China Root

This genus includes about 200 species of deciduous and evergreen, climbing or scrambling vines, ranging throughout temperate and tropical regions, mainly in the Americas and Asia. The roots of various different species are a source of sarsaparilla. Several species were brought from C America by the Spanish in the 1530s and widely used as a remedy for syphilis. The three main species were Smilax aristolochiaefolia (Mexican Sarsaparilla), S. febrifuga (Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla), and S. regelii (Honduran Sarsaparilla), which are still listed in the pharmacopoieas of many countries. Sarsaparilla was popular among settlers in N America as the flavoring of root beer. Native American tribes made tea from sarsaparilla roots to cure kidney problems, and ground the dried roots to a flour mixed with water and honey as a jelly to accompany roast meat or fish. The roots contain steroidal saponins and antibiotic compounds that provide the basis for sarsaponin tablets, which are effective in many cases of eczema and psoriasis. Clinical tests have also shown that sarsaparilla is effective in treating leprosy and syphilis. The saponins have hormonal effects that affect both men and women; sarsaparilla may build muscle and help impotence in males, and may increase fertility in women with ovarian dysfunction. Other constituents have a diuretic effect, increasing the excretion of uric acid, a toxin implicated in gout and joint disease. Sarsaparillas are also part of the Chinese pharmacopoeias; S. glabra, first mentioned in the Materia Medica of South Yunnan during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), is used internally to clear toxins, and to treat rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, urinary tract infections, jaundice, skin ulcers, boils and mercury poisoning. The leaves of S. glyciphylla, an Australian species, have been used medicinally, and as a substitute for S American sarsaparillas in soft drinks. German sarsaparilla, used for skin complaints, and to prevent gout and arthritis, is from an unrelated species, Carex arenaria, and member of the sedge family, Cyperaceae.

Woody deciduous climber with a large, fleshy root, sparsely prickly stems, and leathery, broadly ovate, tapering leaves, to 8cm (3in) long. Small umbels of tiny yellow-green flowers appear in early summer, females followed by globose, red berries, 9mm (⅜in) in diameter. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.

Common Name:	China Root
Botanical Name:	Smilax china
Genus:	Smilax
Family:	Smilacaceae
Location:	Japan, China, and Korea
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn; by division in autumn or spring; by separation of suckers in spring.
Harvest:	Roots and rhizomes are lifted by severing larger roots near the crown, leaving smaller roots to increase. They are dried for use in decoctions, elixirs, liquid extracts, and powders. Leaves are picked during the growing season and used fresh or dried.
Height:	5m (15ft)
Width:	Indefinite
Hardiness:	Z7-10
Parts Used:	Tuberous rhizomes
Properties:	A cooling, slightly bitter, alterative herb that has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and anti-rheumatic properties.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, syphilis, skin disorders (including psoriasis), enteritis, urinary tract infections, jaundice, skin ulcers, boils, abscesses, and various kinds of cancer.
Culinary Uses:	Leaves, young shoots, and roots are eaten as a vegetable. Leaves can be used for tea.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 370.