Sarsaparilla
Scientific Name(s): Smilax aristolochiifolia Mill. (Mexican sarsaparilla), Smilax china, Smilax febrifuga Kunth (Ecuadorian sarsaparilla), Smilax officinalis Kunth (Honduras sarsaparilla), Smilax ornata Lem., Smilax regelii Killip et Morton (Honduras, Jamaican sarsaparilla), Smilax
Common Name(s): Ba Qia catbrier, Greenbrier, Jin Gang Teng, Khao yen, Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae, Sarsa, Sarsaparilla, Smilace, Smilax, Zarzaparilla
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
Extracts of the roots may be effective in treating gout and metabolic syndrome; however, evidence is based largely on animal studies and clinical trials are limited. Sarsaparilla has been traditionally used for treating syphilis, leprosy, and psoriasis; however, evidence to support these uses is lacking. Evidence is also lacking for purported ergogenic/adaptogenic effects. Interest in cytotoxic potential in treating cancer exists.
Dosing
Clinical trials are lacking to provide guidance on therapeutic dosages. Typical sarsaparilla doses for a variety of uses range from 0.3 to 2 g/day of the powdered root.
Contraindications
Contraindications have not yet been identified.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities have been described for extracts of at least one of the species.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
GI irritation and increased diuresis have been reported. Clinical studies are lacking to provide evidence (or lack of evidence) of harm.
Toxicology
Information regarding toxicology with the use of sarsaparilla is limited.
Scientific Family
- Liliaceae
- Smilacaceae (Catbrier)
Botany
Many Smilax species are very similar in appearance, regardless of origin. Sarsaparilla is a woody, trailing vine that can grow to 50 m in length. The nectar-rich flowers are used in honey production, and the root is used for medicinal purposes. The root has a pleasant fragrance and spicy sweet taste and is used as a natural flavoring agent in medicines, foods, and nonalcoholic beverages; however, the sarsaparilla root should not be confused with the sassafras tree, which is the source of the distinctive flavoring of American root beer.1, 2, 3
History
The Spanish physician Nicolás Monardes described using sarsaparilla to treat syphilis in 1574. In 1812, Portuguese soldiers suffering from syphilis recovered faster if sarsaparilla was taken to treat the disease versus mercury, the standard treatment at the time.4 Sarsaparilla has been used by many cultures for other ailments as well, including skin disorders, arthritis, fever, digestive disorders, leprosy, and cancer.1, 4 Late 15th century accounts of the identification and first descriptions of American drugs include sarsaparilla.5 Sarsaparilla was used as a medicinal plant in American and European remedies in the 16th century as well.6 Sarsaparilla has been used for treating syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases throughout the world and was documented as an adjuvant for leprosy treatment in 1959.7 S. china (Ba Qia or Jin Gang Teng) was included in the 2010 Chinese Pharmacopoeia.8
Chemistry
The rhizomes and roots of the genus are of primary interest. Due to the diversi...
