Sarsaparilla

Species (Family) categories N1, N2 or N3 .(G16) Sarsaparilla has been used as a vehicle and flavouring agent for medica- Smilax species (Liliaceae) including ments,(G45) and is widely employed in the manufac- (i) Smilax aristolochiifolia Mill. ture of non-alcoholic beverages. (G59) In the USA, (ii) Smilax regelii Killip & Morton sarsaparilla is permitted for food use . (iii) Smilax ornata Hook. f. (iv) Smilax febrifuga Kunth Herbal Use Synonym(s) Sarsaparilla is stated to possess antirheumatic, anti- Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla, Sarsa, Smilax septic and antipruritic properties. Traditionally, it has (i) Mexican Sarsaparilla been used for psoriasis and other cutaneous condi- (ii) Honduras Sarsaparilla tions, chronic rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, as an (iii) Jamaican Sarsaparilla adjunct to other treatments for leprosy, and specifi- (iv) Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla cally for psoriasis .(G6,G7,G8,G64) Part(s) Used Rhizome, root Dosage Dried root 1-4 g or by decoction three times (G6) Pharmacopoeial and Other daily . Monographs BHC 1992 (G6) Sarsaparilla Liquid Extract (BP 1898) 8-15 mL (1 :1 BHP 1996 (G9) in 20% alcohol, 10% glycerol) . Martindale 32nd edition (G43) (G36) PDR for Herbal Medicines 2nd edition Pharmacological Actions Legal Category (Licensed Products) In vitro and animal studies GSL(G37) Anti-inflammatory (2) and hepatoprotective (3) effects have been shown in rats . Constituents (G6,G22,G41,G48,G62,G64) Soponins About 2% . Sarsasapogenin (parigenin), Clinical studies smilagenin, diosgenin, tigogenin, asperagenin, laxo- Improvement of appetite and digestion (4) as well as a genin from various species, (l) sarsasaponin (parillin), diuretic (4,S) action have been reported . Limited clin- smilasaponin (smilacin) and sarsaparilloside . ical data utilising extracts indicate improvement in psoriasis;(6) the extract has also been used as an Other constituents Caffeoylshikimic acid, ferulic adjuvant for the treatment of leprosy.(7) acid, shikimic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, phyto- sterols (e .g. (3-sitosterol, stigmasterol, pollinastanol), resin, starch, volatile oil (trace) and cetyl alcohol . Side-effects, Toxicity

Food Use None documented for sarsaparilla . Large doses of saponins are reported to cause gastrointestinal irrita- Sarsaparilla is listed by the Council of Europe as a tion resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting . Although natural source of food flavouring (category N4) . This haemolytic activity has been documented for the category indicates that the use of sarsaparilla as a saponins, (G62) they are not harmful when taken by flavouring agent is recognised but that there is insuffi- mouth and are only highly toxic if injected into the cient information available to further classify it into bloodstream .(G59)

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Contra-indications, Warnings References None documented for sarsaparilla . In view of the See also General References G6, G9, Gll, G16, possible irritant nature of the saponin constituents, G22, G29, G31, G32, G36, G37, G41, G43, G48, excessive ingestion should be avoided . G62 and G64 . 1 Sharma SC et al. Uber Saponine von Smilax Pregnancy and lactation There are no known pro- parvi folia Wall. Pharmazie 1980; 35: 646. blems with the use of sarsaparilla during pregnancy 2 Ageel AM et a! . Experimental studies on anti- and lactation . However, in view of the possible rheumatic crude drugs used in Saudi traditional irritant nature of the saponin components, exces- medicine. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1989; 15: 369- sive ingestion should be avoided . 372. 3 Rafatullah S et al. Hepatoprotective and safety Pharmaceutical Comment evaluation studies on sarsaparilla. Int J Pharma- Phytochemical studies on sarsaparilla have focused cog 1991; 29: 296-301 . on the nature of the steroidal saponin constituents, 4 Harnischfeger G, Stolze H . Smilax species - with limited Sarsaparille. In: Bewahrte Pflanzendrogen in information available regarding Wissenscha ft and Medizin . Bad Homburg/Mel- additional constituents . No documented scientific sungen: Notamed Verlag ., 1983: 216-225 . evidence was found to justify the herbal uses . No S Hobbs C. Sarsaparilla - a literature review . toxicity data were located, although large doses may Herbalgram 1988; 17: 1, 10-15. be irritant to the gastrointestinal mucosa and 6 Thermon FM . The treatment of psoriasis with a should, therefore, be avoided. sarsaparilla compound . N Engl J Med 1942; 227: Sarsaparilla saponins have been used in the 128-133. partial synthesis of cortisone and other steroids . 7 Rollier R . Treatment of lepromatous leprosy by a Several related Smilax species native to China are combination of DDS and sarsaparilla (Smilax (G41) used to treat various skin disorders . ornata). Int J Leprosy 1959; 27: 328-340 .