sanguinarine (0.02–0.1% dry weight), chelerythrine (0.04–0.2% dry weight), and sparteine in trace amounts. Phenolic compounds are present at approximately 15–45 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of methanol extract, including flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic acid), and tannins. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lutein, are present in the yellow-orange latex. Chelidonic acid (a pyranone dicarboxylic acid) is a characteristic compound at approximately 0.1–0.3% dry weight. Proteolytic enzymes (cysteine proteases) are present in the latex. Essential oils constitute less than 0.01% of aerial parts. Bioavailability data is limited; alkaloid absorption in humans is documented via hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) studies but precise bioavailability percentages are not established. No significant dietary fiber, protein, or conventional micronutrient data is reported, as the plant is used medicinally in very small doses, not nutritionally. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Traditional preparations use aerial parts (0.27-2.25% alkaloids) or roots (3-4% alkaloids) in various solvent extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Greater celandine contains potentially hepatotoxic alkaloids and has been associated with liver damage in case reports. The herb may interact with medications metabolized by the liver and could potentiate effects of cholinesterase inhibitors used in dementia treatment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to alkaloid content and potential toxicity. Individuals with liver disease or taking hepatotoxic medications should exercise particular caution. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the research dossier. Current evidence consists solely of in vitro studies showing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), enzyme inhibitory, and selective cytotoxic effects, plus [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) peptide characterization studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context Greater celandine has been used in European traditional medicine since the 1st century CE, documented by Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides for skin ailments, warts, and digestive issues. The plant features in global herbal traditions for its distinctive yellow latex and alkaloid properties. ## Synergistic Combinations Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Turmeric, Artichoke Leaf, Schisandra ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the active compounds in greater celandine? Greater celandine contains isoquinoline alkaloids including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and berberine, along with phenolic compounds. These alkaloids are responsible for the herb's biological activity but also its potential toxicity. ### Is greater celandine safe for liver health? Greater celandine has been associated with hepatotoxicity in case reports due to its alkaloid content. Individuals with liver conditions or taking liver-metabolized medications should avoid this herb. ### How does greater celandine affect enzyme activity? Laboratory studies show greater celandine inhibits cholinesterase enzymes, which break down acetylcholine, and tyrosinase enzymes involved in melanin production. These effects have only been demonstrated in test tube studies. ### Can greater celandine help with cancer? In vitro studies show selective cytotoxicity against HGC-27 gastric cancer cell lines, but no human clinical trials exist. Laboratory results cannot be extrapolated to therapeutic cancer benefits in humans. ### What is the recommended dosage for greater celandine? No standardized dosage exists for greater celandine due to lack of human clinical trials and safety concerns. Most research uses laboratory concentrations that don't translate to safe human dosing recommendations. ### Is greater celandine safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Greater celandine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its traditional use as an abortifacient in some cultures. The presence of potentially toxic alkaloids and limited clinical studies in pregnant populations makes avoidance the prudent approach. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing. ### Does greater celandine interact with medications, particularly blood thinners or liver medications? Greater celandine may interact with blood thinners and medications metabolized by the liver due to its enzyme-inhibiting effects demonstrated in laboratory studies. Individuals taking warfarin, dabigatran, or hepatically metabolized drugs should avoid greater celandine without medical supervision. Potential interactions have not been fully characterized in human clinical trials, making professional medical guidance essential. ### What does the current scientific evidence say about greater celandine's effectiveness in humans versus laboratory studies? Most evidence for greater celandine comes from in vitro laboratory studies and animal models, with very limited human clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals. While antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects have been demonstrated in test tubes and cell cultures, these results do not reliably translate to human efficacy. The gap between preliminary laboratory findings and proven human benefits remains substantial, requiring caution when interpreting marketing claims. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*