Sarsaparilla Root (Jamaican)
Also known as- Smilax ornata, Sweet Sarsaparilla, Sarsaparilla
Introduction
Sarsaparilla * many of us remember it as the perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day. The semi tropical plant is native to South and Central America, as well as parts of China and India. By the time the Spanish conquistadores arrived, they found the indigenous tribes using beverages made with sarsaparilla (sarsaparilla) as a general health tonic. Among the claims made for sarsaparilla are that it improves the libido, increases sexual appetite, is beneficial for treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions, and fights several viral infections.
Modern medicine and science seem to confirm many of the traditional uses of sarsaparilla root. The saponins found in the root, for instance, can be used to synthesize human steroids, though there is no evidence that this transformation happens naturally in the human body. Still, there is a great deal of interest in the actions of plant steroids in the human body. There is some evidence to support the use of sarsaparilla root in treating skin conditions, and in increasing general health, as well as evidence that some constituents of sarsaparilla have antiviral action, and are useful in treating rheumatism and syphilis.
Constituents
palmitic acid(I), beta-sitosterol(II), delta 7-5 alpha-cholesten-3-beta-ol(III), naringenin (IV), succinic acid (V), apigenin (VI), resveratrol (VII), daucosterol (VIII) and juncusyl ester B (IX). arsasapogenin, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol; many flavonoids; and the saponins sarsasaponin, sarsaparilloside,
Parts Used
Root
Typical Preparations
Root decoction as a tea, powdered in tablets or capsules, made into cold beverages, and seldom found as an extract.
Summary
Sarsaparilla seems to be another case where science is slowly learning that many of the traditional uses are valid. Sarsaparilla is used as a treatment to restore virility, ease skin conditions, combat leprosy, treat syphilis and reduce the pain and inflammation associated with autoimmune joint diseases like rheumatism.
Precautions
Excessive use may cause intestinal discomfort. Not recommended while pregnant
