The root of a tropical plant we associate with the 19th-century Western sarsaparilla drink has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The root can also be brewed as a tea or taken as an extract. Find out about the preparations of this herb that were lost in time and how to safely use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Sarsaparilla is the common name of a climbing plant genus called Smilax<\/em>. Sarsaparillas grow well in warm and tropical regions, especially Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, and parts of the United States. Some varieties thrive in Southeast Asia and Australia. The main species are [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indigenous North American people used Honduran and Mexican sarsaparilla for arthritis and skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and allergic reactions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first European explorers introduced the plant to Europe in the 16th century. They considered it a safer alternative to mercury, which was used back then for syphilis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/em> It\u2019s important not to confuse true sarsaparilla with other plants also called sarsaparilla such as Indian (Hemidesmus<\/em><\/strong> indicus<\/em>) and wild (Aralia<\/em><\/strong> nudicaulis<\/em>) sarsaparilla<\/strong>. Although their roots are also used in traditional medicine, these plants are not even related to sarsaparilla and their compositions are totally different [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 19th and early 20th century, sarsaparilla was used to \u201cpurify blood,\u201d reduce water retention, and promote sweating. Additionally, it was considered a remedy for [R<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chinaroot – the sarsaparilla most commonly used in China – has been used since the 1960s for some similar indications. It was also thought to clear vaginal and sexually transmitted infections, as well as tuberculosis and scabies. Aside from these, the root was used to improve [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarsaparilla is also considered an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant in China [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other countries such as Thailand, Korea, and Sri Lanka, chinaroot is used to reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel health, and help with kidney and liver diseases. Its use in folk medicine even spans some serious conditions such as blood poisoning, cancer, and AIDS [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these traditional uses remain, however, scientifically unproven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The belowground parts (roots and underground stems) of sarsaparilla are most commonly used. Their main active components are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The berries contain high amounts of carotenoids, including lycopene<\/a> and beta-carotene, while the leaves are rich in phenolic antioxidants [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it\u2019s the main active component, sarsaparilla remedies used in traditional Chinese medicine are standardized to an astilbin content <\/strong>of at least 0.45% [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarsaparilla is described as a strong anti-inflammatory in some studies. Scientists think this might explain its traditional use for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and skin allergies, but the evidence is inconclusive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its active components block inflammatory proteins (such as NF-kB<\/a> and PI3K<\/a>\/AKT<\/a>) and activate the anti-inflammatory AMPK<\/a>–PPARgamma<\/a> in cells and animals [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, it reduces numerous inflammatory messengers, cytokines, and enzymes (such as TNF-alpha<\/a>, IL-1beta<\/a>, IL-6<\/a>, IFN-gamma<\/a>, prostaglandins<\/a>, COX-2<\/a>, MMP-9<\/a>, iNOS<\/a>, and ICAM-1<\/a>) in the lab [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientists are also investigating whether sarsaparilla reduces the production and development of immune cells (including T cells, neutrophils<\/a>, Th1<\/a>7<\/a>, CD4+, CD8<\/a>+, and macrophages), kills some of them, and prevents them from reaching the epicenters of inflammation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n But that\u2019s not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its compounds (especially astilbin) seem to reduce <\/strong>free radicals<\/strong><\/a> by blocking the enzymes that promote their buildup and activating detox enzymes that neutralize them (such as SOD<\/a>, CAT<\/a>, and glutathione peroxidase<\/a>) [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n To sum it up, scientists think that sarsaparilla may block some key pathways in the body that raise inflammation and oxidative stress while boosting detoxification. A synergy of these effects may account for its overall wellness benefits in animals. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, whether sarsaparilla acts by the same mechanisms in humans is unknown. Additional research is needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarsaparilla is also the name of a soft drink that became very popular in the US during the 19th century. It is often associated with Wild West saloons in popular culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main ingredients were Honduran or Mexican sarsaparilla root, sassafras root bark, and other herbs such as <\/strong>licorice<\/strong><\/a> and anise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sarsaparilla was very popular due to the belief that it could improve skin diseases, arthritis, and high blood pressure. However, one of the herbs in this mix turned out to carry serious risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sassafras contains a compound (safrole) that was discovered to cause liver damage and cancer. In the 1960s, the FDA banned sassafras altogether.<\/strong> And at the time, coke drinks became increasingly popular. As a result, sarsaparilla drinks quickly became a thing of the past [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\nTraditional Uses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Root Components<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Sarsaparilla Might Work<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sarsaparilla Drink<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Indigenous Brew Lost in Time<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n