Sassafras in therapeutics
Sassafras, a tree native to North America, has historically been utilized for both flavoring and medicinal purposes. Traditionally, its oil was a key ingredient in herbal root beer and was used to treat various ailments including influenza, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and digestive issues. It was often regarded as a "spring tonic" or "blood purifier." However, concerns emerged in the 1960s when safrole, a toxic compound found in sassafras oil, was linked to liver cancer in animal studies, leading to a ban on its use for human consumption. Currently, only safrole-free products derived from sassafras are permitted for sale, although the potential presence of other carcinogens remains a concern. Despite these risks, some proponents within the complementary and alternative medicine community advocate for sassafras, citing its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, particularly for conditions like arthritis and gout. Additionally, it has historically been used as a diuretic, which may assist with high blood pressure and fluid retention. As such, while sassafras has a rich history in traditional medicine, caution is advised due to its associated health risks.
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Subject Terms
Sassafras in therapeutics
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: The use of sassafras in any form is not recommended, although it has been used for pain relief, as an anti-inflammatory, as a diuretic, and for skin conditions.
Overview
The sassafras tree, a native of North America, has a long history of use as both flavoring and medicine. The oil extracted from its root was one of the original constituents of herbal root beer. As medicine, it was used to treat influenza and other fever-producing infections, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and digestive disorders. It was also commonly used as a “spring tonic” or “blood purifier.”
However, in the 1960s, sassafras oil was discovered to contain high levels of a liver toxin called safrole. When given to animals, safrole causes liver cancer, and even a single cup of sassafras tea contains dangerous levels of the substance. Because of this, sassafras has been banned for human consumption. Only safrole-free products containing sassafras can be sold; however, there may be other carcinogens in sassafras aside from safrole. Sassafras oil is also immediately toxic; a few drops can kill an infant, and a teaspoon can cause death in an adult. Still, sassafras has many defenders in the complementary and alternative medicine community, and those supporters refute the cancer claims and claim health benefits to drinking sassafras, most often in tea form. Those who support using sassafras for health benefits espouse its usefulness in treating conditions like arthritis and gout due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Traditionally, sassafras was also used as a diuretic, which could aid with high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Bibliography
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