Perennial celandine is used in folk medicine primarily for its yellow milk. In Europe, Asia and North America, the plant is located close to municipalities. With the introduction of synthetic drugs, celandine is increasingly being forgotten, which is why it is commonly referred to as a weed. Previously, the herb was prescribed to combat warts and skin diseases. Clinical efficacy was demonstrated in two controlled trials. Celandine from papillomas is applied in the form of an ointment or gel to problem areas of the skin.
Composition and useful properties of celandine for papillomavirus
Celandine contains about 20 isoquinoline alkaloids, which are mainly present in milk. The concentration of alkaloids in the grass is 0, 48-1, 04%, in the roots - up to 1, 95%.
Other chemical compounds in celandine from papillomas:
- organic acids (chelidonic acid, malic acid, citric acid, ferulic acid);
- phenolic acid derivatives;
- saponins, large amounts of calcium salts and proteolytic enzymes;
- flavonoids;
- biogenic amines (including histamine, tyramine);
- traces of essential oil;
- carotenes;
- Vitamin C.
Glycogen is a storage substance for celandine. The seeds contain 40-60% vegetable oil. The plant has an unpleasant odor and a bitter taste. A strong odor can cause sneezing, coughing and even vomiting in sensitive people.
Initially, celandine was found in temperate and warm areas of Europe and Asia, as well as in the Mediterranean, including North Africa. It was brought to North America by settlers who used it as a cure for skin diseases. Celandine is a typical weed, i. e. grows on debris, debris, courtyards, curbs and hedges, walls, fences, fields and pastures.
Celandine is derived from a thick rhizome that is orange inside (like milk juice). The flowers consist of two sepals, four golden-yellow, ovate petals and several stamens. A 3-4 cm long capsule develops from the ovaries. The black seeds have an oily appendage that is consumed by the ants. They are also distributed in the area.
Celandine is used to treat cramps in the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract. According to traditional medicine, the ability of celandine to treat warts has not been conclusively proven. The stems, leaves and flowers of celandine contain up to 1% alkaloids - chelidonine, coptizin and sanguinarine.
Studies show that the herb is predominantly antispasmodic and choleretic. Therefore, its use in spasmodic disorders of the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract is medically proven.
Celandine also has mild analgesic, antiproliferative, and antiviral effects. The last two effects may explain the long-term use of celandine against warts (caused by viruses).
In medicine, celandine is used, collected during flowering (only the above-ground parts of the plant). Only finished products with a standard alkaloid content are recommended. This is because the plant parts themselves contain an unclear amount of alkaloids. Excess plant material damages the liver.
Almost all parts of celandine contain alkaloids. The stem contains 0. 1-1% alkaloids, depending on their origin and drying conditions. More than 30 different benzyl isoquinoline derivatives (e. g. , benzophenatridine, protoberberin, and protopine) have been identified in laboratory studies. Copticin is the predominant alkaloid, accounting for up to 90%. Chelidonin is the main alkaloid in the roots. Other alkaloids found in herbs and roots are berberine, chelerythrine, sparteine, helidoxanthine and sanguinarine. In the fall, the chemicals are concentrated in the root, which then becomes highly toxic.
Various plant acids - chelidonic acid, citric acid, malic acid and caffeic acid - are found in small amounts. Celandine is not rich in flavonoids. The orange color of the juice is due to carotenoids and some alkaloids such as berberine.
Celandine has an antispasmodic effect on the upper digestive system and stimulates bile flow. The antispasmodic effect is now proven. The choleretic effect was only demonstrated a few years ago. In addition, the extracts have been shown to have antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor effects.
Methods of application in the treatment of pathology
Celandine refers to folk remedies, so it is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks before using it. A report has been issued in which the use of celandine preparations has been discontinued due to adverse effects on the liver.
Fresh milk is traditionally used to treat warts, corneas and calluses. Proteins (proteolytic) and antiviral mechanisms are discussed as the main therapeutic effects. Currently, alkaloid extracts are widely used as standard drugs.
The main use of celandine is in the treatment of skin diseases such as warts or calluses. For cramps in the upper digestive system, the herb was previously used as a tea or tincture.
The internal use of celandine is no longer recommended. Because the whole plant contains a high proportion of toxic alkaloids, especially in the roots, it causes poisoning. On the contrary, the toxic effect of the ingredients is reduced in the dried herb. It must be said that the content of toxic components varies depending on location, plant and season. Every person has a different structure, so their sensitivity to toxins is different. If the plant is used externally, it can irritate the skin or cause allergies in some cases.
Celandine - based pharmaceutical preparations derived from papillomas
Finished products containing celandine are available in the form of capsules, dragees, tablets and drops. The use of papilloma celandine is recommended according to the instructions on the appropriate package or as recommended by your doctor. Traditionally, herbal milk juice or celandine tincture is applied to warts to get rid of them. Exactly how to use the drug from papillomas, the doctor will tell you.
Acute hepatic impairment has been reported in patients treated with celandine since the late 20th century. Laboratory studies have confirmed the high sensitivity of human hepatocytes to the alkaloids found in celandine. As a result, preparations made from celandine are currently being withdrawn from pharmacies. According to data from the European Medicines Agency in 2010, the benefits of drug use do not outweigh the risks to patients' health.
Folk recipes based on celandin for HPV
Not everyone knows how to use celandine properly. Due to its toxic properties, the plant should only be treated under medical supervision. The maximum daily dose is 12-30 mg of alkaloids, ie 2-5 g of dry grass. When treating warts, it is recommended to treat the warts with milk several times a day, taking care not to cause blisters on healthy skin. Care should be taken not to get this juice in your eyes as it will cause a strong burning sensation. Wraps made with milk are useful for treating skin fungi and wounds that are difficult to heal.
Decoctions, infusions and capsules
For menstrual problems, human papillomavirus, and stomach cramps, celandine tea or capsules may help. In this case, an antispasmodic property is manifested. However, its internal use is not recommended as the ingredients may be toxic. Too high a dose and prolonged use increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases.
Diluted tea and diluted tincture can be used externally for skin conditions such as eczema, warts or acne. It is recommended to pour 200 ml of boiling water into a teaspoon and let it cook for 10 minutes. Then moisten a cloth with tea and apply as a compress to the affected area.
Oil solutions and milk
Celandine milk is used to treat warts and corns because of its anti-inflammatory alkaloids. It is recommended to cut several stems of celandine and apply the spilled yellow juice directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day for several weeks. Due to the irritating effect of the juice, it should only be applied to the diseased tissue.
You can also make a tincture from a flowering herb or root and use it as a milky juice. Celandine tincture is available in health food stores. As the tincture is not as strong as the juice, the duration of use increases.
Side effects and contraindications
Rarely, gastrointestinal complaints occur. Some patients have experienced worsening of liver function and jaundice due to long-term use of celandine. This may be due to an overdose or misuse of alkaloids (such as severe inflammation of the liver or bile ducts). Overdose of celandine can also cause abdominal pain, colic, and blood in the urine.
Isoquinoline alkaloids are responsible for the toxic effects. Symptoms of poisoning include pain and burning sensation in the mouth, salivation, diarrhea and coughing. In severe cases, dizziness, loss of consciousness (including deep coma), drop in blood pressure and tachycardia may occur. Cases of fatal poisoning (in children) have been reported. Celandine juice can also cause skin irritation (burning, swelling, ulceration) and conjunctivitis (burning, watery eyes). Poisoning of animals usually does not occur because celandine is avoided due to its unpleasant odor and taste.
The dose and duration of use stated in this leaflet or from your doctor must be followed. Celandine should be used without interruption for up to four weeks.
Celandine should not be used in patients with pre-existing or past liver disease, gallstones, biliary tract inflammation, biliary obstruction or hepatic impairment. In addition, pregnant women, nursing women, and children under 12 years of age should refrain from using celandine.
If signs of liver damage (eg yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite) occur during treatment, treatment should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted.
Celandine-containing preparations should not be used in patients with peptic ulcer, cataracts and acute gastrointestinal disease. There is a risk of developing glaucoma with long-term use of celandine alkaloids.