# Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sea-kale **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Vegetable **Also Known As:** Crambe maritima, Sea colewort, Sea cabbage, Scurvy grass, Sea cole, Maritime crambe, Strand kale, Beach cabbage ## Overview Sea kale (Crambe maritima) is a cruciferous vegetable containing glucosinolates and flavonoids that may support skin barrier function. Research is limited to preliminary cosmetic applications with no documented human clinical trials for health benefits. ## Health Benefits • Limited clinical evidence available - no human trials documented in provided research • Cosmetic industry reports barrier reinforcement effects on skin (evidence quality: preliminary/cosmetic only) • May combat capillary shaft degradation according to cosmetic applications (evidence quality: preliminary/cosmetic only) • Historical use as a food source in Britain and France suggests nutritional value (evidence quality: traditional use only) • Member of cruciferous vegetable family, though specific health benefits not clinically studied ## Mechanism of Action Sea kale's glucosinolates, particularly glucoraphanin, may activate the Nrf2 pathway to enhance [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzyme production. Flavonoid compounds in sea kale potentially strengthen capillary walls through [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) modulation. The plant's phenolic compounds may inhibit matrix metalloproteinases that degrade structural proteins in skin and connective tissue. ## Clinical Summary No peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been conducted on sea kale supplementation for health benefits. Available research is limited to cosmetic industry studies examining topical applications for skin barrier function. Preliminary cosmetic research suggests potential benefits for capillary integrity, but these studies lack rigorous methodology and independent validation. Evidence quality remains insufficient to support therapeutic claims. ## Nutritional Profile Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) is a nutrient-dense coastal vegetable with a profile broadly comparable to other Brassicaceae members. Macronutrients per 100g fresh weight (estimated from available botanical analyses): carbohydrates approximately 4-6g, protein approximately 1.5-2.5g, dietary fiber approximately 1.5-2.5g, fat less than 0.5g, water content approximately 90-92%. Micronutrients: Vitamin C reported at approximately 40-60mg/100g in young shoots (the primary edible portion consumed blanched), though cooking reduces this significantly; Vitamin K present as with most leafy brassicas, estimated 50-100mcg/100g; folate present at moderate levels consistent with brassica family (~40-60mcg/100g). Minerals include potassium (approximately 200-300mg/100g), calcium (approximately 50-80mg/100g), magnesium (approximately 15-25mg/100g), and notable sodium content reflecting its halophytic coastal habitat (higher than inland vegetables, approximately 30-50mg/100g). Bioactive compounds: glucosinolates are the signature brassica compounds present, including sinigrin and gluconapin; hydrolysis yields isothiocyanates with reported [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and mild [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. Flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin glycosides identified in leaf tissue. Crambe seed oil (distinct from shoots) contains erucic acid (~55-60%) but this is not relevant to vegetable consumption. Bioavailability note: glucosinolate conversion to active isothiocyanates is enzyme-dependent (myrosinase activity); blanching, the traditional preparation method, partially inactivates myrosinase, reducing bioactive yield. Fiber is primarily soluble pectin fractions from young etiolated shoots. ## Dosage & Preparation Only cosmetic use recommendations are documented: 0.5-1% in topical formulations. No clinically studied dosage ranges for therapeutic oral use are available in the provided research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for sea kale supplementation is extremely limited due to lack of clinical research. As a cruciferous vegetable, it may interact with [thyroid function](/ingredients/condition/hormonal) in individuals with existing thyroid conditions due to goitrogenic compounds. Potential interactions with blood-thinning medications are possible given the cruciferous vegetable profile. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research No clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the available research. The provided sources focus exclusively on botanical description and cosmetic applications rather than biomedical research. No PubMed PMIDs are available from the current research dossier. ## Historical & Cultural Context Sea kale has historical use as a food source in Britain and France. The research mentions its consumption as a vegetable but does not document any traditional medicinal applications in established medical systems. ## Synergistic Combinations Other cruciferous vegetables, coastal botanicals, halophytic plants ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What compounds are found in sea kale? Sea kale contains glucosinolates (particularly glucoraphanin), flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These bioactive compounds are typical of cruciferous vegetables and may contribute to antioxidant activity. ### Is sea kale the same as regular kale? No, sea kale (Crambe maritima) is a different species from common kale (Brassica oleracea). Sea kale grows in coastal environments and has distinct fleshy leaves, though both belong to the cruciferous vegetable family. ### Are there any human studies on sea kale supplements? No documented human clinical trials exist for sea kale supplementation. Current research is limited to preliminary cosmetic industry studies examining topical skin applications with insufficient methodology for health claims. ### Can sea kale affect thyroid function? Sea kale may contain goitrogenic compounds common in cruciferous vegetables that could potentially interfere with thyroid function. Individuals with thyroid conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited safety data. ### What is the recommended dosage for sea kale? No established dosage recommendations exist for sea kale supplements due to lack of clinical research. Without safety and efficacy studies, appropriate dosing cannot be determined for therapeutic applications. ### What is the evidence quality for sea kale's benefits to skin and hair? Sea kale's purported benefits for skin barrier function and hair shaft integrity come primarily from cosmetic industry reports rather than rigorous clinical trials. The current evidence base is preliminary and largely limited to in vitro or cosmetic application studies, not peer-reviewed human efficacy data. More robust clinical research is needed to substantiate these cosmetic claims with scientific certainty. ### Can I get the same nutritional benefits from eating sea kale as from taking supplements? Sea kale has a historical use as a nutrient-dense food source in Britain and France, suggesting whole food consumption may provide bioavailable nutrients. However, fresh sea kale is rarely available commercially in most regions, making supplementation more practical for most consumers. The relative nutrient density and bioavailability of whole sea kale versus standardized extracts has not been directly compared in research. ### Who should consider sea kale supplementation based on current evidence? Given the lack of human clinical trials, sea kale supplementation is most appropriate for individuals interested in traditional or nutrient-dense foods rather than those seeking evidence-based therapeutic benefits. Those with an interest in cosmetic or nutritional applications may explore sea kale, but should not expect clinically proven results comparable to better-researched supplements. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable before use, particularly for those with existing health conditions or thyroid concerns. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*