Perennial celandine is used in folk medicine mainly because of its yellow milk juice. In Europe, Asia and North America, the plant is located near settlements. Celandine was more and more forgotten with the introduction of synthetic drugs, which is why it is often referred to as a weed. Previously, this medicinal plant was used to fight warts and skin diseases. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in two controlled studies. Celandine from papilloma is applied to the problem areas of the skin in the form of an ointment or gel.
Composition and useful properties of celandine against papillomavirus
Celandine contains about 20 isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly found in milk juice. The concentration of alkaloids in the grass is 0. 48 to 1. 04%, in the roots - up to 1. 95%.
Other compounds in celandine from papilloma:
- Organic acids (chelic 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);
- trace amounts of essential oils;
- carotene;
- Vitamin C.
Glycogen is a storage substance in celandine. The seeds contain 40-60% vegetable oil. This plant smells bad and has a bitter taste. Strong odors can cause sensitive people to sneeze, cough and even vomit.
Originally, celandine was found in temperate and warm regions of Europe and Asia, and the Mediterranean Sea, including North Africa. It was brought to North America by settlers who used it to treat skin diseases. Celandine is a typical weedy plant, i. e. it grows on rubble, debris, patio squares, edges and hedges, walls, fences, fields and pastures.
Celandine stems from a thick rhizome that is orange (like milk) inside. The flower consists of two sepals, four golden yellow, oval petals and numerous stamens. The ovary grows a 3-4 cm long capsule, and the black seeds have an oily appendage that the ants eat. They also distribute them in the area.
Celandine is used to treat bile duct and gastrointestinal spasms. Whether celandine can treat warts, as traditional medicine says, has not been conclusively proven. Celandine stems, leaves and flowers contain up to 1% of the alkaloids - celandine, coptisine and sanguinarine.
According to research, this medicinal plant mainly has anticonvulsant and choleretic effects. Therefore, its use in bile duct and gastrointestinal spastic diseases is medically proven.
Celandine also has mild analgesic, cell division inhibitory 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 aerial part of the plant). It is recommended to use only finished formulations with standardized alkaloid content. The reason is that the plant parts themselves contain an unspecified amount of alkaloids. Excessive plant matter can damage the liver.
Almost all parts of celandine contain alkaloids. Stems contain 0. 1% to 1% alkaloids, depending on their source and drying conditions. More than 30 different benzylisoquinoline derivatives (such as benzobenazolidine, protoberberine, and the original drug) have been identified in laboratory studies. Coptisine is the main alkaloid, accounting for up to 90%. Chelandine is the main alkaloid in the root. Other alkaloids in herbs and roots are berberine, chelidonine, sparteine, helidoxanthin, and sanguinarine. In the fall, the chemicals concentrate on the roots and then become highly toxic.
Various plant acids -- celandine, citric, malic, and caffeic -- were found in very small amounts. Celandine is not rich in flavonoids. The orange-yellow color of milk is due to the presence of carotenoids and some alkaloids such as berberine.
Celandine has antispasmodic effects on the upper gastrointestinal tract and stimulates bile flow. The antispasmodic effect is now considered to be proven. It was only possible to demonstrate a choleretic effect a few years ago. In addition, the extract has been shown to have antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor effects.
Application method in pathological treatment
Celandine refers to folk remedies, so it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons before using it. A statement was issued advising against taking celandine preparations due to adverse effects on the liver.
Traditionally, fresh milk juice is used to treat warts, corneas and calluses. Protein (proteolytic) and antiviral mechanisms are discussed as the main healing effects. Currently, alkaloid extracts are widely used as standard medicines.
The main use of celandine is to treat skin conditions such as warts or calluses. For upper gastrointestinal spasms, this herb has previously been used as a tea or tincture.
Oral administration of celandine is no longer recommended. Since the whole plant contains a high proportion of toxic alkaloids, especially in the roots, it can cause poisoning. Conversely, in dried herbs, the toxic effects of the ingredients are reduced. It must be said that the levels of toxic components vary by location, plant and season. Everyone's constitution is different and therefore their sensitivity to toxins is also different. If the plant is used topically, it can irritate the skin or cause allergies in some cases.
Pharmaceutical preparations based on celandine from papilloma
Finished products containing celandine are available in the form of capsules, dragees, tablets and drops. It is recommended to use celandine as directed in the appropriate package or as recommended by your doctor. Traditionally, the milk of the medicinal plant or celandine tincture is used for warts to remove them. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to use papilloma medicine.
Acute liver injury has been reported in patients treated with celandine preparations since the late 20th century. Laboratory tests confirmed the high sensitivity of human liver cells to the alkaloids contained in celandine. Therefore, preparations of celandine are currently withdrawn from pharmacies. According to the European Medical Agency in 2010, the benefits of using the drug do not balance the risks to the patient's health.
Celandine-Based HPV Folk Recipe
Not everyone knows how to use celandine properly. Due to its toxicity, phytotherapy should only be performed under the supervision of a doctor. The maximum daily dose is 12-30 mg of alkaloids, which is 2-5 grams of hay. When treating warts, it is advisable to treat warts with milk several times a day, trying not to cause blisters on healthy skin. Care should be taken not to get this sap into the eyes as it can cause a strong burning sensation. Wrapping in milk can be used to treat dermatophytes and hard-to-heal wounds.
Decoctions, Infusions and Capsules
For menstrual problems, HPV, and stomach cramps, celandine tea or capsules can help. In this case, antispasmodic properties are exhibited. However, oral administration is not recommended as these ingredients can be toxic. High doses and long-term use can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
Diluted teas and diluted tinctures can be used topically to treat skin conditions - eczema, warts or acne. It is recommended to pour 200ml of boiling water on a teaspoon and brew for 10 minutes. Then use a tea damp cloth and apply in compresses to the affected area.
Oil solution and milk
For the treatment of warts and corns, celandine milk is used due to its anti-inflammatory alkaloids. It is recommended to cut a few celandine stalks and apply the oozing yellow juice directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day for several weeks. Due to its stimulating effect, the juice should only be used on diseased tissue.
You can also make a tincture from the flowering herb or root and use it as a latex. Celandine tincture is available at health food stores. Since the tincture is not as strong as the juice, the duration of use is increased.
Side effects and contraindications
Gastrointestinal discomfort is rare. Some patients have worsened liver function and jaundice from long-term use of celandine. This may be due to overdose or abuse of alkaloids (eg, severe inflammation of the liver or bile ducts). An 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 mouth pain and burning, salivation, diarrhea and coughing up blood. In severe cases, dizziness, disturbance of consciousness (including deep coma), decreased blood pressure, and tachycardia may occur. Fatal cases of poisoning (in children) have been reported. Celandine juice can also cause skin irritation (burning, swelling, ulcers) and conjunctivitis (burning, tearing). Animal poisoning usually does not occur because they avoid celandine due to its unpleasant odor and taste.
It is necessary to follow the dosage and duration of use indicated in the leaflet or obtained from your doctor. Celandine should be used for up to four weeks without interruption.
Celandine should not be used for existing or past liver disease, gallstones, inflammation of the bile ducts, bile duct obstruction, or liver damage. Additionally, celandine should be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of 12.
If signs of liver damage occur during treatment (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite), stop treatment and seek medical attention immediately.
Preparations with celandine cannot be used for peptic ulcers, glaucoma and acute mucositis of the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term use of celandine alkaloids is associated with a risk of glaucoma.