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 Amaranthacea family. To date, the genus includes 28 species distributed worldwide in saline environments, usuall salt marshes. Sarcocornia (Scott) is similar to Salicornia (L.), which has a recognized commercial valu in morphological and taxonomical traits. Species of both genera are commonly named samphire o glassworts in Europe, and their fleshy shoots are commercialized under their traditional names. Du to their nutritional, organoleptic and medicinal properties, Sarcocornia species have a high economi potential in various biotechnology sectors. Being highly tolerant to salt, they can be cultivated in salin 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 togethe and reviewed the most relevant information on Sarcocornia taxonomy, morphology, nutritional and pharmacological properties, uses  in ethnomedicine, potential applications in biotechnology, and propagation strategies.

Keywords: glassworts; salt-tolerant plants; salinization; sustainability; halophytes; gourmet foods