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Chelidonium majus, Celandine

Also called Hirundinaria or Swallow-wort
Bai Qu Hai (TCM)

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Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

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Herbarum Vivae Eicones, Otto Brunfels, 1530

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Icones Plantarum Medcio-oeconomico, Vietz, 1800

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Kohler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887

Botanical name:
Chelidonium majus

Parts used:
Whole plant in flower; Root

Temperature & Taste:
Cold (classed as Warm), dry. Bitter, pungent

Classifications:
2F. PURIFYING.   2G. CLEANSING.   2K. RESOLVENT
4b. OPTHALMIC

Uses:
1. Clears Liver Heat, Clears Damp-Heat, Opens Obstructions:

-’purges Choler (Bile) by stool and urine’ (Schroder);
-obstruction of the Liver and Spleen: used for Jaundice, Cholecystitis, Gall Stones
-Hepatitis, Liver Swelling
-root is especially commended for Jaundice (Unani)
-promotes Urine; used for obstruction of the urine
-Headache, Migraine, Hypertension

2. Promotes Sweat, Resists Poison:
-Cold, Flu, Infectious diseases (both to prevent and cure)

-often used in Antidotes and Preservatives
-used for Poisons

3. Clears Heat, Stops Cough:

-heat-type Cough, chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Whooping Cough

4. Moves the Blood, Clears Stasis:
-promotes Menstruation (the salts of the Roots of Celandine were also used).
-Palpitations, Angina and stabbing Chest Pain.
-Tumors, Cancers (
Breast, Bowel, Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Uterus, Mouth, Jaw and Testicles)
-Bruising, congealed Blood

5. Clears the Sight:
-internally and topically to clear Heat from the Eyes, improve Eyesight and remove visual obstructions
-clears the Eyes, quickens the Sight (juice boiled with Honey and applied: Dioscorides)
-sore, red eyes, Conjunctivitis; Films and Cloudiness of the Eyes (juice applied with milk or the ointment applied to the eyelids)
-it has been used for Blindness
-Cataracts; the fresh juice, preserved with Olive oil is applied to advanced cases of Cataract daily for up to 4 months to cure (Meyer)
-in eye salves for Dim-sightedness since ancient Greece.
-often regarded as superior to Eyebright for the Eyes.


6. Preserves Health:
-‘The Essence hereof preserves from old age, or makes age look youthful’ (Salmon)
-often credited with preserving youth.

7. Externally:
-externally for the eyes, for styes, sores and ulcers of them (diluted juice, infusion, or juice mixed with the distilled water, or the thickened juice which is best)
-Toothache (fresh herb chewed, root powder applied, or the herb boiled in wine used as a mouthwash)
-juice is applied to Warts and Corns,
Ringworm, Itchy Skin, Tinea, Eczema, Herpes, as well as Tumors and Cancers
-internally and externally for chronic and filthy sores and ulcers, especially of the legs (Juice applied)
-decoction is gargled for Toothache; or the root can be chewed.
-‘Some ... writers believe that this agent is superior to Arnica or Hamamelis, as an external application to bruises and sprains’ (Ellingwood)
-Salmon said applied as a Cataplasm to the Breast hinders excessive menstruation
-Breast Cancer, applied topically



Comment:
Research has shown that only Celandine herb that is dried in a temperature of 80º C maintains alkaloid contents as that of the fresh herb; when it is dried between 20-50º C, up to half or more of the alkaloid content is lost. Further, there is a great loss of effect after about 6 months of storage of either the herb, or of preparations of it, meaning that this is an herb that should be grown by herbalists who wish to use it.

Dose:
Herb or Root in Decoction (or infusion): 2–6 grams (up to 10 or 15 grams), or 5–20 grams fresh
Tincture (1:10 in 45% alcohol): 2–4 or 5 mls. (up to 3 drams were traditionally given)
Fluid Extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 1–3, or 4 mls.
Fresh Juice: 10–20 drops
Dehydrated Juice: 200–500mg (up to 1 gram)
Used externally in washes, poultices, compresses, ointments, eye baths, gargles etc.

Correctives:
1. Honey
2. Tragacanth
3. Dodder
4. Aniseed

Main Combinations:
1. Infection of Epidemic diseases (including Plague) Celandine with Rue, Blessed Thistle, Lemon peel, Zedoary, Angelica, Cinnamon (as in Bezoar Water)
2. To prevent and treat Epidemic diseases:
i. Celandine juice with 1 dram of Mithridate
ii. Celandine with Scorzonera, Dittany, Zedoary, Angelica, Gentian, Tormentil, Elecampane (as in Bezoardic Vinegar of Frankfurt)
iii. Celandine with Walnut, Juniper berry, Citron peel, Angelica, Gentian, Elecampane, Blessed Thistle, Saffron (as in Treacle Vinegar)
iv. Celandine with Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Mugwort, Wormwood, Balm, Blessed Thistle, Angelica, Tormentil, Gentian, Zedoary, Licorice (as in Plague Water)
3. Jaundice:
i. Celandine with St. Johns wort and Saffron
ii. Celandine with Madder and Turmeric
iii. Celandine root (2 handfuls), Juniper berry (1 handful) (Gazophylacium Medico-Physicum, Woyts, 1746)
iv. Celandine with Madder, Wormwood, Centaury, Cinnamon, Saffron
4. Jaundice and Liver obstruction, Celandine with Aniseed, decocted in wine (Gerard)
5. Gall Stones, Cholecystitis:
i. Celandine with Barberry and Dandelion (BHP)
ii. Celandine with Wormwood, Hyssop, Horehound (as in Decoction for the Gall Bladder)
6. Paralysis; Salmon said the constant use of the Tincture (for 6 months) cured one of Paralysis
7. For the eyes, combine Celandine with Eyebright and Fennel seed
8. Fractures, decoct Celandine in wine with Pepper, add Honey, and drink for 9 days. (Physicians of Myddvai)
9. As a bath for Eczema, Celandine with Elecampane, Artichoke leaf, Chicory, Broom flowers, Lavender and Nettle
10. Itch, Dandruff, Eczema, apply the juice Celandine (4 oz.), Olive oil 1 oz.) with Sulphur (1 ½ oz.)
11. Distilled water to apply to the Eyes: Celandine with Fennel seed, Rue, Eyebright, Clove, Camphor and Aloes; steeped in Wine and Rose water and distilled. For Heat, Pain, Redness, Inflammations, Cloudiness of the Eyes; also Fistulas, Cataracts etc.
12. Stye, Celandine juice mixed with honey and breast milk. (Natura exenterata, Philiatros, 1655)
13. Old and putrified Wounds, beat Celandine and apply with old Suet (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
14. Breast Cancer, apply the juice with an equal amount of Goose dung


'DEFENDER FROM DEATH'
  Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamon, Cubeb, Mastic,
    Ginger, Rosemary, Rue, Scabious                  2 oz. each
Powder, and mix with equal parts Celandine juice and Brandy, enough to cover by 2 finger-widths, for 24 hours. Distil in a water bath with a gentle heat, and keep for use. (The Practise of the New and Old Phisicke, Gesner, 1599)

WATER OF YOUTH
  Aloeswood, Clove, Ginger, Galangal,
    Cardamon, Cubeb, Grains of Paradise,
    Rhubarb, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Aloe,
    Calamus, Mace                                                 2 drams each
Powder and seive, then add them to:
  Celandine juice                                                   2 pints
  Juice of Sage, Bryony, Bugloss, Fumitory,
    Rue, Betony, Mint, Borage, Fennel                ½  pound each
Mix, add white wine, then distil. Dose: 1 spoonful in the summer, 2 spoonfuls in the winter. (The Practise of the New and Old Phisicke, Gesner, 1599)

Major Formulas:
Tincture of Celandine
Infusion for Jaundice (Riverius)
Decoction for Jaundice
Decoction for the Gall Bladder (2)
Decoction to Cleanse the Sight (Riverius)
Syrup of Betony (Bononiense)
Electuary for the Eyes (Grulingus)
Confection of Eyebright (Confectio Humain) (Mesue)

Cautions:
1. Avoid during pregnancy
2. Toxic in overdose

Toxicity
–Hepatotoxicity induced by greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): a review of the literature.
–Greater Celandine hepatotoxicity: a clinical review.
–Suspected Greater Celandine hepatotoxicity: liver-specific causality evaluation of published case reports from Europe.

Main Preparations used:
Extract/Dehydrated Juice, Distilled Water of the herb, Salt of the Ashes

1. Extract of Celandine:
i. Bruise a sufficient quantity of fresh Celandine with a little water; express the juice and immediately evaporate in a water-bath, stirring constantly. (Pharmacopoeia Wirtembergica, 1798)
ii. Bruise a sufficient quantity of fresh Celandine with a little water; express the juice and immediately evaporate in a water-bath until thick enough that a fourth part of powdered Celandine is required to make an extract.
iii. Celandine (1 lb.), Boiling Water (10 lbs.). Digest 24 hours, then boil for 2 hours, then strain; boil the residue again with Water (8 lbs.), and strain and press. Mix the 2 liquors and evaporate to the consistency of an extract. (Belgium Pharmacopoeia)

2. Distilled Water of Celandine:
i. Celandine (1 part), Water (2 parts). Distil two-thirds. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)

3. Honey of Celandine:
i. Honey (3 lbs.), Celandine Juice (2 lbs.). Boil together until no more scum is formed, then strain through flannel and evaporate to the consistency of Honey. Mostly used externally as a detergent. (Dispensatorium Fuldense, 1791)

  • Extra Info
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GENERAL / REVIEW
–Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae).
–[The greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.)--review of present knowledge].
–In vitro and in vivo studies of the metabolic activation of chelidonine.
–Greater Celandine's Ups and Downs-21 Centuries of Medicinal Uses of Chelidonium majus From the Viewpoint of Today's Pharmacology.
–[Study on the separation process of pharmacological active total alkaloids from Chelidonium majus L. growing in Georgia].
–Chelidonium majus--an integrative review: traditional knowledge versus modern findings.

ANTIBACTERIAL
–The Activity of Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Extracts from Chelidonium majus against Pathogenic Bacteria and Candida sp.
–Investigation of the composition and antibacterial activity of Ukrain™ drug using liquid chromatography techniques.
–Antibacterial alkaloids from chelidonium majus linn (papaveraceae) against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
–Estimation of direct influence of Ukrain preparation on influenza viruses and the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus.

ANTI-VIRAL
–Milky Sap of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) and Anti-Viral Properties.
–Estimation of direct influence of Ukrain preparation on influenza viruses and the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus.

ANTI-FUNGAL
–In vitro antifungal activity and possible mechanisms of action of chelerythrine.
–The Activity of Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Extracts from Chelidonium majus against Pathogenic Bacteria and Candida sp.
–Antifungal activity of the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from Chelidonium majus Linn against resistant clinical yeast isolates.

COVID
–Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) for COVID-19: A twenty-case series.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
–New lignanamides and alkaloids from Chelidonium majus and their anti-inflammation activity.
–Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of extracts from herb of Chelidonium majus L.

ANTIOXIDANT
–Comparative analysis of metabolic variations, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic effects in different parts of Chelidonium majus L.

ANALGESIC
–Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of extracts from herb of Chelidonium majus L.

ANTISPASMODIC
–Antispasmodic and relaxant activity of chelidonine, protopine, coptisine, and Chelidonium majus extracts on isolated guinea-pig ileum.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE
–Chelidonium majus leaves methanol extract and its chelidonine alkaloid ingredient reduce cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS
–Dihydroberberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits protective effect against dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.
–The therapeutic effect of chelidonic acid on ulcerative colitis.

ENDOMETRIOSIS
–Effect of Protoberberine-Rich Fraction of Chelidonium majus L. on Endometriosis Regression.

ARTHRITIS
–Suppressive effects of Chelidonium majus methanol extract in knee joint, regional lymph nodes, and spleen on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

IMMUNOMODULATORY
–Immunomodulatory activity of protein-bound polysaccharide extracted from Chelidonium majus.
–Action of Ukrain, a cytostatic and immunomodulating drug, on effects of irradiation.
–Ukrain both as an anti cancer and immunoregulatory agent.

CYTOTOXIC
–Comparative analysis of metabolic variations, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic effects in different parts of Chelidonium majus L.
–UPLC-MS/MS Profile of Alkaloids with Cytotoxic Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Berberidaceae and Papaveraceae Families.
–In vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Four Plants Used in Persian Traditional Medicine.
CANCER
–Medicinal plants show remarkable antiproliferative potential in human cancer cell lines.
–Chelidonium majus crude extract induces activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhances their cytotoxic effect toward HeLa cells.
–Comparison of Anticancer Activity and HPLC-DAD Determination of Selected Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Thalictrum foetidum, Berberis sp. and Chelidonium majus Extracts.
–Protoberberine compounds extracted from Chelidonium majus L. as novel natural photosensitizers for cancer therapy.
–Cytotoxic and Proapoptotic Activity of Sanguinarine, Berberine, and Extracts of Chelidonium majus L. and Berberis thunbergii DC. toward Hematopoietic Cancer Cell Lines.
–Chelidonium majus crude extract inhibits migration and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cell lines.
–In vitro and in vivo investigations on the antitumour activity of Chelidonium majus.
–Chelidonium majus L. extract induces apoptosis through caspase activity via MAPK-independent NF-κB signaling in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.
–Modulation of multidrug resistance in cancer cells by chelidonine and Chelidonium majus alkaloids.
UKRAIN
–Chelidonium majus L. (Ukrain) in the treatment of cancer patients.
–Ukrain both as an anti cancer and immunoregulatory agent.
–Comparative investigation of the effect of ukrain on growth of ascites and solid forms of Ehrlich's carcinoma.
–In-vitro toxicity of Ukrain against human Ewing tumor cell lines.
–Effect of lectin from Chelidonium majus L. on normal and cancer cells in culture.
–Proapoptotic activity of Ukrain is based on Chelidonium majus L. alkaloids and mediated via a mitochondrial death pathway.
–Ukrain - a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials.
–Ukrain: a novel antitumor drug.
–Studies concerning the effect of Ukrain in vivo and in vitro.
BRAIN
–Chelidonine Induces Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Cell Death through G2/M Arrest in the T98G Human Glioblastoma Cell Line.
BREAST
–Evaluation of antitumor activity of peptide extracts from medicinal plants on the model of transplanted breast cancer in CBRB-Rb(8.17)1Iem mice.
HEAD AND NECK
–Anticancer effects of NSC‑631570 (Ukrain) in head and neck cancer cells: In vitro analysis of growth, invasion, angiogenesis and gene expression.
–Effect of chelidonine on growth, invasion, angiogenesis and gene expression in head and neck cancer cell lines.
LEUKEMIA
–Comparative cytotoxicity of chelidonine and homochelidonine, the dimethoxy analogues isolated from Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae), against human leukemic and lung carcinoma cells.
–Potential antioxidant activity, cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of Chelidonium majus L. extract on leukemia cells.
–[Modified alkaloids from Chelidonium majus L. induce G2/M arrest, caspase-3 activation, and apoptosis in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia MT-4 cells].
LIVER
–Efficacy of a plant extract (Chelidonium majus L.) in combating induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice.
LUNG
–Chelidonine selectively inhibits the growth of gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells through the EGFR-AMPK pathway.
–Comparative cytotoxicity of chelidonine and homochelidonine, the dimethoxy analogues isolated from Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae), against human leukemic and lung carcinoma cells.
OVARIAN
–Chelidonium majus Induces Apoptosis of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells Via ATF3-Mediated Regulation of Foxo3a by Tip60.
PANCREATIC
–Chelidonine Induces Apoptosis via GADD45a-p53 Regulation in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells.
–NSC-631570 (Ukrain) in the palliative treatment of pancreatic cancer. Results of a phase II trial.
PROSTATE
–Induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP by Ukrain.

RADIOPROTECTIVE
–Radiation protective effect of an extract from Chelidonium majus.

DERMATITIS
–Inhibitory effects of Chelidonium majus extract on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

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