Sarsaparilla: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Sarsaparilla is a group of plants that grow in tropical parts of the world. There are about 350 species, including Smilax officinalis and Smilax glabra.

Chemicals in sarsaparilla might help decrease pain and swelling. Some chemicals might also help kill cancer cells or slow down their growth.

People use sarsaparilla for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse sarsaparilla with German sarsaparilla. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Sarsaparilla overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Sarsaparilla is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sarsaparilla is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. It might cause upset stomach when used in large amounts.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sarsaparilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse. Avoid sarsaparilla if you have kidney problems.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin. This can increase the risk of heart damage.
Lithium interacts with Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking sarsaparilla might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects.

Dosing

Traditionally, sarsaparilla is brewed in a tea. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of sarsaparilla might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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Khan AK, Singh PD, Reese PB, Howden J, Thomas TT. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory and the analgesic effects of the extracts from Smilax ornata Lem. (Jamaican sarsaparilla) plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;240:111830.

Li X, Chu L, Liu S, Zhang W, Lin L, Zheng G. Smilax china L. flavonoid alleviates HFHS-induced inflammation by regulating the gut-liver axis in mice. Phytomedicine 2022;95:153728.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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