Evidence supporting the use of: Squill
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Squill (Urginea maritima, formerly Scilla maritima) has a long history in traditional medicine, especially in the Mediterranean and Middle East, for the treatment of respiratory ailments such as lung congestion, coughs, and bronchitis. The bulbs of squill contain active compounds like scillaren A (a cardiac glycoside) and other glycosides, which were believed to have expectorant effects, helping to loosen and expel bronchial secretions. Ancient Greek, Roman, and later European herbal texts reference the use of squill preparations for clearing mucus from the lungs and relieving symptoms of chest congestion.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, squill was included in several pharmacopoeias and used in syrups and tinctures for cough and lung complaints. However, modern scientific validation of squill's expectorant efficacy is limited. While some animal studies have suggested mild expectorant and diuretic effects, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Additionally, the presence of cardiac glycosides means that improper dosing can be toxic, which has limited its contemporary medicinal use.

Today, squill is rarely used in mainstream medicine due to safety concerns and the availability of safer, more effective expectorants. Its historical use is well-documented, but scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for lung congestion is weak, hence the moderate evidence rating.

More about Squill
More about Congestion (lungs)

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Products containing Squill

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.