Plant Comparison
Greater Celandine vs Meadowsweet
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Greater Celandine and Meadowsweet: they share 12 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, cancer (anticancer research), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Greater Celandine | Meadowsweet | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Muscle spasm | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The biologically active and toxicologically important constituents.
Historically the source of aspirin's chemical inspiration; provide the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, buffered by co-occurring mucilage and tannins.
Antioxidant constituents contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.
Contribute to astringency and the characteristic sweet almond-like fragrance.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic (preclinical)
Antispasmodic / choleretic bitter for upper-abdominal and biliary dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, cramping) - oral use now restricted for safety
Antispasmodic / choleretic bitter for upper-abdominal and biliary dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, cramping) - oral use now restricted for safety
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Antispasmodic / choleretic bitter for upper-abdominal and biliary dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, cramping) - oral use now restricted for safety
inferred from anticancer action
Antispasmodic / choleretic bitter for upper-abdominal and biliary dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, cramping) - oral use now restricted for safety
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
SERIOUS: oral greater celandine can cause acute idiosyncratic liver injury (hepatocellular hepatotoxicity with jaundice). Multiple reported cases - dozens of herb-induced liver injury reports in the literature, with continuing recent case reports - led regulators to restrict or suspend oral products. Do not take internally if you have any liver disease, and stop immediately and seek care at any sign of liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, upper-abdominal pain).
Generally safe in normal culinary and medicinal doses. Avoid in salicylate sensitivity or aspirin allergy. Not recommended for children with viral illnesses (Reye's syndrome risk, as with other salicylate-containing plants). Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Duke (2002) rates meadowsweet as ++ and notes analgesic, antiulcer, antirheumatic, astringent, and anti-aggregant activities at the experimental level (score 1). The plant is historically significant as a precursor to aspirin — salicylate compounds in meadowsweet were originally used to derive acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike aspirin, meadowsweet's salicylates are combined with protective mucilaginous compounds that may reduce gastric irritation. Duke notes that individuals with aspirin (salicylate) sensitivity should avoid meadowsweet; the plant also has anticoagulant properties that may interact with blood-thinning medications (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Branching perennial herb with soft, brittle, hairy stems that exude a distinctive bright orange-yellow latex (sap) when cut or broken. The leaves are deeply lobed, pale bluish-green beneath, giving a delicate, almost fern-like appearance. Small, four-petalled, bright yellow flowers are borne in loose umbel-like clusters.[4]
Tall, moisture-loving perennial herb with pinnately compound leaves, dark green above and whitish-downy beneath, the leaflets sharply toothed. Dense, fluffy, creamy-white flower clusters with a strong, sweet, almond-like fragrance are borne atop reddish, grooved stems.[1]
Habitat
Grows in shaded, nutrient-rich ground - hedgerows, walls, waste ground and woodland edges, often near old buildings; native to Europe and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.[4]
Grows in damp meadows, marshes, riverbanks, ditches and wet woodland margins; native to Europe and temperate Asia, favouring moist, nutrient-rich ground.[1]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts are cut in spring to summer; the fresh orange latex is collected by breaking a stem or leaf as needed for topical (wart) use. Given the documented hepatotoxicity of oral preparations, harvesting for internal use is not recommended.[4]
The flowering tops, leaf and stem are cut in summer as the flowers open, when the characteristic salicylate content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[1]
Traditional Uses
Greater celandine has a long European folk history, reflected in its name 'tetterwort', as a topical remedy for warts and skin blemishes (the fresh orange latex dabbed directly on), and internally as a bitter choleretic digestive remedy for biliary and upper-abdominal dyspepsia - though oral use is now medically restricted because of documented liver injury.[4]
Meadowsweet is historically significant as the plant from which salicylic acid derivatives (the chemical basis of aspirin) were first isolated, and has long been used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastroprotective remedy for feverish colds, rheumatic and joint pain, and digestive complaints such as acid reflux and indigestion - notably, its natural mucilage is thought to buffer the gastric irritation associated with isolated salicylates.[1, 4]
Preparations
Fresh orange latex from a broken stem dabbed directly onto warts, the classic external folk use; kept well away from eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin.
Historically taken as an infusion or tincture for biliary dyspepsia, but oral use is now restricted in several jurisdictions due to hepatotoxicity risk and should only be considered under professional supervision, if at all.
Dried flower, leaf and stem infused in hot water as a traditional anti-inflammatory and digestive tea.
Tincture (1:5) of the dried aerial parts; single dose 2-4 ml, daily dose 6-12 ml per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Concentrated extract studied in vitro and in vivo for anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity.
Dosage
Because of a documented risk of acute liver injury, no internal dose is given here; oral use should be avoided, especially by anyone with liver disease, and any sign of jaundice, dark urine or upper-abdominal pain warrants immediate medical attention. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives a single dose of 1.5-6 g of the comminuted herb as an infusion, for a daily dose of 2-18 g, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 250-500 mg per dose (250-1500 mg daily) and a 1:5 tincture at 2-4 mL per dose (6-12 mL daily) are also listed. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to salicylates. For rheumatic-type complaints, not to be used for more than 4 weeks. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Li, X.L., Sun, Y.P., Wang, M., Wang, Z.B. and Kuang, H.X (2024) 'Alkaloids in Chelidonium majus L.: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15, pp. 1440979. doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1440979 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1440979 - Koriem, K.M.M., Arbid, M.S. and Asaad, G.F (2012) 'Chelidonium majus leaves methanol extract and its chelidonine alkaloid ingredient reduce cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats', Journal of Natural Medicines, 67(1), pp. 159-167. doi:10.1007/s11418-012-0667-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-012-0667-6 - Nawrot, R (2017) 'Defense-related Proteins from Chelidonium majus L. as Important Components of its Latex', Current Protein & Peptide Science, 18(8), pp. 864-880. doi:10.2174/1389203718666170406124013 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389203718666170406124013 - Gilca, M., Gaman, L., Panait, E., Stoian, I. and Atanasiu, V (2010) 'Chelidonium majus - an integrative review: traditional knowledge versus modern findings', Forschende Komplementarmedizin. doi:10.1159/000321397 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1159/000321397 - Popovic, A., Deljanin, M., Popovic, S., Todorovic, D., Djurdjevic, P., Matic, S., Stankovic, M., Avramovic, D. and Baskic, D (2021) 'Chelidonium majus crude extract induces activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhances their cytotoxic effect toward HeLa cells', International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 32(7), pp. 1554-1566. doi:10.1080/09603123.2021.1897534 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2021.1897534 - Shen, L., Lee, S.A., Joo, J.C., Hong, E., Cui, Z.Y., Jo, E., Park, S.J. and Jang, H.J (2022) 'Chelidonium majus induces apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells via ATF3-mediated regulation of Foxo3a by Tip60', Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 32(4), pp. 493-503. doi:10.4014/jmb.2109.09030 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2109.09030 - Deljanin, M., Nikolic, M., Baskic, D., Todorovic, D., Djurdjevic, P., Zaric, M., Stankovic, M., Todorovic, M., Avramovic, D. and Popovic, S (2016) 'Chelidonium majus crude extract inhibits migration and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cell lines', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 190, pp. 362-371. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.056 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.056 - Warowicka, A., Qasem, B., Dera-Szymanowska, A., Wolun-Cholewa, M., Florczak, P., Horst, N., Napierala, M., Szymanowski, K., Popenda, L., Bartkowiak, G., Florek, E., Gozdzicka-Jozefiak, A. and Mlynarz, P (2021) 'Effect of protoberberine-rich fraction of Chelidonium majus L. on endometriosis regression', Pharmaceutics, 13(7), pp. 931. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13070931 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13070931 - Kadan, G., Gozler, T. and Hesse, M (1992) '(+)-Norchelidonine from Chelidonium majus', Planta Medica, 58(5), pp. 477. doi:10.1055/s-2006-961523 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-961523 - Musidlak, O., Warowicka, A., Broniarczyk, J., Adamczyk, D., Gozdzicka-Jozefiak, A. and Nawrot, R (2022) 'The activity of Chelidonium majus L. latex and its components on HPV reveal insights into the antiviral molecular mechanism', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(16), pp. 9241. doi:10.3390/ijms23169241 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169241 - Zhang, W., You, C., Wang, C., Fan, L., Wang, Y., Su, Y., Deng, Z. and Du, S (2014) 'One new alkaloid from Chelidonium majus L', Natural Product Research, 28(21), pp. 1873-1878. doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.953497 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.953497 - Capistrano I, R., Wouters, A., Lardon, F., Gravekamp, C., Apers, S. and Pieters, L (2015) 'In vitro and in vivo investigations on the antitumour activity of Chelidonium majus', Phytomedicine, 22(14), pp. 1279-1287. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.013 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.013 - Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Glass, X., Schulze, J. and Eickhoff, A (2012) 'Greater Celandine hepatotoxicity: a clinical review', Annals of Hepatology. doi:10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31408-5 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31408-5 - Ciornolutchii, V., Ismaiel, A., Sabo, C.M., Al Hajjar, N., Seicean, A. and Dumitrascu, D.L (2024) 'A Hidden Cause of Hypertransaminasemia: Liver Toxicity Caused by Chelidonium Majus L. Report of Two Cases of Herb-Induced Liver Injury and Literature Review', American Journal of Therapeutics, 31(4), pp. e382--e387. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001708 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1097/MJT.0000000000001708
- Samardžić, S., Arsenijević, J., Božić, D., Milenković, M. et al (2017) 'Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 213, pp. 132-137. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 - Andonova, T., Muhovski, Y., Apostolova, E., Naimov, S. et al (2024) 'DNA-Protective, Antioxidant and Anti-Carcinogenic Potential of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Dry Tincture', Antioxidants (Basel), 13(10), pp. 1200. doi:10.3390/antiox13101200 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101200 - Van der Auwera, A., Peeters, L., Foubert, K., Piazza, S. et al (2023) 'In Vitro Biotransformation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Constituents and Metabolites of Filipendula ulmaria', Pharmaceutics, 15(4), pp. 1291. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 - Katanic, J., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Nikles, S., Pan, S., Rosic, G., Selakovic, D., Joksimovic, J., Mitrovic, S. and Bauer, R (2016) 'In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 627-636. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 - Samardzic, S., Tomic, M., Pecikoza, U., Stepanovic-Petrovic, R. and Maksimovic, Z (2016) 'Antihyperalgesic activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench in a rat model of inflammation', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 652-656. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 - Katanic, J., Matic, S., Pferschy-Wenzig, E., Kretschmer, N., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Stankovic, V., Stankovic, N., Mladenovic, M., Stanic, S., Mihailovic, M. and Bauer, R (2016) 'Filipendula ulmaria extracts attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress in rats: In vivo investigation and LC-MS analysis', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 99, pp. 86-102. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 - Arsenijevic, N., Selakovic, D., Katanic Stankovic, J.S., Mihailovic, V., Mitrovic, S., Milenkovic, J., Milanovic, P., Vasovic, M., Nikezic, A., Milosevic-Djordjevic, O., Zivanovic, M., Filipovic, N., Jakovljevic, V., Jovicic, N. and Rosic, G (2021) 'Variable neuroprotective role of Filipendula ulmaria extract in rat hippocampus', Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 20(4), pp. 871-883. doi:10.31083/j.jin2004089 Preclinical
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.025 - Pannakal, S.T., Eilstein, J., Hubert, J., Kotland, A., Prasad, A., Gueguiniat-Prevot, A., Juchaux, F., Beaumard, F., Seru, G., John, S. and Roy, D (2023) 'Rapid Chemical Profiling of Filipendula ulmaria Using CPC Fractionation, 2-D Mapping of 13C NMR Data, and High-Resolution LC-MS', Molecules, 28(17), pp. 6349. doi:10.3390/molecules28176349 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176349 - Valle, M.G., Nano, G.M. and Tira, S (1988) 'The Essential Oil of Filipendula ulmaria', Planta Medica, 54(2), pp. 181-182. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962390 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962390 - Popowski, D., Zentek, J., Piwowarski, J.P. and Granica, S (2021) 'Gut Microbiota of Pigs Metabolizes Extracts of Filipendula ulmaria and Orthosiphon aristatus - Herbal Remedies Used in Urinary Tract Disorders', Planta Medica, 88(3-04), pp. 254-261. doi:10.1055/a-1647-2866 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1647-2866 - Bespalov, V.G., Alexandrov, V.A., Semenov, A.L., Kovan'ko, E.G., Ivanov, S.D., Vysochina, G.I., Kostikova, V.A. and Baranenko, D.A (2016) 'The inhibitory effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats', International Journal of Radiation Biology, 93(4), pp. 394-401. doi:10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2011) 'Community herbal monograph on Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf - Bridge, J (2008) 'The Herbal Remedy Handbook'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Herbal%20Remedy%20Handbook - Drummond, E.M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Jacquier, J.C., O'Riordan, D. and Gibney, E.R (2013) 'Inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark', 27(4), pp. 588--594. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Inhibition%20of%20pro-inflammatory%20biomarkers%20in%20THP1%20macrophages%20by%20polyphenols%20derived%20from%20chamomile%2C%20meadowsweet%20and%20willow%20bark - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.