Chelidonium majus

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

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

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

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

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

• Papaveraceae
• Herbal medicine
• Alkaloid