Family: Liliaceae.

Synonyms: Sarsaparilla, red sarsaparilla.

Parts Used: Root and rhizome.

Active Compounds

Saponins, based on the aglycones sarsapogenin and smilagenin; the major one being parillin (=sarsaponin), with smilasaponin (=smilacin) and sarsaparilloside

b-sitosterol, stigmasterol and their glucosides.

Medicinal Actions and Uses

Alterative, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, diaphoretic, demulcent, antisyphilitic, stimulant, antiscorbutic.

Sarsaparilla is a widely applicable alterative. It may be used to aid proper functioning of the body as a whole and in the correction of problems such as skin and rheumatic conditions. It is particularly useful in scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis, especially where there is much irritation. As part of a wider treatment for chronic rheumatism it is especially useful for rheumatoid arthritis.

Sarsaparilla contains constituents with properties that aid testosterone activity in the body. Traditional herbalists used this herb for syphilis, herpes, rheumatic affections, dropsy, gonorrheal rheumatism, syphilitic sore throats, and for chronic hepatic disorders.