Scille maritime

Related Terms

Basal tal-ghansar, bulbo de escila, Charybdis martima, Drimia maritime, European squill, ghansar, Indian squill, maritime squill, Mediterranean squill, Meerzwiebel, methylproscillaridin, pharmacist's squill, proscillaridine A, red squill, scilla, Scilla maritime, Scilla maritima (Linn.), Scillia urginea, scille, sea onion, sea squill, sea squill bulb, Urginea indica, Urginea maritima, Urginea maritima Baker, Urginea maritime, Urginea pancreatium, Urginea scilla, white sea onion, white squill.

Background

About twenty-five species of squill have been described. Red squill and white squill varieties are distinguished by herbalists. No essential difference exists in the medicinal properties of the two kinds. The bulb has been used mainly as a stimulant, expectorant and diuretic. The fresh bulb is slightly more active medicinally than the dried bulb, but it also contains a sticky acrid juice that can cause skin inflammations.
Squill seems to have cardiac effects similar to digoxin, although to a lesser degree, due to its poor absorption. Therefore, serious caution is indicated before its use.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Currently, there is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of squill for coronary artery disease. Additional study is needed.

 C


Currently, there is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of squill for coronary artery disease. Additional study is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for squill. Traditionally, extracts, syrups, tinctures, and vinegar preparations have been taken by mouth. Squill has also been studied for its cardiovascular effects using 1 milligram of an intravenous (injected) dose of methylproscillaridin (a cardiac glycoside of squill). Injections should only be given under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Squill (Urginea maritime) has shown toxic effects similar to cardiac glycoside toxicity. In theory, squill may have additive toxic effects when used with cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin or digitoxin.
Concomitant use with corticosteroids (steroids) may increase effects and adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid use. Caution is advised.
When combined with quinidine (Quinidex?, Quinora?) or calcium, squill may increase the risk of cardiac toxicity and adverse effects. Laxatives and diuretics may deplete potassium and increase the risk of cardiac toxicity when taken with squill. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Court WE. Squill - energetic diuretic. Pharm J 1985;235:194-197.
Dallari A, Barbaresi F. [Clinical experimentation with a cardiokinetic extracted from squill: 3-beta-ramnoside-14-beta-hydroxy-delta-4,20,22-bufatrienolide (proscillaridine A)]. Clin Ter 1965;35(2):126-141.
Stauch M, Grewe N, Belz GG. [Effect of proscillaridin-4'-methylether on pressure rise velocity in the left ventricle of patients with coronary heart disease (author's transl)]. Klin Wochenschr 1977;55(14):705-706.
Tuncok Y, Kozan O, Cavdar C, et al. Urginea maritima (squill) toxicity. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1995;33(1):83-86.
Walli F, Grob PJ, Muller-Schoop J. [Pseudo-(venocuran-)lupus--a minor episode in the history of medicine]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1981;111(38):1398-1405.