squill extract

Squill extract is a hydro-alcoholic liquid made from the bulbs of *Drimia maritima* (syn. *Scilla maritima*, *Urginea maritima*), historically used as a herbal remedy and in traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory illnesses, cough, bronchitis, and as an expectorant, diuretic, and cardiotonic. Its key bioactive constituents include bufadienolide glycosides (such as scillaren, scillarubroside, and scillarenin)[2][5]. Mechanistically, squill extract is thought to act via stimulation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors, inhibition of muscarinic receptors, calcium channel blockade, and potassium channel opening[1]. It has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and mucus-regulating properties in preclinical and small clinical studies[4]. Squill extract is administered orally (syrup, tablets, tinctures, oxymel) and is sometimes used topically for conditions such as patchy hair loss[3][6]. It is also used in the manufacture of rat poison. Notably, oral use is considered unsafe due to cardiotoxicity and gastrointestinal side effects, and its use is generally limited or restricted in modern clinical practice[6][7].

Brand names

Squill Extract BP

Other names

squill extractsquillDrimia maritima extractUrginea maritima extractIndian squill extractMediterranean squill extractSicilian squill extractred squill extractsea squill extractsea onion extractscilia extractwhite squill extract