Perennial celandine is used in folk medicine mainly because of the yellow milk juice. In Europe, Asia and North America, the factory is located close to settlements. With the introduction of synthetic drugs, celandine is increasingly forgotten, which is why it is often called a weed. Previously, the medicinal plant was prescribed to fight warts and skin diseases. Clinical efficacy was proven in two controlled studies. Celandine from papillomas is applied in the form of an ointment or gel to problem areas of the skin.
The composition and useful properties of celandine for the papillomavirus
Celandine contains about 20 isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly present in milk juice. The concentration of alkaloids in the grass is from 0. 48 to 1. 04%, in the roots - up to 1. 95%.
Other chemical compounds in papilloma celandine:
- organic acids (chelidonic, malic, citric, ferulic acids);
- 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 in celandine. The seeds contain 40-60% vegetable oils. The plant smells bad and has a bitter taste. A strong odor can cause sneezing, coughing and even vomiting in sensitive people.
Initially, celandine was found in temperate and warm regions of Europe and Asia, as well as the Mediterranean, including North Africa. It was brought to North America by settlers who used it as a remedy for skin conditions. Celandine is a typical weed, that is, it grows in rubble, rubble, backyards, borders and in hedges, walls, fences, fields and pastures.
Celandine derives its stems from a thick rhizome, which is orange inside (like milky juice). The flowers consist of two sepals, four golden yellow, ovate petals and numerous stamens. A 3-4 cm long capsule develops from the ovary, the black seeds have an oily appendage that ants consume. They also distribute them in the area.
Celandine is used to treat spasms in the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract. Whether celandine can treat warts, as traditional medicine says, has not finally been proven. Stems, leaves and flowers of celandine contain up to 1% of alkaloids - chelidonine, coptisine and sanguinarine.
According to studies, the medicinal plant has a predominantly anticonvulsant and choleretic effect. Therefore, its use in spasmodic disorders in the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract is clinically proven.
Celandine also has mild analgesic, cell division inhibitor and antiviral effects. The last two effects may explain the prolonged use of celandine against warts (caused by viruses).
In medicine, celandine is used, collected during flowering (only above-ground parts of the plant). It is recommended to use only ready-made preparations prepared with a standardized content of alkaloids. The reason is that the plant parts themselves contain an unclear amount of alkaloids. Excess plant matter harms the liver.
Almost all parts of celandine contain alkaloids. The stem contains from 0. 1 to 1% of alkaloids, depending on its origin and drying conditions. More than 30 different benzylisoquinoline derivatives (such as benzophenatridine, protoberberine, and protopine) have been identified in laboratory studies. Coptisine is the predominant alkaloid, accounting for up to 90%. Chelidonine is the main alkaloid in roots. Other alkaloids in herbs and roots are berberine, chelerythrine, sparteine, helidoxanthine, and sanguinarine. In autumn, the chemicals concentrate on the root, which becomes highly toxic.
Several plant acids - chelidonic acid, citric acid, malic acid and caffeic acid - are found in small amounts. Celandine is not rich in flavonoids. The orange-yellow color of milk juice is due to carotenoids and some alkaloids such as berberine.
Celandine has an antispasmodic effect on the upper digestive tract and stimulates the flow of bile. The antispasmodic effect is now considered proven. It was possible to prove the choleretic effect only a few years ago. In addition, antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor effects were demonstrated for the extracts.
Application methods in the treatment of pathology
Celandine refers to folk remedies, so it is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks before using. A statement was issued advising against the use of celandine preparations due to adverse effects on the liver.
Traditionally, fresh milk juice is used to treat warts, corneas and corns. Protein (proteolytic) and antiviral mechanisms are discussed as the main healing action. Currently, alkaloid extracts are widely used as standard medicines.
The main use of celandine is the treatment of skin conditions such as warts or corns. For cramping in the upper digestive tract, the herb was formerly used as a tea or tincture.
Internal use of celandine is no longer recommended. As the whole plant contains a high proportion of toxic alkaloids, especially in the roots, it causes intoxication. On the contrary, the poisonous effect of the ingredients is reduced in the dry herb. It must be said that the content of toxic components varies depending on the location, plant and season. Each person has a different constitution and therefore differs in sensitivity to toxins. If the plant is used externally, in some cases it can irritate the skin or cause allergies.
Pharmaceutical preparations based on celandine from papillomas
Finished products containing celandine are available in the form of capsules, dragees, tablets and drops. It is recommended to use celandine papilloma as per the instructions on the appropriate package or as recommended by your doctor. Traditionally, the milky juice of a medicinal plant or tincture of celandine is applied to warts to get rid of them. How exactly to use the drug from papillomas, the doctor will tell you.
Since the late 20th century, there have been reports of acute liver damage in patients treated with celandine preparations. Laboratory tests confirmed the high sensitivity of human hepatocytes to the alkaloids contained in celandine. As a result, celandine preparations are currently withdrawn from pharmacies. According to the European Medical Agency 2010, the benefits of using medicines do not balance the risks to patients' health.
Folk recipes based on celandine for HPV
Not everyone knows how to use celandine correctly. Due to its toxic properties, treatment with a plant can only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. 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 warts with milk juice several times a day, trying not to cause healthy skin to blister. Care should be taken that this juice does not get into the eyes as it causes a strong burning sensation. Wraps with milk juice are useful in the treatment of cutaneous mycoses and wounds that are difficult to heal.
Decoctions, infusions and capsules
With menstrual problems, human papillomavirus and stomach cramps, tea or celandine capsules can help. In this case, an antispasmodic property is manifested. However, internal use is not recommended as the ingredients can be toxic. In a very high dose and long-term use increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.
Diluted tea and diluted tincture can be used externally for skin conditions - eczema, warts or acne. It is recommended to pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon and let it ferment for 10 minutes. Then soak a cloth with tea and apply to the affected area in the form of a compress.
Oil and milk solutions
For the treatment of warts and corns, celandine milk is used because of the anti-inflammatory alkaloids. It is recommended to cut several stems of celandine and apply the dripping yellow juice directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day for several weeks. The juice should only be applied to diseased tissue due to its irritating effect.
You can also make a tincture of the herb or flowering root and use it as a milky juice. Celandine tincture is available at health food stores. As the tincture is not as strong as the juice, the duration of use is increased.
Side effects and contraindications
Gastrointestinal complaints rarely occur. Some patients have developed deterioration of liver function and jaundice with prolonged use of celandine. This could be due to an overdose of alkaloids or misuse (eg, severe inflammation of the liver or bile ducts). An overdose of celandine can also cause abdominal pain, intestinal cramping, and blood in the urine.
Isoquinoline alkaloids are responsible for the toxic effects. Symptoms of poisoning include pain and burning in the mouth, drooling, diarrhea, and coughing up blood. In severe cases, dizziness, impaired consciousness (including deep coma), drop in blood pressure and tachycardia 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). Animal poisoning usually does not occur because they avoid celandine because of the unpleasant smell and taste.
It is necessary to follow the dosage and duration of use indicated on the leaflet or obtained from a doctor. Without interruption, celandine should be used for a maximum of four weeks.
Celandine should not be used for existing or past liver disease, gallstones, inflammation of the biliary tract, obstruction of the bile ducts, or liver damage. In addition, pregnant and lactating women and children under 12 should refrain from using celandine.
If signs of liver damage appear during treatment (e. g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite), treatment should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted. .
Celandine preparations cannot be used for peptic ulcer, glaucoma and acute catarrh of the gastrointestinal tract. With prolonged use of celandine alkaloids, there is a risk of developing glaucoma.