Chelidonium majus: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A perennial herb used in traditional medicine}}
{{Short description|Species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae}}
{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = Chelidonium majus
| name = Greater celandine
| image = Chelidonium majus - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-027.jpg
| image = Koeh-033.jpg
| image_caption = Illustration of ''Chelidonium majus''
| image_caption = Illustration of ''Chelidonium majus''
| regnum = Plantae
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis = Eudicots
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = Rosids
| unranked_ordo = [[Ranunculales]]
| ordo = Ranunculales
| familia = [[Papaveraceae]]
| familia = Papaveraceae
| genus = ''[[Chelidonium]]''
| genus = ''Chelidonium''
| species = '''''C. majus'''''
| species = '''''C. majus'''''
| binomial = ''Chelidonium majus''
| binomial = ''Chelidonium majus''
| binomial_authority = L.
| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
}}
}}


'''''Chelidonium majus''''', commonly known as greater celandine, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the [[Papaveraceae]] family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has been widely introduced in North America. The plant is notable for its use in traditional medicine and its distinctive yellow-orange latex.
'''''Chelidonium majus''''', commonly known as '''greater celandine''', is a perennial [[herbaceous plant]] in the [[poppy family]] [[Papaveraceae]]. It is native to [[Europe]] and [[Western Asia]] and has been introduced to [[North America]].


==Description==
==Description==
''Chelidonium majus'' is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 30–120 cm tall. The plant has a branched stem and lobed leaves that are deeply divided. The leaves are a pale green color and have a distinctive, unpleasant odor when crushed.
''Chelidonium majus'' is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 30–120 cm tall. The plant has a branched stem with a milky yellow [[latex]] sap. The leaves are pinnate, with lobed and wavy-edged leaflets. The flowers are yellow, with four petals, and are arranged in small clusters. The fruit is a slender capsule containing numerous small black seeds.


The flowers of ''Chelidonium majus'' are small, yellow, and consist of four petals. They are arranged in loose clusters and bloom from late spring to early autumn. The fruit is a slender capsule that releases numerous small black seeds.
[[File:Chelidonium_majus_sap_3_AB.jpg|thumb|left|Yellow latex sap of ''Chelidonium majus'']]


[[File:Chelidonium majus flower.jpg|thumb|left|''Chelidonium majus'' flower]]
==Distribution and habitat==
''Chelidonium majus'' is native to [[Europe]] and [[Western Asia]], but it has been widely introduced to other regions, including [[North America]]. It typically grows in [[hedgerows]], [[waste ground]], and [[woodland]] edges. The plant prefers moist, shaded environments and is often found in [[disturbed areas]].


==Distribution and Habitat==
==Uses==
''Chelidonium majus'' is native to Europe and western Asia but has been naturalized in North America. It typically grows in shaded, moist environments such as woodlands, hedgerows, and along roadsides. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soils and can often be found in disturbed areas.
Historically, ''Chelidonium majus'' has been used in [[herbal medicine]] for its purported [[medicinal properties]]. The yellow latex sap has been used topically to treat [[warts]] and other skin conditions. However, the plant contains several [[alkaloids]], such as [[chelidonine]], which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.


==Traditional Uses==
==Toxicity==
''Chelidonium majus'' has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant's latex, which is bright yellow to orange, has been used topically to treat warts, corns, and other skin conditions. Internally, it has been used as a remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders, although its use is controversial due to potential toxicity.
The plant contains a variety of [[alkaloids]], including [[chelidonine]], [[sanguinarine]], and [[berberine]], which can be toxic. Ingestion of the plant can cause [[gastrointestinal]] distress, and the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution is advised when handling or using the plant for medicinal purposes.


The plant contains several alkaloids, including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and berberine, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties. However, these compounds can also be toxic, and the use of ''Chelidonium majus'' should be approached with caution.
==Related pages==
 
==Pharmacology==
The alkaloids present in ''Chelidonium majus'' have been studied for their pharmacological effects. Chelidonine, for example, has been investigated for its potential antispasmodic and analgesic properties. Sanguinarine has shown antimicrobial activity, but it is also known to be a potent irritant and can cause tissue damage.
 
[[File:Chelidonium majus plant.jpg|thumb|right|''Chelidonium majus'' plant in habitat]]
 
==Safety and Toxicity==
While ''Chelidonium majus'' has been used in traditional medicine, it is important to note that the plant can be toxic if used improperly. The latex can cause skin irritation, and ingestion of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, and other adverse effects. It is recommended that the plant be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Papaveraceae]]
* [[Papaveraceae]]
* [[Traditional medicine]]
* [[Herbal medicine]]
* [[Herbalism]]
* [[Alkaloid]]


[[Category:Papaveraceae]]
[[Category:Papaveraceae]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]

Latest revision as of 14:10, 21 February 2025

Species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae



Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and has been introduced to North America.

Description[edit]

Chelidonium majus is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 30–120 cm tall. The plant has a branched stem with a milky yellow latex sap. The leaves are pinnate, with lobed and wavy-edged leaflets. The flowers are yellow, with four petals, and are arranged in small clusters. The fruit is a slender capsule containing numerous small black seeds.

Yellow latex sap of Chelidonium majus

Distribution and habitat[edit]

Chelidonium majus is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has been widely introduced to other regions, including North America. It typically grows in hedgerows, waste ground, and woodland edges. The plant prefers moist, shaded environments and is often found in disturbed areas.

Uses[edit]

Historically, Chelidonium majus has been used in herbal medicine for its purported medicinal properties. The yellow latex sap has been used topically to treat warts and other skin conditions. However, the plant contains several alkaloids, such as chelidonine, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Toxicity[edit]

The plant contains a variety of alkaloids, including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and berberine, which can be toxic. Ingestion of the plant can cause gastrointestinal distress, and the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Caution is advised when handling or using the plant for medicinal purposes.

Related pages[edit]