A Review on Sarcocornia Species: Ethnopharmacology, Nutritional Properties, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Propagation

Abstract

Sarcocornia A. J. Scott is a halophytic edible succulent plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. To date, the genus includes 28 species distributed worldwide in saline environments, usually salt marshes. Sarcocornia (Scott) is similar to Salicornia (L.), which has a recognized commercial value in morphological and taxonomical traits. Species of both genera are commonly named samphire or glassworts in Europe, and their fleshy shoots are commercialized under their traditional names. Due to their nutritional, organoleptic and medicinal properties, Sarcocornia species have a high economic potential in various biotechnology sectors. Being highly tolerant to salt, they can be cultivated in saline conditions, and dissimilar to Salicornia, they are perennial, i.e., they can be harvested year-round. Therefore, Sarcocornia species are considered promising gourmet vegetables to be explored in the context of climate change, soil and water salinization and eco-sustainability. We hereby put together and reviewed the most relevant information on Sarcocornia taxonomy, morphology, nutritional and pharmacological properties, uses in ethnomedicine, potential applications in biotechnology, and propagation strategies.

Randomized Pilot Study on the Effects of Sarcocornia as a Salt Substitute in Arterial Blood Pressure and Vascular Function in Healthy Young Adults

“…In this study, the daily saline excretion between groups was also compared at the two assessment times, and through its results we can observe a significant reduction in the levels of sodium in the urine of individuals belonging to the intervention group. Several studies have indicated that Sarcocornia is a halophyte rich in minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which improve the body’s sodium excretion, thus supporting the data obtained in the present investigation [ 18 , 22 ].…”

“…Halophyte plants, such as Salicornia and Sarcocornia, prove to be a promising substitute, given that they are plants with antihypertensive characteristics [ 15 , 35 ]. Their high content of minerals such as potassium and magnesium favors saline excretion, reducing the negative effects of sodium on the cardiovascular system and the human body in general [ 18 , 22 , 35 ]. These plants are part of the native Portuguese flora and grow in abundance in coastal salt pans, which gives them a salty taste favorable to the adaptation of the palate [ 7 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 33 ].…”

“…Numerous researchers have reported Salicornia and its similar species, such as Sarcocornia, as a potential alternative. Historically used as a folk medication, Salicornia and Sarcocornia are plants that were recently acknowledged for their nutritional properties and potential for use in the development of functional foods [ 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. They appear to be a good alternative to common salt since they have a salty taste and are simultaneously rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, and sodium, and also in polyphenols [ 17 ].…”

Recovery from Salinity and Drought Stress in the Perennial Sarcocornia fruticosa vs. the Annual Salicornia europaea and S. veneta

“…Their young, fleshy tips are edible and commercialised with the name of "samphire", "sea asparagus", "pickleweed", or "poor man's asparagus" [20]. Thanks to the crunchy texture and salty taste, their succulent shoots are highly appreciated in gourmet cuisine [21][22][23]. Moreover, they are a good source of fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory metabolites, such as vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds, making them an ideal nutraceutical supplement [23,24].…”

“…Thanks to the crunchy texture and salty taste, their succulent shoots are highly appreciated in gourmet cuisine [21][22][23]. Moreover, they are a good source of fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory metabolites, such as vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds, making them an ideal nutraceutical supplement [23,24]. These species are also appreciated as oil-seed crops.…”