Salicornia europaea
Salicornia europaea, commonly known as glasswort or marsh samphire, is a succulent halophyte thriving in saline coastal environments. Renowned for its salt-tolerant properties, this plant is valued in traditional medicine for its antioxidant potential and diuretic effects, offering unique therapeutic benefits derived from its specialized adaptation to extreme habitats.
- Scientific name: Salicornia europaea
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is situated in the family Amaranthaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Salicornia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Salicornia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Northern Europe. In the southern reaches of this area, it can be found growing along the coasts of Denmark. Its presence extends further north into the territories of Norway and Finland. Additionally, the species is well-established within the maritime environments of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range includes the coastal landscapes of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
Chemicals
Salicornia europaea has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include icariside B2, longifloroside B, syringaresinol 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| icariside B2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| longifloroside B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| syringaresinol 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Salicornia europaea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |