Greater celandine is a perennial herb from the poppy family (Papaveraceae), well known in European herbal tradition for its distinctive yellow-orange latex and naturally high alkaloid content. It is used mainly as a botanical raw material for specialised extracts and carefully defined plant-based applications.
In Bulgaria, the species is widely distributed in moist, shaded, and stony habitats, often near walls, fences, paths, and settlements. The aerial parts are typically harvested at the beginning of flowering, when the plant is considered most suitable for further processing.
Basic Information
- Latin name: Chelidonium majus L.
- Part used: aerial parts (Herba Chelidonii)
- Origin: Bulgaria
- Raw material type: wild-harvested
- Harvest period: May – June, at the beginning of flowering
Herb Characteristics
Greater celandine develops branched stems reaching up to 80–100 cm in height. When damaged, all parts of the plant release a characteristic yellow-orange latex. The leaves are alternate, deeply lobed, and bluish green on the underside, while the flowers are bright yellow and arranged in small umbrella-like clusters.
The fruit is an elongated capsule that splits open when mature and releases small dark seeds. For commercial use, the herb is dried quickly under well-ventilated conditions or in drying facilities at controlled temperatures to preserve the quality of the raw material.
Chemical Composition
- alkaloids
- chelidonine
- homochelidonine
- chelerythrine
- sanguinarine
- protopine
- berberine
- flavonoids
- saponins
- organic acids
- essential oil
- vitamin C
- provitamin A
Greater celandine is defined primarily by its high alkaloid content, which shapes both its traditional use and the need for careful handling.
Suitable for the Production of
- herbal extracts
- specialised botanical formulations
- products for external application
- botanical raw materials for pharmaceutical processing
- standardised plant-based ingredients
Medicinal Properties and Effects on the Body
Greater celandine is traditionally associated with the following properties:
- antispasmodic action
- support for bile flow
- support for liver comfort
- anti-inflammatory activity
- use in topical skin products
- traditional use in herbal formulations for digestive comfort
In traditional herbal practice, greater celandine is included in products intended for biliary and digestive comfort, as well as in topical preparations for local skin application. Because of its specific phytochemical profile, the raw material is used with caution and for clearly defined applications.
Important Notice
Greater celandine contains biologically active alkaloids and is not suitable for uncontrolled use. Intake in higher amounts may be toxic. The use of the raw material and its extracts should always comply with applicable safety requirements and the intended end use.
Forms Available
Available as:
- whole dried herb (Herba Chelidonii)
- crushed herb
- cut herb in custom sizes upon request
- herbal powder
Quality and Documentation
Upon request, the following may be provided:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- technical documentation
- additional documents upon request
Inquiry
Contact us for current availability, samples, and a quotation based on the required quantities, preferred processing form, and raw material specifications.
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