Celosia

Other Names

Amaranthus cristatusBatukamma puvvuBunga balung ayamCelosia argenteaCelosia argentea var. argenteaCelosia argentea var. cristataCelosia argentea var. plumosaCelosia castrensisCelosia cernuaCelosia coccineaCelosia comosaCelosia cristataCelosia huttoniiCelosia japonicaCelosia leptostachyaCelosia linearisCelosia margaritaceaCelosia marylandicaCelosia pallidaCelosia plumosaCelosia polygonoidesCelosia polystachyaCelosia purpureaCelosia pyramidalisCelosia splendensCelosia swinhoeiCelosia trigynaCelosia virgataCelosiae Argentea SemenCelosiae Cristatae SemenCheruchiraCockscombFairy FountainFarar áláyyafóFeather CelosiaFeather CockscombFeathered AmaranthFeathery AmaranthGarkhaGrande immortelleGunuguKodi juttu pooluKozhipoovuKurduLagos SpinachLophoxera comosaLophoxera racemosaMakilikkeeraiMào gà trắngMfunguPannaipooPlumed CockscombPlumeflowerPrince of Wales FeathersQingxiangQingxiangziQuail GrassRed FoxRed SpinachSafed MurgaSemen CelosiaeSilber-BrandschopfSilver Cock's CombSilver CockscombSoko yòkòtòVelvet FlowerVitunnahWoolflower青葙青葙子鸡冠花

Synopsis

Celosia (Celosia argentea L.): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Botanical Description

Scientific Classification

Celosia argentea L. is an annual herb belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. The plant genus Celosia is native to subtropical and temperate zones of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, consisting of about 60 species. Commonly called Qingxiang (青葙) in Chinese, it is an annual herb in the Amaranthaceae family. The accepted binomial is Celosia argentea Linnaeus (1753). Two principal botanical varieties have become significant in medicine and trade: Celosia argentea var. argentea (plumed or feather cockscomb) and Celosia argentea var. cristata, commonly known as crested cockscomb.

The Celosia argentea plant comprises two groups: the Plumosa and Cristata groups. The Cristata group gives brilliant hues and the flower looks like the head of a rooster (cock), hence the common name "cockscomb."

Common Names

English: Plumed cockscomb, silver cockscomb, quail grass, Lagos spinach
Chinese (TCM): Qingxiang (青葙) for the plant; Qingxiangzi (青葙子) for the dried seed; the prepared seed is known as Semen Celosiae
Yoruba (Nigeria): Soko Yokoto
Ayurveda: Shitivarak

Morphology and Distribution

C. argentea is a smooth annual herb. It grows up to 0.5 to 1.5 meters high. Leaves are alternate, linear to lanceolate, entire, and are about 4 to 14 centimeters long. It is erect, coarse, simple, or branched. It is known to grow very well in temperate and tropical regions. It is widespread through northern South America, the West Indies, tropical Africa, and tropical Asia where it matures as a wild flower.

C. argentea is an important cultivated vegetable in the rainforest zone of Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, and Togo. The wild form is a potherb throughout the savanna area of tropical Africa. C. argentea grows as a weed during the rainy season throughout India and other tropical regions of the world, mainly Sri Lanka, Yemen, Indonesia, America, and the West Indies.

Botanical Part Used and Common Preparations

The oblate, black or reddish-black seeds, commonly called Qingxiangzi in Chinese, are usually collected in autumn when the infructescence matures; the plant is picked or cut, then dried, and the seeds are collected and refined. The dried ripe seed is used for clinical purposes. Beyond the seed, leaves, stems, flowers, and roots are all employed in various traditions. Preparations described in the literature include water decoctions, alcoholic (ethanolic or methanolic) extracts, topical ointments, and dried powdered plant material.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae) is widely used as traditional medicine with a long history in China. It is a unique source of Semen Celosiae, whose contributions include purging the hepatic pathogenic fire, improving eyesight, and treating other eye diseases. Qing Xiang Zi, also known as Celosia Seed or Semen Celosiae, is the mature seed of Celosia argentea; it first appeared in Shennong Ben Cao Jing in the late Western Han Dynasty (around 100 BCE).

According to records of traditional Chinese medicine theory, Semen Celosiae is reputed for purging hepatic pathogenic fire to improve eyesight (Committee for the Pharmacopeia of PR China, 2010). In Chinese medicine, it is used in the treatment of diarrhea, bloodshot eyes, blurring of vision, cataracts, and hypertension. The stem, leaf, flower, and seed of C. argentea are used by the traditional Yao communities of China for the treatment of hemorrhoids, leucorrhea, and profuse uterine bleeding.

Ayurvedic and Indian Traditions

Celosia argentea Linn. is widely used in traditional medicines as a sterilizing agent and to treat a wide range of conditions such as kidney stones, fever, diarrhea, inflammation, jaundice, gonorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, itching, wounds, mouth sores, bleeding nose, and bleeding piles. A traditional medication called Shitivarak has been compared to C. argentea. Notably, this promising herb is not widely used in modern Ayurveda, and there is no single standardized formulation available — its use has remained primarily in traditional medicine. The seed paste of C. argentea is used in Indian folk medicine to cure ovarian and uterine diseases. The seeds are widely used in India for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

African Traditions

In West Tropical Africa, Celosia argentea (green vegetable) leaves containing phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannin, carbohydrate, glycosides, protein, gum, mucilage, and vitamins are eaten as a vegetable, used to relieve gastrointestinal disorders, and are considered antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative. In Africa, herbalists kept no formal records and information was usually passed on orally from generation to generation.

Celosia argentea L. is widely used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases such as jaundice, gonorrhea, wounds, fever, inflammation, itching, mouth sores, and diarrhoea.

Other Regional Traditions

Celosia argentea (Amaranthaceae), also known as cock's comb or quail grass, is a herb of great nutritional and therapeutic importance. The seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots are known for their folkloric uses in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine as an antidote for snake bite, glandular swelling, uterine bleeding, leucorrhea, and inflammation. In some traditions, Celosia argentea has also been employed as an abortifacient.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Over 79 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, mainly including saponins, peptides, phenols, fatty acids, and amino acids, of which saponins have been considered as the characteristic and active constituents of Celosia argentea. A 2016 review in the Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia provides a systematic account of the major classes.

Triterpenoid Saponins

The triterpenoid saponins are the most pharmacologically studied class of compounds in C. argentea. The triterpenoid saponins isolated from the seeds of C. argentea have been named celosin E, celosin F, celosin G, and cristatain. These active constituents are screened for their anti-cancer activity. Celosin I and celosin II are triterpenoid saponins found in Semen Celosiae, the ripe seeds of Celosia argentea L., used in TCM to treat hypertension. Two new triterpenoid saponins, celosin I and celosin II, were isolated from the seeds of Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae). Their structures were elucidated based on chemical analysis and spectral methods. They exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride-induced and N,N-dimethylformamide-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Celosian (Acidic Polysaccharide)

Celosian, one of the chemical constituents of C. argentea, shows immunostimulating activity. Celosian is an acidic polysaccharide from the seeds of this plant. Celosian has been found to be a potent antihepatotoxic agent for chemical and immunological liver injury models in animals. Celosian is an immunostimulating agent because a study showed that it induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), nitric oxide (NO), and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in various in vitro systems.

Cyclopeptides (Celogentins and Moroidin)

A variety of phytoconstituents have been isolated from C. argentea, which include novel triterpenoid saponins, celosin E, celosin F, and celosin G together with a known compound cristatain, betalains, nicotinic acid, celogenamide-A, and celogentin A–D, H, J, and K. A comprehensive list of phytoconstituents from the Celosia species includes phenols, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, phlobatannins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, phenolic acids, novel triterpenoid saponins, betalains, nicotinic acid, celogentin A–D, H, J, K, alkaloids including celogenamide A, moroidin, celosian, citrusin C, amaranthin, isoamaranthin, betalamic acid, and miraxanthin V (dopamine-BX).

Betalains

Betalains are nitrogen-containing, water-soluble, and non-toxic natural pigments found in various plant species. Among these, Celosia argentea (Amaranthaceae) has garnered attention as a significant source, accumulating substantial quantities of both red–purple betacyanins and yellow–orange betaxanthins. Impressively, betalain concentrations in C. argentea inflorescences can reach up to 14.91 mg/g dry weight (DW), a level comparable to that reported in red beetroot. Beyond harvesting from inflorescences, betalains can also be produced using cell culture systems, which can yield even higher amounts, up to 42.08 mg/g DW.

The foundation of all betalains is betalamic acid, a shared molecular structure that combines with either cyclo-DOPA derivatives to produce betacyanins (displaying red-violet hues) or with diverse amino acids and amines to generate betaxanthins (exhibiting yellow-orange colors). Among the betalains, those containing an aromatic moiety with two free hydroxyl groups possess the strongest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. The betaxanthins dopaxanthin and miraxanthin V and the betacyanins betanidin and decarboxy-betanidin are the only natural betalains with catecholic substructures. These four pigments have been produced in cell cultures established from hypocotyls of the plant Celosia argentea.

Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Other Compounds

A variety of phytoconstituents are isolated from Celosia species, including triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, phytosterols, and phlorotannins. Studies report that Celosia argentea var. cristata extract contains starch, cellulose, flavonoids, saponin, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, and steroids. The flavonoid fraction has been specifically studied in relation to anti-inflammatory activity (see below).

4. Mechanisms of Action

Hepatoprotection via Celosian and Triterpenoid Saponins

Hase et al. (1996) found that celosian, an acidic polysaccharide from Semen Celosiae, is a potent anti-hepatotoxic agent for chemical and immunological liver injury models in animals. Celosian is also an immunostimulating agent in addition to its anti-hepatotoxic effects (Hase et al., 1997). It induces tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage cell line J774.1 in a concentration-dependent manner (1–1000 μg/ml). Moreover, celosian induces IL-1 beta secretion in human mononuclear cells.

Intragastric administration of celosin A and B at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg per day to Kunming mice for three days significantly prevented the increase of AST, ALT, and ALP caused by CCl₄ effectively (Xue et al., 2011). Celosin C and D also significantly prevented the increase of AST, ALT, and ALP caused by CCl₄ effectively within a concentration of 1–4 mg/kg compared with the control group. Both celosins decreased the value of MDA significantly while those of GSH-PX, CAT, and SOD increased significantly (Sun et al., 2010).

The hepatoprotection of celosin I and celosin II is similar to celosin A–D, and the oral administration of celosin I and celosin II prevented the increase of AST and ALT effectively, though the decrease of ALP was not significant, within the concentration of 2–8 mg/kg (Wu et al., 2013).

Anti-Atherosclerotic and Lipid-Lowering Mechanisms

Tang et al. investigated the effects of celosins (celosin I and celosin II, yielded by extraction of dried seeds, 91.7%) in apoE⁻/⁻ mice on a high-fat diet and peritoneal macrophages. ApoE⁻/⁻ mice treated with celosins developed smoother and smaller atherosclerotic plaques and the number of autophagy bodies increased in comparison to vehicle-treated animals. Moreover, treated animals had reduced triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. In peritoneal macrophages incubated with oxLDL, treatment with celosins resulted in decreased foam cell formation and increased ABCA1 mRNA levels (Tang et al., 2018).

Antitumor / Anticancer Mechanisms

Huang et al. reported that celosin A — a specific triterpenoid saponin — was effective in inducing apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cells, a critical mechanism for cancer cell death. Similarly, Cheng et al. found celosin A to be effective against HepG2 (liver cancer) cells, demonstrating its broader anticancer potential.

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous, acetone, and methanol extracts of C. argentea was evaluated through the inhibition of nitric oxide production (LPS-induced) on stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7), while MTT assay was used to assess cell viability with Silymarin as standard. Cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was evaluated on a murine preadipocyte cell line (3T3-L1) using the image-based method of two DNA-binding dyes, Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI). Acetone extract exhibited moderate, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity with no significant toxicity to activated macrophages; however, the aqueous and methanol extracts were unable to inhibit nitric oxide production.

Wound Healing Mechanisms

The alcohol extracts of C. argentea promote cell motility and proliferation of primary dermal fibroblasts at 0.1–1 μg/ml but did not alter these responses in primary keratinocytes. In an initial examination of molecular mechanisms, the C. argentea extract did not alter fibroblast and keratinocyte responses to the wound repair-associated epidermal growth factor receptor ligands. This may be due to mitogenic and motogenic promotion of dermal fibroblasts.

Antioxidant Mechanisms

Betalains exhibit impressive health-promoting properties, most notably potent antioxidant activities. The ABTS scavenging activity of optimized C. argentea cell suspension culture extract (86.88%) was comparable to control culture extract (86.66%), with both values exceeding that of the inflorescence extract (84.07%). However, all samples exhibited lower ABTS scavenging activity than vitamin C. In the DPPH assay, all samples demonstrated similarly strong antioxidant capacity, with DPPH scavenging activity of the optimized suspension culture, control suspension culture, and inflorescence extracts at 90.39%, 88.81%, and 88.70%, respectively.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Liver / Hepatoprotection

Evidence base: Predominantly preclinical (in vivo animal models, in vitro cell assays). No human clinical trials were identified in the peer-reviewed literature.

The hepatoprotective effect of celosian — an acidic polysaccharide isolated from the water extract of the seeds — was investigated using chemical and immunological liver injury models. Celosian inhibited the elevation of serum enzyme (GPT, GOT, LDH) and bilirubin levels on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injuries in rats. In addition, the hepatoprotective effect of celosian was also observed in this model of liver injury by histopathological findings.

In the long-term administration practice, hepatoprotection is a main effect of C. argentea, supported by many modern scientific pharmacological studies. Multiple isolated saponins (celosins A–D, I, and II) have each demonstrated statistically significant reductions in liver injury biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP, MDA) in rodent models of chemical hepatotoxicity. Evidence remains at the preclinical stage; human data are absent.

5.2 Diabetes / Blood Glucose Regulation

Evidence base: Preclinical rodent models only. No human clinical trials identified.

Celosia argentea commonly known as cockscomb plant is widely used in folkloric medicine in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus. The effect of methanolic extract of Celosia argentea var. cristata L. (CAVCL) leaves on blood glucose level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were evaluated in diabetic rats. Five groups of male albino rats consisting of 5 animals each were used. They were grouped as normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic groups administered with 250 and 750 mg/kg body weight CAVCL.

The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum AST, ALP, and ALT activities and reduction in SOD and CAT activities compared with normal control groups. The extract at both doses significantly lowered the high levels of the serum enzymes and increased the level of CAT and SOD.

The alcoholic extracts of the leaves of C. argentea have been reported to possess anti-diabetic properties by lowering the body weight and blood glucose of diabetic rats (alloxan-induced) by 38.8% at 500 mg/kg body weight. Although C. argentea decoction is demonstrated in folkloric medicine in the treatment of diabetes, there are, however, few scientific studies to evaluate its antidiabetic property. Evidence is limited to rodent studies; clinical efficacy in humans is undemonstrated.

5.3 Anticancer / Antitumor Activity

Evidence base: In vitro cell line studies and one preclinical animal model. No human clinical trials identified.

Wu et al. tested four triterpenoid saponins (celosin E–G and cristatain) from Semen Celosiae. They evaluated their antitumor activities against five human cancer cell lines, providing a broader assessment of their efficacy. Their findings indicated that all four triterpenoid saponins exhibited a certain degree of inhibition against the tested cancer cells, with cristatain demonstrating particularly potent antitumor activity.

A compelling body of preclinical research points towards C. argentea as a potent agent for tumor treatment, often linked to its notable immunomodulatory capabilities. Hayakawa et al. investigated the anti-metastatic effect of extracts from Semen Celosiae in preclinical cancer models. They found that intraperitoneal administration of the seed extract for seven days prior to tumor inoculation significantly inhibited liver metastasis. This inhibition was caused by the intraportal injection of colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells and occurred in a dose-dependent manner, showing increasing efficacy with higher doses.

All anticancer evidence to date is preclinical (in vitro and animal models). Laboratory studies reveal cytotoxic effects in vitro, but no human trials confirm cancer cure claims.

5.4 Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Evidence base: Preclinical in vitro and rodent studies only.

The alcoholic extracts of the leaves of C. argentea have been reported to possess anti-diabetic properties. It has also been reported that the flavonoid fraction of C. argentea leaves possesses anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammatory models at 10 mg/kg body weight. These findings corroborate the traditional use of C. argentea for painful inflammatory conditions and encourage its possible use as a lead for the development of novel, non-toxic, anti-inflammatory agents.

5.5 Wound Healing

Evidence base: One published rodent burn model study; no human trials.

Celosia argentea (CA) is used in traditional medicine for sores, ulcers, and skin eruptions. A study investigated the healing efficacy of CA extract in an ointment formulated at 10% w/w as an alcohol extract of CA using a rat burn wound model. Wound closure occurred earlier in the treated rats (15 days vs. 30 in the untreated group; p < 0.05). Granulation tissue collected on every fifth day of healing showed an increase in collagen and hexosamine content at a faster rate in the treated wounds, correlating with the accelerated wound closure observed in the treated groups.

5.6 Antimicrobial Activity

Evidence base: In vitro assays only. No clinical studies.

In one study, chloroform stem and root extracts of C. argentea were reported to inhibit S. aureus and E. coli growth (ZOI = 5 mm), at a concentration of 1 mg/mL in agar well diffusion assays, indicating low activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activities have been reported in multiple in vitro investigations across different extract types and plant parts, but activities vary with solvent and concentration and have not been validated in clinical settings.

5.7 Antioxidant Activity

Evidence base: In vitro assays; no clinical outcomes data.

C. argentea inflorescence extracts demonstrate approximately 84.07% ABTS and 88.70% DPPH radical scavenging. These activities have been linked to both phenolic compounds and betalain pigments. A common thread across many of these studies is that the specific contribution of betalains to these observed biological activities remains largely underexplored. Research often focuses on crude extracts or other classes of phytochemicals isolated from seeds, leaves, or the whole plant, rather than specific pigments.

5.8 Eye Diseases

Evidence base: Traditional use documented; pharmacological mechanism plausible based on TCM theory; no clinical trials identified.

According to records of TCM theory, Semen Celosiae is reputed for purging hepatic pathogenic fire to improve eyesight (Committee for the Pharmacopeia of PR China, 2010). In Chinese medicine it is used in the treatment of diarrhea, bloodshot eyes, blurring of vision, cataracts, and hypertension. The pharmacological basis for ocular effects has not been elucidated at the clinical trial level.

5.9 Cardiovascular / Antihypertensive Activity

Evidence base: Preclinical animal models; no human RCTs.

Celosin I and celosin II are triterpenoid saponins found in Semen Celosiae, used in TCM to treat hypertension. In apoE⁻/⁻ mouse models, these saponins significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque burden, reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, and decreased foam cell formation via upregulation of ABCA1 mRNA expression. These are preclinical findings only.

5.10 Diarrhea

Evidence base: Preclinical rodent models; no human RCTs.

C. argentea could suppress the castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal-induced diarrhea, and results suggested that the extract of C. argentea leaves prevents diarrhea. This activity is consistent with the plant's long-standing traditional use for gastrointestinal complaints, but has not been tested in human clinical trials.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas

In summary, C. argentea exhibits a wide array of biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and notable antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. The body systems most prominently associated with Celosia argentea in the research literature include:

Liver (Hepatic System): Hepatoprotection against chemical and immunological injury via celosian and multiple celosin saponins (A–D, I, II) demonstrated in rodent models.
Ocular System: Traditional TCM use for improving eyesight, treating bloodshot eyes, cataracts, and blurring of vision; used to clear "hepatic pathogenic fire" per TCM theory.
Cardiovascular System: Preclinical antihypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects linked to celosin I and II.
Metabolic / Endocrine System: Antidiabetic effects (blood glucose lowering) documented in alloxan- and streptozotocin-induced rodent diabetes models.
Immune System: Immunomodulatory effects through celosian (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ induction) documented in vitro and in preclinical models.
Integumentary (Skin): Wound healing activity demonstrated in rodent burn models; traditional use for sores, ulcers, and skin eruptions.
Gastrointestinal System: Anti-diarrheal activity demonstrated preclinically; traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders across multiple cultures.
Oncology (Preclinical): In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo anti-metastatic effects observed for triterpenoid saponins against multiple cancer cell lines.

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

No standardized dosage for human use has been established. The following dosages are those specifically reported in preclinical studies, as sourced:

Alcoholic extract of seeds (antidiabetic, rodent study): Rats that had been fed alloxan to induce diabetes were used to determine the effects of an alcoholic extract of Celosia argentea seeds (ACAS) on body weight and blood glucose levels. When ACAS was administered to diabetic rats, the rise in blood glucose levels was found to be reduced by 27.3% at 250 mg/kg and 38.8% at 500 mg/kg body weight.
Methanolic extract of leaves (antidiabetic/hepatoprotective, rodent study): Five groups of male albino rats were administered 250 and 750 mg/kg body weight of methanolic C. argentea var. cristata leaf extract (CAVCL).
Topical ointment (wound healing, rodent study): The healing efficacy of CA extract in an ointment formulated at 10% w/w as an alcohol extract of CA was assessed using a rat burn wound model.
Celosin A and B (hepatoprotective, rodent study): Intragastric administration of celosin A and B at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg per day to Kunming mice for three days significantly prevented the increase of AST, ALT, and ALP caused by CCl₄.
Celosin I and II (hepatoprotective, rodent study): Oral administration of celosin I and celosin II prevented the increase of AST and ALT effectively within the concentration of 2–8 mg/kg (Wu et al., 2013).
Flavonoid fraction (anti-inflammatory, rodent study): The flavonoid fraction of C. argentea leaves showed anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammatory models at 10 mg/kg body weight.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Semen Celosiae, dried seed): The oblate, black or reddish-black seeds are usually collected in autumn when the infructescence matures, then dried, and the seeds are collected and refined for clinical use. Specific human dosage ranges from classical Chinese herbal formularies were not identified in the peer-reviewed literature accessed for this article.

8. Safety Considerations and Noted Interactions

General Safety Profile

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Semen Celosiae can diffuse the papillae and is not for application in patients with glaucoma. No further side effects were recorded in related literature, and the investigation of related toxicity was lacking.

Vetrichelvan et al. (2002) studied the possible toxic effects and changes in behavioral pattern of Semen Celosiae, in which rats were treated with different doses of alcoholic extract (0.5–5 g/kg). The published review in Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia noted no significant overt toxicity was detected at those doses in the reported animal studies, while also noting that formal toxicological characterization of C. argentea remains inadequate.

Glaucoma Contraindication

In traditional Chinese medicine formulations, Semen Celosiae should not be used by people with glaucoma because it dilates the pupils. This is consistently noted in TCM reference sources and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Reported Adverse Effects

At present, there are no reports in the literature that Semen Celosiae has toxic effects. Individual patients taking it may experience blurred vision.

Immunostimulating Potential

Celosian, the acidic polysaccharide fraction, has been documented to stimulate macrophage activity through induction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide. Celosian is an immunostimulating agent. It induces TNF-α production, IL-1β, and nitric oxide in macrophage cell line J774.1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, celosian induces IL-1β secretion in human mononuclear cells. The clinical relevance of this immune activation — including possible interactions with immunosuppressant medications — has not been formally studied in humans.

Pregnancy and Abortifacient Use

Celosia argentea plays an important role in traditional medicine to cure several disorders such as fever, eruptions, snakebite, and has been used as an abortifacient. The abortifacient use reported in some traditional systems means that the plant has not been validated for safety in pregnancy, and human safety data are absent.

Limitations of the Safety Database

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia notes the contraindication in glaucoma, and no further side effects were recorded in related literature, while the investigation of related toxicity remains lacking. The overall body of human safety and pharmacovigilance data is extremely limited. Virtually all safety observations have been made in preclinical models. Among the Celosia genus, only a few species including C. argentea have been explored exhaustively for their chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. There remains a tremendous scope for further scientific exploration of this genus, as well as C. argentea, to establish their therapeutic efficacy and commercial exploitation.

9. Overall Evidence Assessment

C. argentea is reviewed on biological and pharmacognostic characterization, traditional and folk uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicology, which will be significant for the exploitation of new drugs and full utilization of this plant. The possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are also discussed.

The totality of current evidence places Celosia argentea firmly in the category of a well-characterized traditional medicinal plant with promising but preliminary preclinical science. Its phytochemical profile is richly documented, with over 79 identified compounds. Its most robust mechanistic data concern hepatoprotection and immunomodulation via celosian and triterpenoid saponins. Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, wound-healing, and cardiovascular activities have all been demonstrated in vitro or in rodent models but have not yet been evaluated in human clinical trials. The translation gap between laboratory findings and clinically validated uses remains wide, and the absence of standardized human dosing, formal pharmacokinetic studies, and controlled clinical trials means that evidence strength across all therapeutic areas must be classified as preliminary.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Celosia may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Celosia may help support.

No body systems available.