Perennial celandine is used in folk medicine mainly due to the yellow milky juice. In Europe, Asia and North America, the plant is located near the settlements. With the introduction of synthetic drugs, celandine is increasingly forgotten, which is why it is often called weed. Previously, the medicinal plant was prescribed to combat warts and skin diseases. Clinical efficacy was demonstrated in two controlled studies. Papilloma celandine is applied in the form of an ointment or gel to problem areas of the skin.
The composition and useful properties of celandine for papillomavirus
Celandine contains about 20 isoquinoline alkaloids, found mainly in milk juice. The concentration of alkaloids in the herb ranges from 0. 48 to 1. 04%, in the roots up to 1. 95%.
Other chemical compounds in celandine from papillomas:
- organic acids (chelidonic, malic, citric, ferulic acid);
- derivatives of phenolic acids;
- saponins, large amounts of calcium salts and proteolytic enzymes;
- flavonoids;
- biogenic amines (including histamine, tyramine);
- traces of essential oil;
- carotenes;
- C vitamin.
Glycogen is a storage substance in celandine. The seeds contain 40-60% of vegetable oils. The plant smells bad and tastes bitter. 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 in the Mediterranean, including North Africa. It was brought to North America by settlers who used it as a remedy for skin diseases. Celandine is a typical weed, eg. it grows on rubble, debris, squares, docks and on hedges, walls, fences, fields and pastures.
Celandine derives its stems from a dense rhizome, which is orange on the inside (like milk 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 the 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 cure warts, as traditional medicine says, hasn't finally been proven. Stems, leaves and flowers of celandine contain up to 1% alkaloids: chelidonin, 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 in the gastrointestinal tract is clinically proven.
Celandine also has mild analgesic, cell division inhibitory, and antiviral effects. The latter two effects may explain the long-term use of celandine against warts (caused by viruses).
In medicine, celandine is used, collected during flowering (only aboveground parts of the plant). It is recommended to use only finished preparations prepared with a standardized content of alkaloids. The reason is that the same parts of the plant contain an unclear amount of alkaloids. Excess plant matter damages the liver.
Almost all parts of celandine contain alkaloids. The stem contains 0. 1 to 1% alkaloids, depending on their origin and drying conditions. More than 30 different benzylisoquinoline derivatives (such as benzophenatridine, protoberberine and protopin) have been identified in laboratory studies. Coptisine is the predominant alkaloid, accounting for up to 90%. Chelidonin is the main alkaloid in the roots. Other alkaloids in herbs and roots are berberine, cheleritrin, sparteine, elidoxanthin and sanguinarine. In the fall, chemicals concentrate in the root, which then becomes highly toxic.
Various plant acids - chelidonic acid, citric acid, malic acid and caffeic acid - are found in small quantities. Celandine is not rich in flavonoids. The yellow-orange 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 have been demonstrated for the extracts.
Methods of application in the treatment of the pathology
Celandine refers to folk remedies, so it is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks before use. A statement has been issued advising against taking 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 curative action. Currently, alkaloid extracts are widely used as standard medicines.
The main use of celandine is to treat skin conditions such as warts or corns. For cramps in the upper digestive tract, the herb was previously used as a tea or tincture.
Internal use of celandine is no longer recommended. Since the whole plant contains a high percentage of toxic alkaloids, especially in the roots, it causes poisoning. Conversely, the poisonous effect of the ingredients is reduced in the dried herb. It must be said that the content of toxic components varies according to the place, the plant and the 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 according to the instructions in the appropriate package or as recommended by your doctor. Traditionally, milky juice from a medicinal plant or celandine tincture is applied to warts to get rid of them. How exactly to use the drug from papillomas, the doctor will tell you.
Acute liver damage has been reported in patients treated with celandine preparations since the end of the 20th century. Laboratory tests have confirmed the high sensitivity of human hepatocytes to the alkaloids contained in celandine. As a result, celandine preparations are currently being withdrawn from pharmacies. According to the 2010 European Medical Agency, the benefits of using drugs do not balance the health risks for patients.
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, i. e. 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 blisters on healthy skin. Care must be taken that this juice does not get into the eyes, because it causes a strong burning sensation. Compresses with milk juice are useful in the treatment of cutaneous mycosis and wounds that are difficult to heal.
Decoctions, infusions and capsules
With menstrual problems, human papillomavirus and stomach cramps, celandine tea or capsules can help. In this case, an antispasmodic property is manifested. However, internal use is not recommended as the ingredients can be toxic. Too high a dose and long-term use increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.
Diluted tea and diluted tincture can be used externally for skin diseases: eczema, wart or acne. It is recommended to pour 200 ml of boiling water on a teaspoon and let it brew for 10 minutes. Then wet a cloth with the tea and apply it to the affected area in the form of a compress.
Oily solutions and milk
For the treatment of warts and corns, celandine milk is used due to anti-inflammatory alkaloids. It is recommended to cut several stems of celandine and apply the yellow juice that oozes directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day for several weeks. The juice should only be applied to diseased tissues due to its irritating effect.
You can also make a tincture from the herb or flowering root and use it as a milky juice. Celandine tincture is available at health food stores. Since the tincture is not as strong as the juice, the duration of use increases.
Side effects and contraindications
Gastrointestinal disturbances occur rarely. Some patients have developed impaired liver function and jaundice with prolonged use of celandine. This may be due to an alkaloid overdose or misuse (for example, severe inflammation of the liver or bile ducts). An overdose of celandine can also cause abdominal pain, intestinal colic, and blood in the urine.
Isoquinoline alkaloids are responsible for the toxic effects. Symptoms of poisoning include pain and burning in the mouth, salivation, diarrhea, and coughing up blood. In severe cases, dizziness, impaired consciousness (including deep coma), drop in blood pressure and tachycardia occur. Cases of fatal intoxication (in children) have been reported. Celandine juice can also cause skin irritation (burning, swelling, ulceration) and conjunctivitis (burning, tearing). Animal poisoning does not usually occur because they avoid celandine due to the unpleasant smell and taste.
It is necessary to follow the dosage and duration of use indicated in the package leaflet or consulted by the doctor. Continuously, celandine should be used for up to four weeks.
Celandine should not be used in cases of existing or previous liver disease, gallstones, inflammation of the biliary tract, obstruction of the bile ducts or liver damage. Also, pregnant women, nursing women, and children under the age of 12 should refrain from using celandine.
If signs of liver damage (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite) appear during treatment, treatment should be stopped immediately and consulted. a doctor.
Preparations with celandine 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.