Red Squill
Also known as: Red Squill, Drimia maritima, sea onion, maritime squill, Urginea maritima
Overview
Red Squill, scientifically known as Urginea maritima (or Drimia maritima), is a bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region. Historically, it has been utilized for various medicinal purposes, including heart conditions and respiratory ailments, and notably as a potent rodenticide due to its toxic cardiac glycosides. In contemporary supplement markets, it is occasionally promoted for its purported heart tonic or respiratory benefits. The plant is characterized by its content of bufadienolide glycosides, such as scilliroside and proscillaridin A, which exert effects on cardiac muscle contractility akin to digitalis compounds. However, these compounds possess a narrow therapeutic index, indicating a high risk of toxicity. Clinical research on Red Squill as a human supplement is extremely limited, with no high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses supporting its efficacy or safety. Consequently, its use in humans is not recommended due to significant safety concerns.
Benefits
There is no robust, high-quality clinical evidence, such as randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, to support any clinically significant benefits of Red Squill supplementation in humans. Traditional claims suggest potential relief for mild heart failure symptoms and respiratory benefits; however, these claims lack rigorous scientific validation. Some related squill oil studies have noted phytoestrogenic effects, but Red Squill itself has not been well-studied for hormonal or sexual health benefits. Due to the absence of controlled clinical trials meeting quality criteria, no specific benefits have been established for any population, and effect sizes or clinical significance remain undetermined. The time course for any potential effects is also unknown.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Red Squill's active compounds, bufadienolide glycosides, involves the inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme within cardiac cells. This inhibition leads to an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, which in turn enhances cardiac muscle contractility, resulting in a positive inotropic effect. This mechanism is similar to that of digitalis compounds. While its main interaction is with the cardiovascular system, affecting cardiac myocytes, it also impacts the gastrointestinal tract, causing irritation and potential toxicity. The oral bioavailability of these compounds is variable, and the potent nature of the cardiac glycosides contributes to a high risk of toxicity.
Side effects
Red Squill is considered unsafe for oral consumption due to its high toxicity risk. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include significant gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Less common side effects (1-5%) may involve headache, visual disturbances, skin rash, confusion, and hallucinations. Rare but severe side effects, occurring in less than 1% of cases, include seizures, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. Red Squill can have potentially dangerous interactions with other cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic medications, diuretics, and drugs that affect electrolyte balance. It is strictly contraindicated in individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and in patients with heart block, arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal disorders. Due to its potent effects, it should be avoided in all special populations, particularly those with cardiac or electrolyte disorders.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Red Squill, as its oral use is generally contraindicated due to severe toxicity risks. No safe or effective oral dose has been defined for human supplementation. Therefore, timing considerations for dosage are not applicable. Red Squill is not recommended for oral supplementation in any form. While topical or veterinary applications may exist, they also require extreme caution. Information regarding absorption factors and required cofactors for Red Squill is not well-studied or relevant given its contraindication for internal use.
FAQs
Is Red Squill safe to take as a supplement?
No, oral ingestion of Red Squill is considered unsafe due to its high toxicity risks, which can lead to severe adverse effects including fatal arrhythmias.
Can Red Squill improve heart function?
While traditional uses suggest possible effects on the heart, there is no high-quality clinical evidence to support this claim, and the significant risks far outweigh any unproven benefits.
Is Red Squill effective for respiratory conditions?
There is no clinical evidence to support the efficacy of Red Squill for treating respiratory conditions. Its use for such purposes is not recommended.
What are the signs of Red Squill toxicity?
Signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Can Red Squill be used during pregnancy?
No, Red Squill is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potent toxic effects and potential harm to both mother and fetus.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17236017/ – This phytochemical analysis identified and characterized 12-16 bufadienolide cardiac glycosides within Red Squill bulbs. The study provides detailed chemical insights into the toxic compounds responsible for the plant's pharmacological effects, confirming the presence of potent cardiac glycosides but offering no clinical data on human efficacy or safety.
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/squill.htm – This review summarizes clinical and safety data on Red Squill, concluding that it is unsafe for oral consumption due to its potential to cause serious toxicity, including life-threatening arrhythmias and death. It highlights the lack of proven clinical benefits for human supplementation, drawing from available clinical reports and case studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20475793/ – This older toxicity study, conducted in animals, demonstrated the effectiveness of concentrated Red Squill as a rat poison and its toxicity to domestic animals at certain doses. While not directly clinically relevant to human supplementation, it confirms the potent toxic properties of Red Squill, reinforcing safety concerns.
