Chelidonium 1700024 214699954 2008-05-24T21:30:08Z 82.56.64.244 {{Taxobox | name = Greater celandine | image = Koeh-033.jpg | image_width = 260px | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Ranunculales]] | familia = [[Papaveraceae]] | genus = '''''Chelidonium''''' | species = '''''C. majus''''' | binomial = ''Chelidonium majus'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] }} '''''Chelidonium majus''''', commonly known as the '''greater celandine''' or '''tetterwort''' (in America, the latter refers to ''[[Sanguinaria canadensis]]''), is the only species in the genus '''Chelidonium''', family [[Papaveraceae]]. The [[lesser celandine]] is not closely related, but its family, the [[Ranunculaceae]], is allied to the Papaveraceae (Order [[Ranunculales]]). It is native to [[Europe]] and the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean basin]]. It is also widespread in [[North America]], having been brought there by settlers as a herbal remedy for skin problems such as [[wart]]s as early as [[1672]].{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Greater celandine has an erect habit, and may reach 30 to 120 [[Centimetre|cm]] high. The [[leaf|leaves]] are deeply divided, 30-cm long, and [[Leaf shape|crenate]]. The sap is bright opaque yellow. The flowers comprise four yellow [[petal]]s, each about 1&nbsp;cm long, with two [[sepal]]s. The flowers appear from May to July. The [[seed]]s are small and black, and possess an [[elaiosome]], which attracts [[ant]]s to disperse the seeds ([[myrmecochory]]). A double-flowered variety, a naturally occurring mutation, also exists. It is considered an aggressive invasive plant in natural areas (both woods and fields). Control is mainly via pulling or spraying the plant before seed dispersal. The greater celandine is the only [[species]] in the [[genus]] ''Chelidonium'', and is not closely related to the [[lesser celandine]], which is in a different family. ==Pharmacology== The whole plant is toxic in moderate doses as it contains a range of [[quinoline|isoquinoline]] [[alkaloid]]s but there are numerous therapeutic uses when used at the correct dosage.<ref name='PDR'>''Physicians Desk Reference for Herbel Medicines'' (Medical Economics Company, 2000)</ref> The main alkaloid present in the [[herb]] and [[root]] is [[coptisine]]. Other alkaloids present include [[berberine]], [[chelidonine]], [[sanguinarine]] and [[chelerythrine]]. [[Sanguinarine]] is particularly toxic with a [[LD50|lethal dose]] of only 18mg per kg body weight<ref>Peter Golob et al.,''THE USE OF SPICES AND MEDICINALS AS BIOACTIVE PROTECTANTS FOR GRAINS'', FAO AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BULLETIN No. 137 (1999)</ref> Despite this acute toxicity, sangunarine is present in such small quantities that the LD50 dose would require >50g of raw herb to be ingested. [[Caffeic acid]] derivatives are also present. The effect of the fresh herb is of a mild [[analgesic]], [[cholagogic]], [[antimicrobial]], [[oncostatic]] and [[central nervous system]] [[sedative]]. In animal test, Celandine is shown to be [[cytostatic]]. An immune stimulating effect has also been noted. Some studies show that the alkaloid extraction can have the same effects. The alkaloids are known to cause immobilization in mice after been taken orally or injected. The alkaloids cause limpness and tone reduction of smooth muscle in rabbits. The alkaloids are also noted to stimulate the heart and lungs of frogs, cats and dogs, raising the blood pressure and widening the arteries. Early studies of Celandine showed that it causes [[contact dermatitis]] and eye irritation, particularly from contact with the red to yellow [[latex]]. This effect has not been observed in animal studies; no inflammation was observed in rabbit eye tests. The latex can leave a non-permanent stain. Stains on skin of the fingers are sometimes reported to cause eye irritation after rubbing the eyes or handling contact lenses. When any part of the plant causes eye irritation, wash it out with clear water and when needed seek medical help. The latex is also known to stain clothes. ==Herbalism== The aerial parts and roots of Greater Celandine are used in herbalism. The above ground parts are gathered during the flowering season and dried at high temperatures. The root is harvested in Autumn between August and October and dried. The fresh rhizome is also used. Celandine has a hot and bitter taste. The latex has a narcotic fragrance. Preparations are made from [[ethanol|alcoholic]] and hot aqueous extractions ([[tea]]). The average daily dosage is 2 to 4 [[gram|g]], equivalent to 12 to 13 mg total alkaloids. For fluid extracts, the daily dosage is 1 to 2 ml of 1:1 25% [[ethanol|alcoholic]] extraction, up to 3 times per day. For hot tea infusions, 1.5 desert spoonfuls left in boiling water for 10 minutes can be taken 3 times a day. It was formerly used by [[Romani people|gypsies]] as a foot refresher; modern herbalists use its [[purgative]] properties. <ref>Howard, Michael. ''Traditional Folk Remedies'' (Century, 1987) p.146-7</ref>. Greater celandine acts as a mild sedative which has been used historically to treat asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. The herb's antispasmodic effect improves bile flow in the gallbladder and has been reputed to treat gallstones and gallbladder pain. As far back as [[Pliny the Elder]] and Dioscorides (1st century AD) this herb has been recognized as a useful detoxifying agent. The root has been chewed to relieve toothache. <ref> Andrew Chevallier. ''The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants'' (DK Publishing, 1996) p.185 </ref> ==References== {{Commons|Chelidonium majus}} {{wikiversity-bc|Chelidonium majus}}<references/> ==See also== * {{cite book | author=[[Neltje Blanchan|Blanchan, Neltje]] | title=[[Wild Flowers Worth Knowing]] | year=[[2005]] | publisher=[[Project Gutenberg|Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation]]}} ==External links== * [http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encyclopedias/Celandine.htm#ActiveIngredients Flora Health website] [[Image:Chelidonium majus bgiu.jpg|thumb|left|240px]] [[Category:Flowers]] [[Category:Papaveraceae]] [[Category:Poisonous plants]] [[Category:Flora of Europe]] [[Category:Flora of Estonia]] [[Category:Flora of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Medicinal plants]] [[frp:Felogne]] [[bg:Змийско мляко]] [[ca:Celidònia]] [[cs:Vlaštovičník větší]] [[de:Schöllkraut]] [[es:Chelidonium majus]] [[eo:Kelidonio]] [[fr:Chélidoine]] [[ko:애기똥풀]] [[hsb:Krawnik]] [[it:Chelidonium]] [[lt:Didžioji ugniažolė]] [[hu:Vérehulló fecskefű]] [[nl:Stinkende gouwe]] [[ja:クサノオウ]] [[pl:Glistnik jaskółcze ziele]] [[ru:Чистотел большой]] [[sq:Latrapeci]] [[sl:Krvavi mlečnik]] [[sr:руса]] [[fi:Keltamo]] [[sv:Skelört]] [[tr:Kırlangıçotu]] [[uk:Чистотіл звичайний]]