Salsepareille

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.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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 healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for sarsaparilla in adults.

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.

Interactions

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.

Attribution

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).

Bibliography

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