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Smilax species, including S. glabra, S. aristolochiaefolia, S. regelii, S. febrifuga & S. officinalis (Liliaceae)
SARSAPARILLA
Sarsaparilla root arrived in
Europe in the 16th century as atreatment for syphilis. Herbalists now
use it for chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis. Chinese medicine gives
S glabra and S. china for a variety of conditions.
Introduced into Europe from Central America in the early 16th century as a cure for syphilis,
sarsaparilla was included in many European pharmacopoeias for this use until the 20th century.
It is now widely used to flavour medicines and soft drinks. One long established London herbalist,
Baldwins, still sells sarsaparilla drinks by the pint. Native to Central America,
sarsaparilla is a perennial creeper with a large rhizome and spreading roots.
Its thorny stems bear oval leaves with clinging tendrils and clusters of small greenish-white flowers.
PARTS USED
Root, rhizome.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Saponins based on smilagin and sarsapogenin,
including sarsaponin (pillarin) and smilasaponin; sterols including stigmasterol.
ACTIONS
Stimulates nutrition and elimination; antiinflammatory; stops itching; relieves wind and colic.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for chronic inflamed skin eruptions such as psoriasis. S. glabra and
S. china are used in Chinese medicine for several conditions, including rheumatism, skin diseases, cystitis, and diarrhoea.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tablets, tincture, extract.
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