* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description: Sarsaparilla is a woody climber of about 4 m in height with broad leaves that have prominent veins arising from the base. It has conspicuous tendrils, small greenish flowers and red berries. Several species of Smilax are used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world, but the main commercial ones are Mexican sarsaparilla (S. aristolochiaefolia, previously known as S. medica), Honduras sarsaparilla (S. regehi, previously known as S. officinalis or S. utilis), Ecuadorian sarsaparilla (S. febrifuga) and Chinese sarsaparilla (S. china).
Origin: Central America and the northern parts of South America (S. aristolochiaefolia). Commercially cultivated in central America.
Parts Used: Roots of S. aristolochiaefolia and several other species, including S. cordifolia, S. regelii, and S. toriduzii (Sarsaparilla radix).
Uses and Properties: Sarsaparilla is traditionally used to treat psoriasis and various other skin conditions. It has also been used as a diuretic against rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, leprosy and venereal disease. Prepararions were once popular amongst enthusiasts as sarsaparilla was believed to increase lean body mass. In Mexico, it is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac. Root extracts are a traditional ingredient of root beer and are included in herbal teas.
Preparation and Dosage: Decoctions of 1 - 4 g of dried root are taken three times per day. Extracts and tinctures are also used.
Active Ingredients: Sarsaparilla root contains 1-3% steroidal saponins (various species have sarsasapogenin, smilagenin and diosgenin as main compounds). These are used as starting materials for the synthesis of cortisone and other steroids. Also present are organic acids, flavonoids and phytosterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol).
Pharmacological Effects: There is some evidence that sarsaparilla has anti-inflammatory activity and that it is effective in treating psoriasis. It is said to improve appetite and digestion; it is believed to have testosterogenic and progesterogenic effects. In general, the herbal use of sarsaparilla is regarded with scepticism as no convincing scientific evidence of its reputed pharmacological actions seems to have been published.
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.
Concerns about the toxicity of this agent are probably excessive. On the other hand, there is so little clinical data that it is difficult to be sure just what benefits might be recognized by taking sarsaparilla. Soft drinks made with sarsaparilla extract may be quite tasty, but they will not cure syphilis!
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Directions
As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Ingredients
Sarsaparilla Root - 450 mg
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
