Red squill, Urginea

A mixed-type P-D-fructan comprising (2 1)-linked and (2- 6)-linked unbranched P-o-Fru/ residues and a-D-Glcp residues. Isol. from red squill (Urginea maritima). Used as a diagnostic test of renal function (alternative to inulin). Sol. H2O. [o(]d -45.5 (c, 1 in H2O). Molecular weight distribution 800-16000. 

History. For centuries man has recognized that rodent pests destroy his habitat, consume his food, and cause the spread of virulent diseases. Throughout the same centuries man has sought to eliminate these pests with a variety of poisons such as strychnine, arsenious oxide, and red squill - a steroidal glycoside extracted from the bulb of a lily-like plant, Urginea maritima. 

Scilla extracts are characterized by predominantly blue bufadtenolide zones. The contribution and amount of buf adienolides vary according to the classification of white or red squill variety of Urginea maritima (Drimia maritiraa). 

Urginea maritima is a bulbous perermial herb belonging to the lily family native to the Mediterranean region. Parts used are the dried fleshy inner scales of the bulb. White squill is derived from the white variety, while red squill is from its red variety. U. indica is used as an acceptable substitute for U. maritima. Recent... 

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