Greater celandine, tetterwort, nipplewort, or Chelidonium majus is a plant in the Papaveraceae family. The herbaceous perennial plant is native to Europe and western Asia and introduced extensively in North America. The whole plant is toxic in moderate doses; however, with the proper dosage, the leaves and small yellow flowers of the greater celandine have therapeutic properties.

Here are the 7 health benefits of greater celandine.

1.     Greater celandine has many powerful antioxidants.

Researchers from the Comenius University have concluded that greater celandine extract contains isoquinoline alkaloids and the flavonoid components that may play a significant role in cancer prevention through its antioxidant activity.

2.     Greater celandine may help fight against cancer.

The same research team from the Comenius University suggested that greater celandine has displayed antiproliferative (fights against cancer cell growth) activity via apoptosis in leukemia cells. 

3.     Greater celandine could help increase bile production. 

Increased bile production has been shown to aid the body’s digestive processes to perform more efficiently, particularly by breaking down fat and assisting toxin removal.

4.     Greater celandine may aid in intestinal irritation.

Chelidonic acid is a constituent of greater celandine. The plant has been found protective effects against certain types of ulcerative colitis. This could be an alternative treatment of intestinal inflammation.

5.     Greater celandine possesses antimicrobial properties.

A study from the School of Stomatology at China Medical University suggested that greater celandine has significant activity against harmful organisms like Streptococcus.

6.     Greater celandine could help fight against warts and moles.

The greater celandine contains a distinctive latex that also contains enzymes and the phytocystatin chelidostatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor. These constituents together could explain how the topical use of the plant can fight against warts and moles.

7.     Greater celandine may possess painkiller effects.

Studies have shown that 200mg/kg of greater celandine possesses analgesic activity.