Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Sea Holly work as a diuretic?

Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) contains saponins and flavonoids that are believed to increase urine output by stimulating kidney function. The essential oils and rosmarinic acid may contribute to mild diuretic activity through renal irritation and improved blood flow. However, the precise mechanism has not been established through clinical research. Evidence Level: C (limited pharmacological evidence).

Does Sea Holly interact with diuretic medications?

Sea Holly may interact with prescription diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Because Sea Holly possesses inherent diuretic properties, combining it with pharmaceutical diuretics could potentiate effects, potentially causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or low blood pressure. Patients taking diuretic medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Sea Holly supplements. Evidence Level: C (theoretical interaction).

What is the recommended dosage for Sea Holly root?

Traditional adult dosages include a root decoction of 1-2 cups daily, or 1-2ml of tincture taken three times daily. These recommendations are based on historical European folk medicine use rather than standardized clinical trials. Due to limited safety data, users should start with lower doses and avoid prolonged use without professional guidance. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Sea Holly safe during pregnancy?

No, Sea Holly is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The plant's diuretic properties and potential uterine-stimulating effects pose risks to pregnancy maintenance. Historical use as an aphrodisiac also suggests possible hormonal activity that could adversely affect fetal development. Pregnant women should avoid Sea Holly in all forms. Evidence Level: C (contraindicated based on traditional use and pharmacological activity).

What is Sea Holly used for in herbal medicine?

Sea Holly root has been used traditionally in European folk medicine for urinary disorders, kidney conditions, and as a diuretic. Historical records also describe its use as an aphrodisiac and for treating coughs. However, clinical evidence supporting these applications is limited (Evidence Level C), and Sea Holly should not replace conventional medical treatment for kidney or urinary tract conditions.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 27 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) is a coastal geophyte known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:36610674, PMID:31799709].

Background

Eryngium maritimum L. is a halophytic plant in the Apiaceae family that inhabits dunes in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions [PMID:35949534, PMID:18164885].

Traditional uses

Ethnobotanical literature indicates traditional use for treating a wide range of illnesses, including as a diuretic, antitussive, and aphrodisiac [PMID:36610674]. In Turkey, it has been used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antivenom, and diuretic purposes [PMID:24028780]. Specifically, the rhizome has been used to treat renal diseases [PMID:36610674].

Active compounds

The plant contains essential oils with dominant constituents including germacrene D (fruits), hexadecanoic acid, menthol, and menthone (roots), and 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde (leaves) [PMID:32235437]. Other identified components include hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes [PMID:28665488], triterpene saponins [PMID:24627949], total phenolic compounds [PMID:37175333], and glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine in seed oils [PMID:27451187].

Mechanism of action

The plant's effects on kidney dysfunction may be associated with its ability to modulate inflammation and oxidative processes [PMID:36610674].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BSkin Health (Density, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles)

A formulation using encapsulated E. maritimum callus media filtrate (Cellbiome) significantly improved skin density and moisturization compared to conventional formulations [PMID:40019355].

Evidence DInflammation (Animal Model)

Hydrophilic extracts of E. maritimum rhizome inhibited carrageenin-induced paw oedema in intact rats [PMID:6533412]. Ethanol extracts from aerial parts or roots showed apparent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity in mice [PMID:16529889].

Evidence DCancer Cell Viability (In Vitro)

Root extracts demonstrated cytotoxic effects on human laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma (Hep2) cells with IC50 values around 30.25 µg/ml [PMID:24028780].

Evidence DBacterial Infection (In Vitro)

Oxygenated sesquiterpene fractions from the essential oil were efficient against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes [PMID:22258696].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (Level D), with one clinical trial (Level B) focusing on topical cosmetic application. There is strong evidence for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but limited clinical data for systemic human use.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36610674 (2023) — Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of rhizome aqueous extract of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum L.) on Jurkat cells. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 37175333 (2023) — Phytochemical Diversity Comparison in Leaves and Roots of Wild and Micropropagated Latvian Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum L.). · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 31799709 (2020) — Comparison of extraction methods for chemical composition, antibacterial, depigmenting and antioxidant activities of Eryngium maritimum. · International journal of cosmetic science
4.PMID: 35949534 (2022) — The role of E. maritimum (L.) in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands. · Ecology and evolution
5.PMID: 34704343 (2022) — Floral traits and reproductive success variation among inflorescence orders in Eryngium maritimum.

Sea Holly

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sea Holly

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Combretum Apiculatum

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Sea Holly

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sea Holly

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Prunus avium

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources