Evidence supporting the use of: Greater Celandine
For the body system: Gall Bladder

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) has a long history of traditional use in supporting the liver and gall bladder, particularly in various European and Asian folk medicine systems. Herbalists have used extracts and tinctures of the plant for symptoms associated with biliary tract disorders, such as gallstones and bile flow disturbances. The primary rationale in traditional practices is based on the belief that Greater Celandine stimulates bile production and flow (choleretic and cholagogue effects), thus supporting gall bladder function and aiding in the digestion of fats.

Some early pharmacological studies suggest that alkaloids present in Greater Celandine (such as chelidonine and sanguinarine) might have a mild spasmolytic effect on smooth muscle, which could theoretically help ease biliary colic or facilitate bile movement. However, these effects are not robustly proven in high-quality clinical trials. Modern scientific validation remains limited, and the available clinical evidence is weak and inconsistent. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about potential hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) with the use of Greater Celandine, leading to regulatory restrictions in some countries.

In summary, while the use of Greater Celandine for gall bladder support is rooted in tradition and some pharmacological plausibility exists, there is insufficient scientific evidence to robustly support its efficacy, and safety concerns should be carefully considered.

More about Greater Celandine
More about Gall Bladder

Products containing Greater Celandine

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.