Rock Grove (Crithmum maritimum L.)

Crithmum maritimum L. (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a perennial, taprooted, herbaceous, erect or semi-erect plant with alternate and compound leaves, with a typical characteristic of the Apiaceae family, as it has an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, it is a hermaphrodite plant. The leaves are thick, fleshy, linear-ovate and long. The roots are woody, fibrous, hairless and branched. It grows 25-50 cm high in coastal areas. The habitat is rocky, stony and rarely sandy places near the sea. Growing on the seashore, in tide- and wave-swept areas, it produces umbrella-shaped yellow flowers from July to the end of October. The petals are green-yellowish but not glossy. The number of petals varies from 5 to 12. It can grow up to 45-50 cm long. The flowers have a stylopodium structure. Crithmum maritimum L. is a type of vegetation adapted to the extreme environmental conditions of the sea coast, in rocky coastal vegetation, on rocks in the intertidal zone or on sandstone blocks, especially in sandy areas. It is a natural plant whose leaves are edible. The most common use in our country is as an appetizer and hors d'oeuvre. It is also used as a condiment in salads because of its aromatic properties.

Hippocrates mentioned it in the 4th century and recommended it for diseases of the urinary tract. Crithmum maritimum L. Rich in vitamin C, iodine and bromine. C. maritimum, which has cell regenerating, calming, good for gum disorders, diuretic and deworming properties, is also used in the treatment of goitre and obesity patients. The green parts are mixed with olive oil to make an ointment used to treat skin inflammations, eczema and calluses. C. maritimum entered the French pharmaceutical industry in 1837 and is used in the production of skin cleansing tonics and facial creams. In recent years, Vichy, a major French cosmetics company, has launched a product called Lipo.metric, a thinning and firming cream to reduce body cellulite and reshape the body, which contains C. maritimum.

The rock gourd plant is rich in phenolic compounds such as p-hydroxybenzoic and ferulic acid, epicatechin, pyrocatechol, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The above-ground portion of the plant contains dense volatile oils, with limonene, methyl thymol, (Z)-b-ocimene, c-terpinene, and p-cymene being the main components of the essential oil.

The plant offers various health benefits, including for the thyroid, digestive system, and skin. The rock grove plant is rich in vitamins C, E, and K, iodine, sulphate, pectin, carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Its high vitamin C and mineral content can help alleviate many ailments. For instance, the leaves of Kayakorugu (C. maritimum L.) contain enough vitamin C in 100 g to meet 75% of a person's daily vitamin C requirement, making C. maritimum L. effective in preventing scurvy.   Sailors and fishermen have long been aware of the beneficial properties of the C. maritimum plant. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for improving skin health.  Furthermore, its antioxidant content helps to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The plant also contains magnesium, which can improve sleep patterns and strengthen the immune system. In addition, magnesium assists in the production of thyroid hormone, promotes cell regeneration, and aids in the repair of damaged tissues.