squill

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Cardiotonic Action: squill has a cardiotonic action, meaning it has a stimulating effect on the heart. It contains cardiac glycosides, such as scillaren A and scillaren B, which can enhance the strength and efficiency of heart contractions. 
• Expectorant Action: squill is known for its expectorant properties, which can help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. It is commonly used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. 
• Diuretic Action: squill has diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and promote the elimination of excess fluid from the body. This action is attributed to the presence of compounds such as scilliroside and scillarenin. 
• Antimicrobial Action: squill exhibits antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. It contains bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms, although the spectrum of activity may vary. 
• Purgative Action: In higher doses, squill has a purgative effect, acting as a laxative and promoting bowel movements. This action is attributed to its ability to stimulate intestinal contractions and increase fecal volume. 
• Antitussive Action: squill has been used traditionally as an antitussive agent, helping to suppress coughing. Its expectorant properties also contribute to its ability to relieve cough symptoms. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Loss of appetite 

Diarrhoea 

Irregular pulse 

Digestive spasms 

Vomiting 

Headache 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

There are no known black box warnings associated with squill. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications: 

• Allergy or Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to squill or plants from the Asparagaceae family should avoid its use. Allergic reactions may include skin rashes, itching, swelling, or respiratory difficulties. 
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: squill can have irritant effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease may experience worsened symptoms with squill use and should avoid it. 
• Kidney or Liver Disease: squill has diuretic properties and may affect kidney function. Before using squill it is recommended to follow caution, as it may further compromise organ function or interact with medications used to manage these conditions. 
• Interaction with Medications: squill may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin), and anticoagulants (blood thinners). These interactions can potentiate the effects of these medications or increase the risk of adverse effects. 

Cautions: 

• Dosage: squill should be used in the appropriate dosage as directed by a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist. Taking excessive amounts can lead to adverse effects or toxicity.  
• Irritant Properties: squill has irritant properties, especially to the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions should use squill with caution or avoid it altogether. 
• Potential Interactions: squill may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin), and anticoagulants (blood thinners).  
• Quality and Source: When using squill or any herbal product, it is important to ensure the quality and source of the product.

Comorbidities: 

• Cardiovascular Conditions: squill has stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system, and its use may be contraindicated or require careful monitoring in individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions.  
• Respiratory Disorders: While squill is traditionally used to alleviate respiratory symptoms such as coughs and bronchitis, individuals with certain respiratory disorders, such as asthma or COPD, should use squill with caution. 
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic or hypersensitive to squill or other plants in the Asparagaceae family. If you have a known allergy to squill or related plants, it is important to avoid its use. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: As previously mentioned, squill is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety information. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk: unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

• Bufadienolides: squill contains bufadienolides, which are steroidal compounds with cardiac glycoside-like properties. Bufadienolides have positive inotropic effects on the heart, meaning they increase the force of heart contractions. This can be beneficial in certain cardiovascular conditions. 
• Steroidal Saponins: squill contains steroidal saponins, which are natural compounds with diverse pharmacological activities. These saponins have been found to possess expectorant, antitussive (cough suppressant), and bronchodilatory effects, making squill useful in respiratory conditions. 
• Alkaloids: squill contains alkaloids, such as scilliroside, scillaren A, and scilliphaeoside. These compounds contribute to the biological activities of squill, including its diuretic and antifungal properties. 
• Volatile Oils: squill contains volatile oils that may contribute to its therapeutic effects. These oils may have antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms.

Pharmacodynamics 

• Cardiotonic Effect: squill contains bufadienolides, which are steroidal compounds with cardiac glycoside-like properties. These compounds exert a positive inotropic effect on the heart, meaning they increase the force and strength of cardiac contractions. This cardiotonic effect can be beneficial in certain cardiovascular conditions by improving cardiac output. 
• Expectorant and Antitussive Effects: squill’s steroidal saponins contribute to its expectorant and antitussive properties. These compounds help promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract, facilitating easier breathing and relieving congestion. They can also suppress coughing, reducing cough severity and frequency. 
• Diuretic Effect: squill has diuretic properties, primarily attributed to its alkaloid content. It increases urine production and enhances the excretion of water and electrolytes from the body. This diuretic effect can aid in removing excess fluid and reducing edema (fluid retention) in conditions such as congestive heart failure. 
• Antifungal and Antimicrobial Effects: squill‘s alkaloids and volatile oils may possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties. These components can inhibit the growth of certain fungi and microorganisms, making squill potentially useful in the treatment of fungal infections and preventing microbial colonization. 
• Respiratory Muscle Stimulation: squill has been reported to stimulate respiratory muscles, potentially enhancing respiratory function, and increasing lung capacity.

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The absorption of squill’s active compounds can occur through various routes, including oral ingestion, topical application, or inhalation (if used in the form of fumes or vapors). The absorption may depend on the formulation and mode of administration. After oral ingestion, the active constituents of squill are believed to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the active compounds of squill are distributed throughout the body. The distribution can be influenced by factors such as molecular size, lipophilicity, and protein binding. However, specific information on the distribution pattern of squill’s compounds is limited. 

Metabolism 

The metabolism of squill within the body is not extensively studied. However, it is known that the active compounds, such as bufadienolides and steroidal saponins, may undergo biotransformation by liver enzymes. The metabolites produced during this process may have altered pharmacological activities or be more readily excreted from the body. 

Elimination and excretion 

The excretion of squill’s metabolites and any unmetabolized compounds can occur through various routes. The primary route of excretion is likely through urine and feces. squill’s diuretic properties may enhance the elimination of its compounds through urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

• Oral Administration: squill is often taken orally in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, or liquid extracts. These formulations are typically prepared from the dried bulb of the squill plant. Oral administration allows the active compounds in squill to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. 
• Topical Application: squill may be applied topically in the form of creams, ointments, or poultices. This method is commonly used for its potential antifungal effects in the treatment of skin infections, such as athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections. The topical application allows direct contact with the affected area. 
• Inhalation: In some traditional practices, squill may be used for inhalation purposes. This can involve inhaling fumes or vapors produced by burning or heating squill plant material. However, it is important to note that inhalation practices can be potentially hazardous and should be approached with caution. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: squill 

Pronounced: (skwil)  

Why do we use squill? 

• Respiratory Conditions: squill is often used to alleviate respiratory symptoms such as coughs, bronchitis, and congestion. It acts as an expectorant, to loosen and expel mucus from respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe. 
• Cardiovascular Support: squill has been used to support certain cardiovascular conditions. Its cardiotonic properties may help improve heart function by increasing the force and strength of heart contractions. However, it is important to note that squill should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional for cardiovascular conditions. 
• Edema and Fluid Retention: squill has diuretic properties, meaning it promotes increased urine production. It can be used to help reduce edema (swelling) and alleviate fluid retention in conditions such as congestive heart failure or edema associated with other causes. 
• Fungal Infections: squill has potential antifungal properties and has been used in the treatment of fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin and nails. It may help combat conditions like athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections.