Sarsaparilla - Smilax officinalis

Common Names: Sarsaparilla, Sarsaparilla Ecuadorian, Sarsaparilla Honduran, Sarsaparilla Jamaican, Smilax, Sarsaparillewurzel, Sarsa, Salsaparilha, Salsepareille, Zarzaparilla, American spikenard, Arali, Rabbit root, False bamboo brier, Small spikenard, Wild licorice, Sarsaparilla root, Smilax officinalis, Global, Latin, Smilax, Origin

Latin Name: Smilax officinalis

Origin: Asia, South America

Short Introduction

The genus Smilax includes a vast number of species, many of which are endemic. This resilient plant thrives under a variety of conditions and can quickly spread across large areas. Sarsaparilla prefers full sun but also grows well in partial shade or even shady environments. It requires moist soil, regardless of whether the soil is clay, sandy, or nutrient-rich. For best results, seeds collected in autumn should be stratified for 90–150 days in layers of paper in a cool environment.

The seeds should be sown in lighter soil, kept moderately watered, and gently covered. Germination is slow, with seedlings sometimes appearing the following year. In the wild, sarsaparilla seeds are most effectively spread by animals or birds. While regular watering isn't strictly necessary, it should be maintained until seedlings are visible. Once established, a watering schedule of once or twice a week is sufficient, as the plant tolerates dry conditions—mimicking its natural habitat. Transplantation is recommended when seedlings reach a height of about 15 cm.

Detailed Description

The best natural support for venereal diseases, digestive issues, and spring detoxification!

Botanical Information

Sarsaparilla is a perennial, woody-stemmed, climbing vine or shrub, reaching up to 30 meters in length. The plant grows similarly to grapevines, using tendrils to cling to supports. Its shrub-like stem is twisted, angular, pointed, green, and covered with numerous leaves and often thorns. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, pointed, heart-shaped, leathery, smooth, around 15 cm long and 5–10 cm wide, and their shape resembles a pepper fruit. Flowers are greenish, and the fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. The plant is dioecious (separate male and female plants).

Origin and Distribution

Sarsaparilla was first discovered and described by botanist Humboldt in 1805 in New Granada near the Magdalena River. It is originally native to Central America, gradually spreading to South America and the Caribbean, especially Jamaica. European sailors introduced the plant to Europe in the 16th century. Today, it primarily grows in tropical and subtropical humid regions of South America and Asia, typically near watercourses and wetlands.

Usage / Dosage

The medicinal benefits of sarsaparilla were first described in 1569 by the Persian scholar Imad al-Din Mahmud ibn Shirazi. Sarsaparilla is commonly used during spring detoxification, often mixed with lapacho (in a 1:1 ratio) and a hint of cinnamon or turmeric. The root is also a traditional ingredient in soups, various dishes, and the Cuban beverage Pru. Young plant parts or roots taste like asparagus and are used in Chinese snacks and stuffed pancakes, either cooked or raw.

Sarsaparilla remains a component of many modern pharmaceutical products, food, and beverages. It was famously enjoyed as a drink by American cowboys. Today, athletes often consume sarsaparilla as a natural “anabolic” supplement for improved performance and muscle mass development, although research has not confirmed significant steroidal content. However, compounds in sarsaparilla do appear to support natural testosterone and progesterone production, promoting physiological anabolism in the body, with some research suggesting the presence of male hormones (Singh, 2006).

Its most notable medical use is for positive effects on the gastrointestinal system. Health authorities recognize sarsaparilla as beneficial for digestive health. Regular use of sarsaparilla root is said to support digestion and optimize digestive function, an idea supported by both traditional and scientific approaches.

In vitro analytic studies have shown the potential of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds from the root to inhibit key enzymes related to the development of type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. These phenolics also inhibit alpha-glucosidase without affecting pancreatic alpha-amylase, and certain tannins may help modulate blood pressure by inhibiting the ACE enzyme.

Other in vitro research found a cytotoxic effect of one saponin compound on human cancer cells, suggesting a potential role in tumor therapy. Sarsaparilla has also shown immune-stimulating properties, increasing production of white blood cells (specifically T lymphocytes CD4 and CD8 as well as macrophages). Folk medicine highlights sarsaparilla’s application for allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and asthma.

Scientific studies also suggest that some sarsaparilla compounds may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Herbalists recommend sarsaparilla alone or in combination for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout attacks, and rheumatism. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects support indications for general pain and high fever.

Traditional Medicine

Amazonian tribes used sarsaparilla not just against sexually transmitted diseases, but also to support immunity, regulate blood pressure, and alleviate pain and rheumatic symptoms. Sarsaparilla was famed in their traditional medicine for its tonic and aphrodisiac effects, a reputation that spread to Europe by the 16th century. The plant was used to create foam in some beverages (thanks to its saponin content), but its greatest renown came from its—at the time—unmatched power against sexually transmitted diseases.

Herbal decoctions are used as a mild diuretic to flush out substances, especially minerals. Sarsaparilla is believed to reduce the risk of kidney and bladder stones, cleanse the blood, eliminate heavy metals, and relieve bladder inflammation. Additional folk uses include its tonic and antifungal effects.

In traditional folk medicine, sarsaparilla is a classic remedy for syphilis, gonorrhea, and various warty skin growths (caused by papillomavirus), highlighting its antiviral and antibacterial action. Over time, its use has expanded for conditions ranging from erectile dysfunction to toothache. Sarsaparilla may also provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. In some countries’ traditional medicine, it is used for kidney problems, psoriasis, excessive sweating, and syphilis. For severe psoriasis, sarsaparilla decoctions can be used in regular baths and as a beverage for urinary retention and fluid accumulation. Folk healers in Mexico and Honduras use sarsaparilla to treat gonorrhea, high fevers, as well as to stimulate appetite, support digestion, and address digestive complaints. From a traditional energetic perspective, sarsaparilla is said to support the meridians of the kidney and bladder.

Homeopathy

Homeopathically, sarsaparilla is prepared from the diluted root. Sarsaparilla at potencies CH15–CH20 is traditionally indicated for various forms of kidney colic with characteristic bladder pain and urinary sediment, as well as chronic cystitis and stone formation. Dermatological uses include fissures, chronic dermatoses, and purpura with accompanying psoriatic lesions, as well as some rheumatic and migraine symptoms.

Safety and Contraindications

Due to limited data, sarsaparilla isn't recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under 3. Sarsaparilla may moderately increase the absorption of digoxin and slow the elimination of lithium, which may increase the risk of side effects from these medications.

Active Compounds

Sarsaparilla contains vitamins A, B complex, C, D, steroidal saponins, rhynchophylline, glycosides, beta-sitosterol, hirsutin, and mitraphylline. Among its minerals: iodine, silicon, sulfur, sodium, manganese, iron, calcium, copper, and potassium. Analytical publications have recorded three main steroidal saponins in the root: laxogenin, tigogenin, sarsasapogenin, neotigogenin, and a glycopyranoside derivative. Acidic hydrolysis yields sapogenin aglycone from its saponins.

Traditional Dosage

Traditional dosage calls for mixing 1 tablespoon of dried root with 750 ml of water, then simmering for 3–5 minutes. The decoction is divided into three doses to be used throughout the day. Begin with a smaller dose and gradually increase if needed. After three weeks of consecutive use, take a one-week break.

For severe psoriasis, sarsaparilla may be used for up to 5 weeks at a dose of 0.5–0.75 liters of tea daily. For treating venereal diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea, a tea is prepared from about 1 liter of water and 2 tablespoons of dried root (about 10 g), simmered for 5 minutes over low heat and served with thyme.