Chelidonium

Chelidonium is a genus of herbaceous plants in the poppy family Papaveraceae. The genus contains only one species, Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine or simply celandine. This species is native to Europe and western Asia, and has been widely introduced and naturalized in North America and other parts of the world. Greater celandine is an herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 30-100 cm. It has a branched stem and lobed leaves. The flowers are bright yellow, with four petals, and bloom from late spring to early autumn. The plant produces a capsule fruit containing numerous small, black seeds.

Greater celandine has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been employed for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, digestive issues, and eye problems. The plant contains a number of alkaloids, including chelidonine, sanguinarine, and protopine, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties. However, it is important to note that greater celandine is also toxic and can cause adverse effects if ingested or applied incorrectly. Modern scientific research into its medicinal uses is ongoing, but caution is advised due to its potential toxicity. The plant is also sometimes cultivated as an ornamental, though its vigorous growth and spread can make it somewhat invasive in certain environments.