Sarsaparilla has many purported therapeutic uses, including to help with digestion and circulation, reduce inflammation, induce sweating and increase energy levels. It also is marketed, however, for its supposed hormonal properties. But while sarsaparilla does contain plant steroids, how and whether they affect hormone levels in the body is still suspect. What's more, sarsaparilla use for hormonal purposes, such as muscle gain or a natural impotence treatment, could have unwanted side effects.
Steroidal Saponins
Sarsaparilla contains several steroidal compounds that may benefit the glandular system, including saponins, which aid in sex hormone synthesis. Among these saponins is one called sarsasapogenin that may mimic the effects of certain hormones. Another, called diosgenin is a building block of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. However, no part of the sarsaparilla plant actually contains any of these hormones.
Estrogen
Although sarsaparilla doesn't contain any estrogen, the compound diosgenin found in sarsaparilla root was used in the 1960s to create the first birth control pills, suggesting that it could perhaps produce estrogen-like effects.
Progesterone
In 1939, Pennsylvania State College professor of organic chemistry Russell Marker first synthesized progesterone from sarsaparilla root extract, although in very small amounts unlikely to produce a measurable change in a human body's hormone levels. Claims that the reputed aphrodisiacal effects of sarsaparilla in women stem from its progesterone content are unfounded. Sarsaparilla may, however, stimulate the production of this female hormone associated with sexual desire. Sarsaparilla is also said to help to relieve problems associated with PMS and certain menopausal symptoms, including depression and fatigue.
Testosterone
In the bodybuilding community, sarsaparilla root is widely revered for its supposedly high testosterone content. In truth, sarsaparilla contains no testosterone, though it may help boost the body's own production of this male hormone associated with erectile function and sex drive. As of yet, no scientific studies have verified any claims of anabolic effects attributed to sarsaparilla.
Warnings
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the process of converting diosgenin into these hormones has not yet been documented to occur naturally inside the human body. Also, the diosgenin in sarsaparilla root interacts with a hormone called estradiol contained in certain medications. Therefore, sarsaparilla root should be avoided by anyone using oral birth control, undergoing hormone-related cancer treatment or having hormone replacement therapy. In excessive quantities or from prolonged use, sarsaparilla could lead to unwanted side effects including aggression, nausea and kidney damage.
References
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs"; Leslie Taylor; 2005
- MDidea.com; Sarsaparilla: Smilax officinalis, Legend of Smilax China; Dec 2010
- University Of Maryland Medical Center; "Wild Yam"; Steven D. Ehrlich; Feb 2009
- Herbs2000.com: "Sarsaparilla"
