Sarsaparilla – properties, uses, dosage

Sarsaparilla, or Smilax, is a plant traditionally used in medicine by various cultures due to its unique healing properties and potential health benefits. What is worth knowing about sarsaparilla, an unusual natural remedy that continues to play an important role in modern herbal medicine? What are the benefits of using it, and how can you harness its potential to improve your well-being and quality of life?

Sarsaparilla – what is it?

What exactly is sarsaparilla? Although its most popular name clearly refers to its Spanish roots, sarsaparilla is a plant found almost all over the world. This species belongs to the genus Smilax, which is characterised by climbing rhizomes resembling woody vines. Plants of the Smilax genus grow mainly in the deep rainforests of South America, the Caribbean, as well as East Asia and India.

There are nearly 260 species of smilax, some of which can grow up to 3 or even 15 metres in height. The most commonly used in herbal medicine are American and Asian species, which include, among others:

• Smilax Ornata

• Smilax Officinalis

• Smilax Medica

• Smilax Glabra

• Smilax China

Extracts obtained from the aromatic rhizomes and fruits of sarsaparilla have strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Although research on many species of smilax is still ongoing, it is known that they are a source of substances that are beneficial to our body. For this reason, sarsaparilla extract is used in the production of supplements.

Sarsaparilla and its support for cleansing the body – what else is worth knowing about it?

According to some scientific publications, the health benefits of sarsaparilla are attributed to its high concentration of plant chemicals, including triterpenes, steroidal saponosides, phytosterols, saponins and genins. These components give sarsaparilla antibacterial, diaphoretic, antifungal, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and stimulating properties.

Most of the plant's active compounds are found in its root and rhizomes. People often dry and crush parts of the plant to add them to infusions or essential oils. Another very popular method is to prepare sarsaparilla tinctures or refreshing carbonated drinks, which are particularly popular in the United States, Australia and Mexico.

Sarsaparilla – what is worth knowing about its characteristic properties?

In addition to its rich phytochemical content, sarsaparilla also contains valuable essential oil. Plants of the Smilax genus that grow in tropical forests are also distinguished by their content of sarsaparinic acid, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and palmitic acids, starch and sarsaponins.

Thanks to this composition, Smilax China has a variety of effects on the human body. Sarsaparilla root has traditionally been used as a natural medicine by the indigenous peoples of Central and North America and Asia. It has numerous applications in traditional medicine, including the treatment of skin diseases, inflammation and sexual dysfunction. So what properties of sarsaparilla are worth learning more about?

• Anti-inflammatory properties – the plant contains compounds such as saponins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, gout and rheumatism.

• Skin health benefits – sarsaparilla is traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The plant's anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties are believed to aid the skin's regenerative processes, protecting it from potential inflammation.

• Immunostimulatory properties – the saponins found in sarsaparilla can strengthen the body's immunity and help fight infections and diseases.

• Hepatoprotective properties – sarsaparilla can help detoxify the liver and improve its function. It promotes the elimination of toxins and metabolic waste products.

• Sexual function properties – the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction and reduced libido.

• Properties that improve food passage – smilax can help with digestive problems such as flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea. It supports digestive functions and cleanses the body of accumulated toxins.

Sarsaparilla – what is it good for?

Sarsaparilla is considered one of the best natural cleansers, soothing skin problems and kidney diseases. Here are the main uses of sarsaparilla in phytotherapy:

• Detoxification of the body – being an excellent blood purifier, sarsaparilla is recommended for increasing urine output and helping to eliminate excess uric acid. It can help reduce rheumatic pain and gout.

• Lowering cholesterol levels – as a plant with diuretic and cleansing properties, it significantly helps to lower lipid levels. For this reason, sarsaparilla can be an effective supplement in the treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

• Skin health prevention – extracts from the plant are recommended for combating eczema and various skin conditions such as acne, boils, and even hives and common dermatitis. Sarsaparilla extract effectively reduces skin defects caused by juvenile acne.

• Stimulation of digestive functions – the plant is also effective as a digestive aid, relieving severe gastric complaints and other intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea and colic.

• Reduction of inflammation – the plant's strong anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Treatment of syphilis – sarsaparilla has a positive effect in fighting harmful bacteria and viruses that attack our body. For centuries, the plant has been used to treat syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria.

Sarsaparilla dietary supplement – what is the dosage?

Currently, there are no official recommendations from international medical organisations regarding the appropriate dosage of sarsaparilla. Dosages may vary depending on the manufacturer and product. Here are some general guidelines for dosing sarsaparilla in various forms:

• Capsules and tablets – always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label. The most common dosage is approximately 500 to 1000 mg of sarsaparilla per day. The dose is divided into one or two doses per day.

• Liquid extract – the typical dose ranges from 1 to 2 ml of liquid extract, up to three times a day.

Tea – to prepare sarsaparilla tea, add approximately 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed sarsaparilla root to 250 ml of boiling water. Leave to stand for 15 minutes, strain and it is ready to drink. It is usually recommended to drink up to three cups of sarsaparilla per day.

Sarsaparilla – potential side effects

Sarsaparilla is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate amounts. However, as with any herbal remedy, side effects may occur. Some of the possible side effects of sarsaparilla include:

• Allergic reactions – In rare cases, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to sarsaparilla or any of its active ingredients. Symptoms may include rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.

• Gastrointestinal discomfort – some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhoea.

• Hormonal effects – as sarsaparilla contains active ingredients that can cause hormonal changes, people suffering from hormonal disorders or undergoing hormone therapy should consult their doctor before taking sarsaparilla-based supplements.

Bibliography

‘ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT FROM RHIZOMA SMILACIS GLABRAE’ – J. Jiang, F. Wu, J. Lu, Z. Lu, Q. Xu, scientific journal Pharmacological Research, Elsevier, 1997.

‘Antimicrobial Activity of Smilax china L. Root Extracts against the Acne-Causing Bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes, and Its Active Compounds’ – J-H. Joo et al., scientific journal Molecules, MDPI, 2022.

‘Astilbin inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice via Jak3/Stat3 signalling pathway’ – T-T. Di et al., scientific journal International Immunopharmacology, Elsevier, 2016.

‘Chemical Constituents from the Rhizomes of Smilax glabra and Their Antimicrobial Activity’ – S. Xu et al., scientific journal Molecules, MDPI, 2013.

‘Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Integrating Traditional Medicine into Modern Chronic Diseases Care’ – J. Hye Kim, G. Kismali, S. C. Gupta, scientific journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Hindawi, 2018.

‘Smilax china L. flavonoid alleviates HFHS-induced inflammation by regulating the gut-liver axis in mice’ – X. Li et al., scientific journal Phytomedicine, Elsevier, 2022.

‘Smilax china L.: A review of its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, actual and potential applications’ – M. Wang et al., scientific journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Elsevier, 2024.

‘The Underlying Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Traditional Chinese Medicine Smilax china L. for the Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease’ – Y. Zhang et al., scientific journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Hindawi, 2021.