Gout, a metabolic disease also known as hyperuricemia, is a form of arthritis. Although gout has gained a reputation as a rich man's disease, it affects people across a broad spectrum of social classes. Conventional medicine often treats the disease with medications and lifestyle changes, but practitioners of herbal medicine claim that the herb sarsaparilla can reduce complications and recurrence. The need exists for further scientific study, however, to confirm sarsaparilla's effectiveness. Therefore, it's important to consult your doctor before using it.
About Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla's lengthy history dates back to the 16th century, when it gained favor as a treatment for syphilis and skin disorders. Found in rain forests around the world, sarsaparilla, otherwise known as Smilax, reaches heights of 15 feet and features green flowers, tendrils and broad, ovate leaves. Its aromatic roots constitute the source of its culinary and medicinal value.
Gout at a Glance
Characterized by urate deposits, gout can cause painfully arthritic joints. Although the exact cause of gout remains unclear, it occurs when enzymes fail to break down an overproduction of uric acid. Increased concentrations of uric acid eventually crystallize into needle-shaped urate deposits. As these spiky crystals jab into joints and surrounding tissue, intense pain, redness and swelling result. Gout attacks can strike any joint but typically favors those in the legs, heels, ankles, insteps, and, most commonly, the big toe.
Sarsaparilla-Gout Link
Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that sarsaparilla may help alleviate gout by stimulating urination, thus eliminating uric acid. Balch also suggests that steroidal saponins and phytosterols, sarsaparilla's active ingredients, provide anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that may offer relief for inflammatory joint diseases, including rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Furthermore, an animal study conducted at China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing, published in the May 17, 2011 issue of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," found that sarsaparilla helped relieve gout in hyperuricemic animals. A lack of human studies, however, leaves the efficacy of sarsaparilla in question.
Cautions
Although generally recognized as safe, doctors at the University of Southern California caution that certain sarsaparilla products may contain unsafe levels of lead. Sarsaparilla's high levels of saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney distress, thus people with ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders and kidney disease should refrain from using the herb. Men with prostate conditions, children and pregnant/lactating women should also avoid sarsaparilla.
References
- PubMed: Gout
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Sarsaparilla
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-hyperuricemic and Nephroprotective Effects of Smilax China L; L. Chen, et al.; May 17, 2011
- The Doctors of UFC: Sarsaparilla
