What is Greater Celandine Used for Today?
Test-tube and animal studies provide weak evidence that greater celandine may both stimulate and relax the gall bladder. 1-3 In Europe, it is commonly believed that minor gall bladder problems are a cause of indigestion. On this basis, celandine was approved in 1985 by Germany’s Commission E as a treatment for what we would call dyspepsia , or non-specific digestive distress. While there is some supporting evidence for this use, 4-6 in view of the safety risks associated with celandine (see Safety Issues ), we do not recommend using it for this purpose (or any other). Very preliminary evidence hints suggests that constituents of celandine may also have cancer preventive and antimicrobial properties. 7-9 Celandine has also traditionally been advocated as a topical treatment for warts . However, there is no reliable evidence that it is effective for this purpose.
