Smilax species, commonly referred to as sarsaparilla, is a woody, trailing vine native to Central America. The roots of the sarsaparilla vine are used as a natural flavoring agent in food and beverages, and also have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. As with any herbal product, you should talk to your health care practitioner before taking sarsaparilla.
Nutritional Benefits
Sarsaparilla contains volatile oils, starch and the minerals iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. It also contains the phytochemicals beta-sitosterol, saponins and stigmasterol. Phytochemicals are antioxidant compounds found in plants that scavenge free radicals and thereby help to prevent and treat disease in humans. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but Drugs.com states that the medicinal properties of sarsaparilla likely stem from the saponins found in it. Saponins are a type of phytochemical that have antimicrobial properties, mimic steroid hormones and help to regulate them in the human body.
Uses
Sarsaparilla is used as a detoxifying aid thanks to it ability to bind to toxins in the body and safely eliminate them, as well as its ability to purify the blood. Sarsaparilla also helps to protect against the harmful effects of radiation exposure. In addition, sarsaparilla is a natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, helps to lower blood sugar levels and promotes nervous system, liver, kidney and urinary health. "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook" states that sarsaparilla supplements are used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite, enhance digestion and increase energy and vitality. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, sarsaparilla also helps to prevent and treat infections caused by harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
Additional Purported Uses
Sarsaparilla is used in folk medicine to treat syphilis, venereal disease, leprosy, fever, frigidity, digestive disorders, infertility, impotence, premenstrual disorder and cancer. Sarsaparilla also is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including hives and psoriasis, states Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." In addition, it is used to treat a variety of arthritic conditions such as bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthralgia and gout. These uses are primarily based on anecdotal reports and not scientific evidence.
Dosage and Precautions
Sarsaparilla is available as dried root, capsules and tablets, and the typical dose ranges from 0.3 to 2 g of powdered root per day. There are no reported side effects from sarsaparilla when taken in recommended doses, but Drugs.com states that unusually high doses might cause gastrointestinal irritation. In addition, sarsaparilla might affect the absorption of certain drugs and should be taken at least two hours apart from medications.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- Drugs.com: Sarsaparilla
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook;" Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005
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