Maritime Squill
Drimia maritima
Drimia maritima is a plant traditionally found in coastal regions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. While it has not been extensively used in traditional medicine, studies have shown promising results. Scientific evidence indicates that Drimia maritima-derived silver quantum dots exhibit significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells through ROS-induced apoptosis, and its bulb extract shows selective antiproliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and altering gene expression. Additionally, research has found that plants in burned areas of Drimia maritima showed higher flowering density, flower production, total seed output, pollinator visitation, and seedling recruitment compared to unburned areas. Notably, a study involving patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma reported significant improvement in spirometry parameters, particularly FEV1, when treated with Squill Oxymel (a preparation derived from Drimia maritima) compared to placebo. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Drimia maritima-derived silver quantum dots showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells through ROS-induced apoptosis.
- Drimia maritima bulb extract showed selective antiproliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and altering gene expression.
- The study found that patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma showed significant improvement in spirometry parameters, particularly FEV1, when treated with Squill Oxymel compared to placebo.
- Plants of Drimia maritima showed higher flowering density, flower production, and seed output in burned areas compared to unburned areas.
Frequently asked questions
What is Maritime Squill?
Maritime Squill (Drimia maritima) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Maritime Squill?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Maritime Squill; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Drimia maritima-derived silver quantum dots showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells through ROS-induced apoptosis.
How strong is the evidence for Maritime Squill?
The strongest finding for Maritime Squill carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Maritime Squill safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Maritime Squill in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Maritime Squill interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Maritime Squill in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Maritime Squill?
Maritime Squill is also known as: Морской лук, Scille maritime.
Is Maritime Squill a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Squill Oxymel, a traditional formulation from Drimia Maritima (L.) Stearn, as an add-on treatment in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma: A pilot, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical Analysis and Anticancer Properties of Drimia maritima Bulb Extracts on Colorectal Cancer Cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fire-stimulated flowering enhances multiple plant fitness components. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant‑mediated silver quantum dots from Drimia maritima: antioxidant modulation and ROS‑induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. literature abstract metadata