Red Sarsaparilla

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.

A popular flavoring agent for soft drinks in the Carribean, in the sixteenth century, sarsaparilla was thought to be a cure for syphilis. One variation, Smilax glabra, is still used for that purpose today in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used by herbalists as a blood purifier and a treatment for psoriasis and rheumatism.

Variable evergreen climber with 4-angled, spiny, stems and ovate to oblong, glossy, lower leaves, to 30cm (12in) long, and smaller, tapering, lanceolate upper leaves, which are often gray-variegated. White to pale green-yellow, 6-petaled flowers appear in summer; male flowers solitary or in clusters to 6cm (2½in) long; females solitary, on stalks to 10cm (4in) long, followed by black berries, 1cm (½in) across.


Common Name:
Red Sarsaparilla
Other Names:
Greenbrier, Honduran Sarsaparilla, Jamaican Sarsaparilla, Mexican Sarsaparilla, Salsaparilha, Sarsa, Sarsaparilla, Smilax, Wild Spikenard
Botanical Name:
Smilax reglii syn. S. ornata, S. officinalis
Genus:
Smilax
Family:
Smilacaceae
Location:
C America
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:
1.5m (5ft)
Width:
1.5m (5ft)
Hardiness:
Min. 12°C (54°F)
History:
The common name of this vinelike, climbing perennial is derived from the Spanish zara, for "shrub", and parilla, for "little vine", and is a reminder that sarsaparilla, a native of Mexico and Central and South Americas, first traveled to Spain from the Americas with sixteenth-century Spanish explorers. By the seventeenth century, the plant was used throughout Europe where it was esteemed as a "cure-all" and commonly used to treat syphilis. It also became a popular ingredient in candies, ice cream, soft drinks, and tonics. Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Honduran sarsaparillas (S. aristolochiaefolia, S. febrifuga, and S. regelii, respectively) were all exported to Europe and used interchangeably—though Honduran sarsaparilla was the most prized. In the 1600s, the herbalist-astrologer Nicholas Culpeper refers to all three species (though not by name) as being ruled by fiery Mars, and he notes that the plant is good for "cold griefs of the stomach, as it expels wind powerfully", and for "all manner of spots and foulness of the skin". Sarsaparilla did indeed become a standard treatment for many chronic skin ailments, most notably psoriasis. The herb contains steroidal saponins that are made into sarsaponin tablets—and excellent remedy for many forms of psoriasis.
Parts Used:
Roots, rhizomes, all underground parts
Properties:
A sweet, acrid, alterative herb that reduces inflammation, controls itching, improves digestion and elimination, and is antiseptic.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for skin diseases, liver disorders, veneral diseases, herpes, and vaginal discharge. May be combined with other alteratives, such as Arctium Lappa (See, Burdock), Rumex crispus (See, Curled Dock), Taraxacum officinale (See, Dandelion), and Trifolium pratense (See, Red Clover).
To treat psoriasis, kidney disease, and rheumatism; as a diuretic.
Sarsaparilla has alterative, antiflatulence, anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, antiseptic, diuretic, sweat-promoting, and tonic properties. It also aids digestion, helps detoxify the blood, increases energy, regulates hormones, and supports the kidneys. It is taken internally for colds, chest congestion, edema (water retention), fever, flatulence, flu, gout, herpes, hormonal imbalances, psoriasis, rheumatism, and urinary tract infections. Sarsaparilla is used externally to treat rheumatoid arthritis and a variety of skin ailments, including eczema, herpes, hives, psoriasis, ringworm, and scrofula (swollen lymph nodes in the neck).
Preparation:
Sarsaparilla is available as dried herb and in capsules, teas, and tinctures. To make a decoction, boil 1 teaspoon of dried rootstock in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink up to 2 cups a day.
Typical Dose:
A typical daily sode of sarsaparilla amay range from 0.3 to 1.5 gm of the dried, powdered root.
Caution:
No serious side effects are associated with using sarsaparilla. Excessive consumption may irritate the stomach.
Possible Side Effects:
Sarsaparilla's side effects include nausea and kidney irritation.
Drug Interactions:
May interact with various pharmaceutical drugs, including digitalis glycosides and bismuth.
Taking sarsaparilla with this drug may be harmful:
Digitalis, (Digitek, Lanoxin)—May increase absorption of the drug.
Supplement Interactions:
  • May increase absorption of digitalis glycoside.
  • May affect absorption or elimination of herbs taking concurrently.
Economic Uses:
Root extracts are used to flavor soft drinks (especially root beer), ice cream, candy and bakery products.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 370.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pg. 406
The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing, Inc. pp 94-95