Related Terms

• 3'-O-methylastilbin, Aralia nudicaulis, astilbin, disporoside A, helonioside B, nannaari, phenylpropanoid glycosides, rhizoma Smilacis glabrae, sapogenins, smilaside E, smilasides, Smilax aristolochiaefoli, Smilax aspera, Smilax china, Smilax china tubers, Smilax febrifuga, Smilax glabra, Smilax medica, Smilax officinalis, Smilax regelii, steroidal saponins, sugandhi-pala, tu fu ling, wild sarsaparilla rhizome extract.

Background

• Sarsaparilla (Smilax species) is a vine with prickly stems, shiny leaves, and numerous reddish-brown roots. Among several recognized sarsaparilla species, Jamaican Smilax regelii (also known as Smilax officinalis) is the most commonly cultivated for commercial and medicinal use.

• Sarsaparilla is used as a flavoring for beverages and as a homeopathic medicine. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Compounds extracted from the rhizomes, or horizontal underground stems, and fruit are being explored as potential treatments for cancer, arthritis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and various inflammatory conditions. A combination of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root, and Smilax glabra rhizome is used by traditional medical practitioners in Sri Lanka to treat cancer.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Anti-aging, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, arthritis, bodybuilding, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, hepatitis B, HIV, immune system function, inflammatory skin conditions, leukemia, liver protection, weight loss, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for sarsaparilla in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for sarsaparilla in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to sarsaparilla, its constituents, or members of the Smilax genus. Occupational asthma caused by sarsaparilla root dust has been reported.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Sarsaparilla is likely safe when used by nonsensitive individuals in amounts commonly found in food.

• Occupational asthma caused by sarsaparilla root dust has been reported.

• Although this effect has not been well studied in humans, sarsaparilla extracts may have effects that are toxic to cells.

• Use cautiously in patients with altered immune function, as extracts of sarsaparilla rhizome may affect functions of immune cells such as lymphocyte and macrophages, as well as bone marrow cells.

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to sarsaparilla, its constituents, or members of the Smilax genus.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Sarsaparilla may interact with anticancer drugs, antifungals, antivirals, drugs that may damage the liver, or drugs that may affect the immune system.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Sarsaparilla may interact with anticancer herbs and supplements, antifungals, antivirals, herbs and supplements that may damage the liver, or herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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