Traditional Uses of Sarsaparilla

+ Western Herbal Medicine

Sarsaparilla has been used as a blood cleanser, for abscesses, ulcers, syphilis, shingles, as applications for wounds, asthma, rheumatism, digestive weakness, gout, gonorrhea, arthritis, fever, cough, scrofula, hypertension, psoriasis, skin diseases, and cancer [9].

In Europe, sarsaparilla has been considered a tonic, blood purifier, diuretic, and diaphoretic. After its introduction to Europe in the 1500s, Smilax was a popular treatment for syphilis, which had reached epidemic proportions at this time. The standard treatment for syphilis during this time was mercury, which often caused insanity, blindness, loss of teeth, muscle atrophy, and death.

Smilax spp. was commonly used as a steroidal supplement for bodybuilders in the 1980s although there has not been any recent evidence to suggest this plant for this use.

It is mentioned in Monardes (1577), Gerard (1597), Hill (1751), Parke-Davis (1890), and various works of the eclectics, thus proving its long-term acceptance and use medicinally.

Sarsaparilla has been used to make root beer in the past, but contrary to popular belief, it was for used for its foaming properties rather than flavor. Sarsaparilla actually does not have much flavor to offer at all, but contains high amounts of saponins which act like detergent, and will cause water to foam [9].

+ Traditional Chinese Medicine

Smilax spp. is commonly used in soups, and herbal teas in China, and is used in Sri Lanka and Thailand for cancer and skin conditions [4].

Referred to as “Tu fu ling” in this medical system and is considered sweet, bland, and neutral in nature. Tu fu ling enters the liver and stomach meridians. It is used to clear damp heat poison, aid the skin, open the channels.

+ Traditional South American Medicine

In South America, Smilax has been used for centuries to treat sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a general tonic for weakness. In Peru specifically, the root was used for headaches, joint pain, and against infections like the flu. Throughout the Amazon, shamans have used this herb to treat leprosy (transmitted from armadillos which was a food item), and other skin disorders such as psoriasis. [9].

Herb Details: Sarsaparilla

Pharmacology & Medical Research

+ Inflammation

In a study done investigating the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Smilax china L. researchers found that an aqueous extract at a dose of 1000mg/kg had a similar anti-inflammatory effect to acetylsalicylic acid (200 mg/kg). This same study also showed that Smilax china L. clearly inhibited both COX-2 activity and COX expression [12]. COX is responsible for the biosynthesis of a prostaglandin called PGE2 which plays a role in the inflammatory process. COX-2 also plays an important role in the process of inflammation.

Smilax spp. also contains epicatechin, which has well documented systemic anti-inflammatory effects [4]. This constituent is contained in high amounts in tea (Camellia sinensis) and has been very well studied from that plant for its anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

+ Anti-Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is an increasing issue in the modern world, that is closely linked to high glycemic diets, sedentary lifestyle, and some genetic inheritance. All of these factors combine to create disorders such as hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance [1, 8]. As a result of these various metabolic disorders, the likelihood of developing conditions such as kidney failure, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases, among others, is drastically increased [1]. Cardiovascular disease, in fact, is currently the leading cause of death in America [1].

In morbidly obese conditions a state of low-grade inflammation is created, which differs from the states of chronic and acute inflammation, and alters the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [1].

Smilax aristolochiifolia was shown to reduce many of the factors involved with metabolic syndromes including weight gain (reduced 30%), hypertriglyceridemia (reduced 60%), insulin resistance (reduced 40%), hypertension (reduced 31% systolic and 37% diastolic), and had immunomodulatory effects on the low grade inflammation associated with obesity in mice [1]. These results provide strong evidence to suggest Smilax aristolochiifolia (and likely other Smilax species), use as a treatment, and prevention of metabolic syndrome.

+ Anti-Microbial

There are at least 18 compounds contained in Smilax glabra (and likely other Smilax species) which have been found to provide antimicrobial effects on a variety of fungus, and bacteria [13]. The antimicrobial effects were found to be active against many gram-negative bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, as well as the fungus Candida albicans, and gram-positive bacteria such as E. faecalis [13]. These effects were also noted to be through various mechanisms depending on the compound and the organism. The results suggest a broad antimicrobial action against a variety of microorganisms and suggest its use in antimicrobial herbal formulas.

+ Anti-Neoplastic

Smilax spp. has been reported to contain compounds with anti-cancer activities in various cancer cell lines. It has been reported to be active against cervical, lung, gastric, and breast cancers. These effects were reported to be due to components of Smilax spp, to reduce cancer cell viability, induce apoptosis through ERK signaling [14]. In ovarian cancer cell lines compounds in Smilax were found to be mediated through activation of caspase-3, PARP and Bax, blocking AKT activation, inhibition of NF-κB activation, and regulating cIAP-1, XIAP, Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 expression [5].

In females, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths In North American Women [11]. A study identifying the effects of various compounds found in Smilax china, on breast cancer cell lines, found that many of the flavonoids and some of the stilbenoids found in Smilax china were phytoestrogens, which were found to bind to the estrogen receptors and possess antiestrogenic activities, and kill breast tumor cells in vitro [11].

+ Anti-Nociceptive

When tissues and cells are damaged or suffer from harmful stimulation, compounds such as H+ (acetic acid), PGE2, or 5-HT to cause pain in the region. Acetic acid itself may cause pain directly, and also stimulates surrounding tissue to produce PGE2, which causes further pain. As such, acetic acid is used as a valuable model for measuring pain by measuring abdominal writhing as a result. Smilax china L. was shown to reduce writhing in mice induced by acetic acid significantly, and therefore determined to produce strong antinociceptive effects. These effects were suggested to be from Smilax china L. ability to interact and inhibit various prostaglandins. [12].

+ Antioxidant

Smilax spp. contains high levels of phenolic compounds, which have well-studied antioxidant activities. Epicatechins and catechins (well-studied constituents also found in Camellia sinensis) have also been discovered in Smilax spp. and likely add to the net antioxidant value of the plant. [4].

In Smilax glabra, astilbin is considered the main component. This constituent has shown antioxidant potential. However, more research is needed to determine how effective its free radical scavenging activity is. [4].

+ Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder characterized by raised, red patches on the skin. It is a lifelong disorder which can have many remissions throughout life. During outbreaks, epidermal hyperproliferation, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, angiogenesis with blood vessel dilatation can occur, causing the usual symptoms. Psoriasis is poorly understood, although genetic, immunological, and environmental factors are considered factors.

Current treatments involve prolonged use of pharmaceutical medications, with unknown long term health effects, and often come with adverse side effects as well.

Affordability and availability are also of concern to those taking these medications. Alternatively, the use of flavonoids and polyphenols are receiving attention for their effectiveness to solve this, as well as many other health conditions.

Flavonoids (phenolic compounds) have been found to possess immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of skin conditions.

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in Smilax china, and other species, has been shown to produce significant orthokeratosis, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity [10], which strongly support the effectiveness of Smilax spp. against psoriasis.

+ Gout

Gout is an inflammatory joint condition characterized by red, hot, and swollen joints. It is generally caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which then goes on to crystallize in deposits within the joints or tendons and surrounding area. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, which is catalyzed by xanthine oxidase in mammals. A buildup of uric acid can occur due to renal insufficiency (90% of cases), or overproduction (10%). This impaired excretion is likely due to a urate transporter abnormality in the proximal kidney tubule [7].

Smilax china L. extract was shown to inhibit xanthine oxidase, and enhance urate excretion through various chemicals contained within the botanical (9 different chemicals, each exerting effects a different way), and reduce hyperuricemia in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in mice [7]. This supports the use of Smilax as a treatment for gout.

+ Hepatoprotective And Liver Clearance

Smilax spp contains resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol, which have been shown to both reduce oxidative damage in the liver caused by mitochondrial dysfunction due to nicotine. It has also been found to enhance the rate of nicotine turnover within the body by enhancing CYP2A6-mediated metabolism for nicotine [6]. This evidence suggests sarsaparillas use as a detoxifying agent and as a possible hepatoprotective.