Products
Preparations from celandine are commercially available as tinctures (drops), among others. The medicinal drug is available in pharmacies and drugstores. Celandine is also called “Chelidonium” because of the generic name.
Stem plant
Celandine L. from the poppy family (Papaveraceae) is also native to Europe. What is special about the plant is the yellow-orange milky sap that oozes from the stems when cut.
Medicinal drug
The herb (celandine, Chelidonii herba) is used as a medicinal raw material, the dried, whole or cut aerial parts of L. collected during the flowering period. The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum content of alkaloids. Tinctures and alcoholic extracts, among others, are prepared from the herb.
Ingredients
Celandine contains over 20 different benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. These include, for example, berberine, coptisine and chelidonine. In addition, organic acids and flavonoids are also found.
Effects
The preparations have choleretic, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
Indications for use
For the treatment of spasmodic complaints in the biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract. To stimulate the flow of bile in digestive disorders. The fresh milky juice is used in folk medicine for the treatment of warts. Celandine is also used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (Bai Qu Cai).
Dosage
According to the directions for use. If used for more than four weeks, liver function tests should be performed.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Acute liver disease or liver disease in the patient history.
- Children under 6 years of age
Discontinue medications if there are signs of liver disease (e.g., fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine, discolored stools, elevated liver enzymes). Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Adverse effects
Liver toxic side effects may occur, especially with administration of high doses. Very rarely, acute liver failure, hepatitis, and altered liver function values have been reported.
