Sarsaparilla is a large woody vine growing up to 50 meters in length and is native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras and the West Indies. The root, used for medicinal purposes, is long and tuberous and supports a ground-trailing vine with paired tendrils for climbing. The fragrance of the root is considered pleasant with a spicy sweet taste. Sarsaparilla vine should not be confused with the tree, Sasparilla which was once used to flavor rootbeer. There are many species of Smilax around the world that are very similar in appearance, uses and even chemical structure, including S. officinalis, S. regeli, S. aristolochiaefolia, S. febrifuga, S. sarsaparilla, and S. ornata.

Sarsaparilla has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America for sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailment, and a tonic for physical weakness.⁽²⁾ Sarsaparilla root was used by South American indigenous tribes as a general tonic where New World traders found it and introduced it into European medicine in the 1400's. European physicians considered it an alterative tonic, blood purifier, diuretic and diaphoretic.⁽¹⁾ A sarsaparilla root from Mexico was introduced into European medicine in 1536, where it developed a strong following as a cure for syphilis and rheumatism.⁽¹⁾ Since this time, the Smilax genus has a long history of use for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases throughout the world. With its reputation as a blood purifier, it was registered as an official herb in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a syphilis treatment from 1820 to 1910. From the 1500's to present, Sarsaparilla is used as a blood purifier and general tonic, and has been used all over the world for the same conditions, namely gout, syphilis, gonorrhea, wounds, arthritis, fevers, coughs, scrofula, hypertension, digestive disorders, psoriasis, skin disease, cancer and as a tonic.^{(2 - 9)}

Clinical research on the pharmacological actions of Sarsasparilla has been varied over the years. Sarsaparilla was also used by the Chinese in the treatment of syphilis. Clinical observations in China demonstrated that sarsasparilla is effective, according to blood tests, in about 90% of acute cases and 50% of chronic cases.⁽³⁾ It was shown clinically in 1942 to dramatically improve psoriasis which continued its validation and use as a blood purifying remedy.⁽¹⁰⁾ In the 1950's, the anti-biotic properties of sarsaparilla were documented.^{(11, 12)} Its effective use as an adjuvant for the treatment of leprosy was documented in a human trial in 1959.⁽¹³⁾ It's anti-inflammatory ⁽¹⁴⁾ and hepatoprotective ⁽¹⁵⁾ effects have been shown in rats and improvement of appetite and digestion as well as diuretic actions in humans has also been documented.⁽¹⁶⁾ Its blood-purifying actions was demonstrated when sarsaparilla demonstrated the ability to attack and neutralize microbial substances in the blood stream.^{(6, 17)} The majority of Sarsaparilla's pharmacological properties and actions have been attributed to a pharmacologically active group of phytochemicals called steroids and saponins. The saponins have been reported to facilitate the absorption by the body of other drugs and phytochemicals^{(3, 18)} which accounts for its history of use in herbal formulas as a bioavailability and herbal enhancement agent.

Sarsaparilla contains the steroids: sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol and pollinastanol and the saponins: sarsasaponin, smilasaponin, sarsaparilloside, and sitosterol glucoside among others.⁽³⁾ Saponins and plant steroids found in many species of plants, including Sarsaparilla, can be chemically synthesized into human steroids like estrogen and testosterone. This chemical synthesization has never been documented to occur in the human body - only in the laboratory. Plant steroids and their actions in the human body are still a subject of much interest, too little research, and unfortunately, misinformation mainly for marketing purposes. Sarsaparilla has been erroneously touted to contain testosterone and/or other anecbolic steroids. While it is a rich source of steroids and saponins, it has never been proven to have any anecbolic effects, nor is testosterone found in sarsaparilla or any other plant source thus far.^{(3, 20)} There is no known toxicity or side effects documented for sarsaparilla, however ingestion of large dosages of saponins may cause gastro-intestinal irritation.^{(19, 20)}

1 "Since ancient times Sarsaparilla has been considered an excellent blood purifier. More recently it has been used alone or with other herbs to combat psoriasis, eczema, warts and other skin infections. ln homeopathy it is frequently used for skin eruptions that are accompanied by intense itching." 2 "Sarsaparilla is used all over the world for a wide range of symptoms. These include lung and stomach congestion, skin diseases, herpes, syphilis, psoriasis, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, nervous disorders, epilepsy, chronic liver disorders, colds fevers, and stomach and intestinal gas. It helps promote good circulation, clear toxins, balance the glandular system, and stimulate metabolism and male sexual potency. The natural steroidal glycosides found in smilax make it a favorite for body builders and anyone who would like to be stronger and energized. It promotes rejuvenation and can be used as an anti-inflammatory." 3 "ACTIONS: Stimulates metabolism, Enhances glandular balance, Boosts hormone, production, Cleanses blood, Aids muscle building. TRADITIONAL USE: Smilax is used for glandular balance, and is believed to aid building of muscle mass. Recognized for its properties believed to increase metabolic rate. Naturally stimulates production of hormones. Known to encourage muscle mass when used adjunct to specific exercise. High in vitamins and minerals. Has been used in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, kidney and bladder dysfunctions and skin conditions. MERIDIAN INDICATIONS: Warms male organs, Strengthens muscles, Nourishes blood, kidney, Stomach, Liver EVA POINTS: Triple Warmer, Bladder 65, Stomach, Kidney, Liver." 4 "Medical Action and Uses: Alterative, tonic. Used in chronic skin diseases, rheumatism, passive dropsy." 5 "A sweet herb used for impotency, liver problems, stress, rheumatism, gout, venereal disease (i.e., syphilis), leukorrhea, herpes, other disorders caused by blood impurities, epilepsy, and nervous system disorders. Reduces fever, clears skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, and controls diabetes. Also good for stomach and kidney disorders. Regulates hormones, increases energy, and protects against harmful radiation." 11 "Sarsaparilla to increase circulation, clear toxins and stimulate metabolism." 13 "Sarsaparilla's medicinal use has been as a tonic and a blood purifier. A blood purifier or depurative refers to an agent that cleanses and purifies the system. Sarsaparilla's reputation in this regard probably stems from its importation from the Caribbean and South America to Europe in the sixteenth century for the treatment of syphilis.
During military operations in Portugal in 1812, a British Inspector General of Hospitals noted that the Portuguese soldiers suffering from syphilis who used sarsaparilla recovered much faster and more completely than their British counterparts, who were treated with mercury.
Sarsaparilla was also used by the Chinese in the treatment of syphilis. Clinical observations in China demonstrated that sarsaparilla is effective, according to blood tests, in about 90 percent of acute cases and 50 percent of chronic cases.
An interesting note is that sarsaparilla species have been used all over the world in many different cultures for the same conditions, namely gout, arthritis, fevers, digestive disorders, skin disease, and cancer.
The mechanism of action of sarsaparilla is largely unknown, although the plant does contain several saponins and has been shown to be clinically effective in the treatment of psoriasis. This evidence points to a possible effect on binding of cholesterol and bacterial toxins in the intestines.
Evidence seems to support sarsaparilla as an endotoxin binder. Endotoxins are cell wall constituents of bacteria that are absorbed from the gut. Normally, the liver filters out these and other gut-derived compounds before they reach the general circulation. If the amount of endotoxin absorbed is excessive or if the liver is not functioning adequately, the liver can become overwhelmed, and endotoxins will spill into the blood. In a controlled study of ninety-two patients, an endotoxin-binding saponin (sarsaponin) from sarsaparilla greatly improved the psoriasis in 62 percent of the patients and resulted in complete clearance in 18 percent."

14 "Smilax is another herb with a reputation as a remarkable tonic and male rejuvenator. This herb has been receiving considerable attention lately, but not of a research nature. Rather it has become a favorite of the body-building crowd. Is there any justification for this interest?
As a tonic, smilax has been used primarily to increase vitality and virility, and is used throughout Central and South America and some parts of southern North America to treat the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. This practice has even spread to Europe. Chinese physicians verified the anti-syphilis property of sarsaparilla. In clinical observations, its effectiveness on primary syphilis was rated at 90 percent. Allowing for some halo effect, the results are still staggering. This may help explain how the herb came to used that way in Europe. It was simply effective.
Worldwide opinion also concurs on other uses for smilax, including an anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis and gout, and a detoxification effect in cancer and skin disorders.
The effectiveness of smilax in the treatment of skin disorders, such as the acne of adolescence caused by raging androgens, has received some experimental support.
The tonic effect of smilax may be the result of its ability to stimulate the removal of accumulated waste products from the cells, blood and lymph.
One final note: Smilax contains a wide variety of saponins, mainly sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol and stigmasterol. These substances commonly occur in plants with immune enhancing action, in the adaptogens, in tonics, and in herbs used for their nutritive value. Smilax saponins have not been investigated thoroughly, but they may hold the key to the popularity of the plant for body-building purposes. Sarsaparilla saponins have, for example, been used in the synthesis of sex hormones." 21 "SMILACACEAE
Sarsaparilla Family
The four genera and 375 species of the Smilacaceae are mainly tropical and subtropical climbing shrubs; a few species occur in temperate zones. The family is very closely allied to the Liliaceae, in which some taxonomists classify the members which we consider here as a separate family. Several species are sources of commercial sarsaparilla; some species are of value as medicines.
Steroidal glycosides and occasional flavonoids have been found in Smilax. More recently, glutamic acid derivatives have been reported from S. china (Kasai, 1984), choline and acetyl choline from S. hispida (Miura, 1984) and diosgenin from S. zeylanica (Kar, 1984).
Smilax Linnaeus
The genus has 350 species of woody climbers of the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres. They are usually armed with spines. Several species are esteemed as stomach tonics and stimulants.
Smilax officinalis Humboldt, Bonpland et Kunth, Gen. et Sp. 1 (1916) 271.
Garcia-Barriga (1974)
The Makuna men use the roots to restore virility, the women to treat symptoms of menopause.
REFERENCES:
Garcia-Barriga, H., Flora Medicinal de Colombia, Instituto de Ci6ncias Naturales, Bogoti (1974)
Kar, D. K. and S. Sen, Curr. Sci. 53 (1984) 661.
Kasai, T., T. Nishitoba et al., Agric. Bio. Chem. 48 (1984) 2271.
Miura, G. A. and T. M. Shih, Physiol. Plant. 61 (1984) 417."
Hobbs, Christopher, "Sarsaparilla, A literature review" HerbalGram No. 17 - Summer 1988, Pg 10. :
"Gerard, in his Great Herbal, mentions that the Honduran and Peruvian sarsaparilla "are a remedy against long continual pain of the joints and head, and against the cold." Spanish "sarza parilia", S. aspera, he takes to be similar, but weaker in action(11).
According to Monardes, the Spanish botanist, Mexican sarsaparilla was introduced into European medicine about 1536 at Seville (12). Other species soon followed from Guatamala and Honduras. They were highly regarded as a remedy for syphilis, which was also imported from the new world in the late 1400's, and for rheumatism. From Spain, the herb found its way into the pharmacists shops all over Europe and England.
Few plants have had the rise and fall in popularity that sarsaparilla has had. When it was introduced it was considered remarkably effective for diverse chronic diseases, and many doctors of the time wrote about its benefits. Generally considered an alterative tonic, blood purifier, diuretic and diaphoretic, it was given alone or in combination with other herbs, as well as with mercury for long-standing venereal disease.
Pereira, a leading physician in London in the mid-nineteenth century, felt that sarsaparilla works when "the malady is of long continuance, and the constitution is enfeebled and emaciated, either by the repeated attacks of the disease, or by the use of mercury," and that it is "the great restorer of a appetite, flesh, colour, strength and vigour."
11. Gerad, John (1633). The Herbal or General History of Plants, reprinted by Dover, NY (1975)
12. Lloyd, J.U. (1929) Origin and History of all the Pharmacopeial Vegetable Drugs, Caxton Press, Cincinnati"