Columbine

The Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris), also known as the common columbine, belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is a popular ornamental plant in Europe, Asia, and North America and is prized for its characteristic, bell-shaped flowers. Its flower colors range from blue, purple, and white to pink, which makes it a popular garden plant. Historically, the columbine also had a strong symbolic meaning in Christian art and was used in traditional medicine.

Cultural and symbolic significance

The columbine played an important role in medieval art and symbolism. Its flowers, which were often compared to doves, were regarded as a symbol of humility and the Virgin Mary. In the language of flowers (floriography), the columbine stands for sadness, fragility, and wisdom. Despite its toxicity, the columbine was widespread in monastery gardens.

Modern scientific studies

There are only a few modern scientific studies that confirm the historical medicinal uses of the columbine. Some laboratory tests have demonstrated antioxidant and potentially anti-inflammatory properties, but human clinical studies of sufficient scope are lacking so far (1,2). There is research in the context of various animal studies that has brought interesting results to light (3). Today, the plant is used mainly for decorative purposes.

Health-related use and applications

Although the columbine was used as a medicinal plant in traditional European medicine, today, due to its potential toxicity and the lack of scientific evidence for therapeutic applications, it is mainly of importance as an ornamental plant. Nevertheless, the plant was used for various purposes in the past:

  • Blood purification: In medieval herbalism, the columbine was used for "blood purification." It was believed that it stimulates the metabolism and rids the body of harmful substances.
  • Skin problems: Poultices made from the crushed leaves and flowers of the columbine were applied externally to treat skin rashes and eczema, which was attributed to its possibly anti-inflammatory effect.

It should be emphasized, however, that these uses are largely historical, and there are no modern scientific studies proving their safety or efficacy. The plant contains potentially dangerous substances that make it unsuitable for internal use.

Possible health benefits (based on historical uses)

  • Blood purification and metabolic stimulation: It was assumed that the columbine stimulates the metabolism and "cleanses" the body, but scientific evidence for these effects is lacking.
  • Antioxidant properties: The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which occur in the columbine, are known as antioxidants and could theoretically reduce oxidative damage in cells (1,4,5,6).
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Traditionally, columbine leaves were used externally against skin irritations, which could point to anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties have also been investigated in studies (2).

Chemical composition

The columbine contains various bioactive substances that can produce different effects. Cyanogenic glycosides, for example, can release toxic cyanide under certain circumstances. The seeds and roots of the columbine in particular contain these substances. Quercetin and kaempferol are two of the flavonoids occurring in the plant that have antioxidant and potentially anti-inflammatory effects (1,4,5,6). Despite these positive properties, the risks outweigh the benefits in case of improper use.

Safety and side effects

The columbine is considered potentially toxic, especially when parts of the plant such as seeds or roots are ingested. The cyanogenic glycosides it contains can release cyanide when consumed, which can cause severe symptoms of poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, and in severe cases loss of consciousness (7).

Safety note: Consuming any parts of the columbine plant is strongly discouraged.

Conclusion

The Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is historically of great importance as a medicinal plant and in symbolism. Its pretty flowers still make it a popular ornamental plant today. However, caution is advised because of its toxic constituents, especially the cyanogenic glycosides. There is a lack of sufficient scientific data to prove the safety and efficacy of the plant for medicinal applications.

Sources:

  1. Xu D, Hu MJ, Wang YQ, Cui YL. Antioxidant Activities of Quercetin and Its Complexes for Medicinal Application. Molecules. 2019 Mar 21;24(6):1123. doi: 10.3390/molecules24061123. PMID: 30901869; PMCID: PMC6470739.
  2. Jan, H., Usman, H., Shah, M., Zaman, G., Mushtaq, S., Drouet, S., Hano, C., & Abbasi, B. H. (2021). Phytochemical analysis and versatile in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibition potential of different extracts of traditionally used Aquilegia pubiflora Wall. Ex Royle. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 21(1), 165. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03333-y
  3. Hassan, A. M., Mohamed, S. R., El-Nekeety, A. A., Hassan, N. S., & Abdel-Wahhab, M. A. (2010). Aquilegia vulgaris L. extract counteracts oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of fumonisin in rats. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 56(1), 8–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.03.006
  4. Qi W, Qi W, Xiong D, Long M. Quercetin: Its Antioxidant Mechanism, Antibacterial Properties and Potential Application in Prevention and Control of Toxipathy. Molecules. 2022 Oct 3;27(19):6545. doi: 10.3390/molecules27196545. PMID: 36235082; PMCID: PMC9571766.
  5. Jan R, Khan M, Asaf S, Lubna, Asif S, Kim KM. Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol and Quercetin: New Insights for Plant and Human Health. Plants (Basel). 2022 Oct 5;11(19):2623. doi: 10.3390/plants11192623. PMID: 36235488; PMCID: PMC9571405.
  6. Simunkova M, Barbierikova Z, Jomova K, Hudecova L, Lauro P, Alwasel SH, Alhazza I, Rhodes CJ, Valko M. Antioxidant vs. Prooxidant Properties of the Flavonoid, Kaempferol, in the Presence of Cu(II) Ions: A ROS-Scavenging Activity, Fenton Reaction and DNA Damage Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 5;22(4):1619. doi: 10.3390/ijms22041619. PMID: 33562744; PMCID: PMC7915082.
  7. Graham J, Traylor J. Cyanide Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507796/#