Greater Celandine

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a flowering plant in the poppy family traditionally used for liver, gallbladder, and digestive complaints, and topically for warts. It contains a complex mixture of isoquinoline alkaloids and has been associated with significant hepatotoxicity in modern use.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Functional dyspepsia

Limited Evidence

Some clinical trials show improvement in functional dyspepsia symptoms. Hepatotoxicity risk limits clinical recommendation.

Topical wart treatment

Mixed Evidence

Traditional topical use of celandine sap on warts has some preclinical and limited clinical support. Lower systemic risk than oral.

How it works

Greater celandine contains alkaloids including chelidonine, sanguinarine, berberine, coptisine, and protopine. The bright yellow-orange sap is the most concentrated source. Pharmacologically, these alkaloids have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, choleretic (bile-stimulating) activity, and antimicrobial properties. Traditional European herbal use includes biliary support, functional dyspepsia, and topical treatment of warts. Some controlled trials support functional dyspepsia use. However, post-marketing surveillance has documented multiple cases of drug-induced liver injury (sometimes severe), leading to regulatory restrictions in countries including the UK and Germany. Hepatotoxicity appears idiosyncratic and may be related to specific alkaloid components, contamination, or genetic susceptibility.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional preparations vary widely. Modern guidance (where available) suggests limiting daily total alkaloid intake to 2.5 mg and treatment duration to 4 weeks or less. Many regulatory bodies have removed oral celandine from over-the-counter availability.

When and how to take it

If used at all, take with meals at minimum effective doses for the shortest necessary duration. Long-term use is contraindicated.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized whole plant extract

Restricted in some markets.

Alkaloid content matters; hepatotoxicity is a concern.

Topical sap or extract

Traditional use for warts.

Minimal systemic absorption.

Safety

Hepatotoxicity is a significant safety concern with multiple case reports of liver injury, some requiring transplantation. Risk is unpredictable. Topical use carries lower systemic risk. Avoid prolonged use; discontinue at any sign of liver dysfunction. No safe Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and people with liver disease should avoid. Anyone with elevated liver enzymes, viral hepatitis, or on hepatotoxic drugs should not use. Do not use long-term.

Interactions

May interact with hepatically metabolized medications, increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants (preclinical), and potentiate sedative effects of CNS depressants. Combinations with other hepatotoxic medications are of particular concern.

Frequently asked questions

Is greater celandine safe?⌄

Oral celandine has been linked to multiple cases of liver injury and is restricted in several countries. Use only under professional supervision and not for extended periods.

Can I use celandine for warts topically?⌄

Topical use carries lower systemic risk and has some traditional support. Conventional wart treatments may be preferable for established efficacy.

Why was greater celandine restricted?⌄

Multiple documented cases of drug-induced liver injury, some severe, prompted regulatory action in the UK, Germany, and other countries.

References

Greater Celandine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Greater Celandine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Greater Celandine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.