Sarsaparilla's therapeutic uses
Sarsaparilla, particularly the species Smilax officinalis, is a vinelike plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. It has a historical association with treating conditions such as cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and joint pain, stemming from an outdated belief in blood purification. While these uses are well-documented, the scientific evidence supporting them remains limited. Some studies suggest potential antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, yet further research is necessary to validate these claims.
Sarsaparilla is also marketed for menstrual disorders, asthma, and even sexual enhancement, though these applications lack substantial backing. The typical dosage is two to four grams three times daily, with tinctures available according to label instructions. Although serious adverse effects are rare, safety studies are lacking, and its use is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with liver or kidney issues. Users should be cautious, as some sarsaparilla products have been found to contain unsafe lead levels. Overall, while sarsaparilla has a rich history in traditional medicine, those considering its use should approach with informed caution.
Sarsaparilla's therapeutic uses
Definition: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
Principal proposed uses: Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cancer (anticancer), menstrual disorders, sexual dysfunction, sports and fitness support and performance enhancement
Overview
Vinelike plants in the sarsaparilla family are found in many parts of the world. The most common form, Smilax officinalis, is grown primarily in Jamaica. Other common forms include S. glyciphylla (Australia), S. japicanga (Brazil), S. glabra (Sri Lanka), S. china (China), and S. luzonensis (Malaysia). The root is the part of the plant that is used medicinally.
Traditionally, various forms of sarsaparilla have been used to treat cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases. These uses are all tied together by an outdated treatment concept known as blood purification. It was thought that numerous ailments, including skin diseases, cancer, and other conditions, were caused by impurities in the blood. Herbs said to have blood-purifying properties, such as sarsaparilla, were used to correct this traditionally acknowledged problem. Additionally, sarsaparilla was recommended for joint pain, “female problems,” and syphilis.
An entirely different plant, Aralia nudicaulis, is sometimes called wild sarsaparilla. However, it is more closely related to ginseng than to the forms of sarsaparilla discussed here. Sarsaparilla should also not be confused with sassafras, a flavoring traditionally used in root beer.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of sarsaparilla is two to four grams (g) three times per day. Various tinctures are also available; these should be taken according to label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
Meaningful scientific support is needed to confirm therapeutic uses of sarsaparilla. Relatively weak evidence hints at possible antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Like other herbs, sarsaparilla contains substances in the saponin family. One of these, sarsasapogenin, is often said to reproduce the effect of various hormones. However, there is not sufficient evidence to support this claim. Based on traditional usage, as well as unwarranted extrapolation from test-tube findings, sarsaparilla is sold as a treatment for psoriasis and other skin problems, as well as cancer, menstrual disorders, and asthma. Other unsubstantiated uses include enhancement of sexual function, improvement of mental function in Alzheimer’s disease, protection of the liver, and improvement of sports performance.
Some studies have found antitumor functions of Sarsaparilla and posit the herb may inhibit TGF-β1 signaling in cancer cells, but further research is needed to confirm this use.
Safety Issues
Although the use of sarsaparilla has not been associated with any serious adverse consequences, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Sarsaparilla is traditionally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Safety in young children and people with liver or kidney disease is also questionable.
As with most substances taken orally, sarsaparilla may cause gastrointestinal distress. Germany’s Commission E also reports short-term “kidney irritation” as a side effect. Precisely what this means, however, remains unclear.
Note that although various species of sarsaparilla are often used somewhat interchangeably, it is quite possible that some varieties of this plant are safer than others. Finally, some sarsaparilla products have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead.
Bibliography
Cox, S. D., K. C. Jayasinghe, and J. L. Markham. “Antioxidant Activity in Australian Native Sarsaparilla (Smilax glyciphylla).” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 101, 2005, pp. 162-168.
Kuo, Y. H., et al. “Cytotoxic Phenylpropanoid Glycosides from the Stems of Smilax china.” Journal of Natural Products, vol. 68, 2005, pp. 1475-1478.
"Sarsaparilla." Drugs.com, 24 July 2023, www.drugs.com/npp/sarsaparilla.html. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
She, Tiantian, et al. “Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Rhizome) Extract Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells by Suppressing TGF-β1 Pathway.” PloS one vol. 10, no. 3, Mar. 2015, p. e0118287. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0118287.
Xu, J., et al. “Anti-inflammatory Constituents from the Roots of Smilax bockii Warb.” Archives of Pharmacal Research, vol. 28, 2005, pp. 395-399.