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Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla (Smilax Officinalis) is a plant of the liliaceous family which includes many varieties, depending on their origin. Sarsaparilla grows wild throughout the Caribbean. It prefers sandy loam soil. The vine-like growth produces a large root that grows horizontally within the soil. The sarsaparilla extracts have previously been proposed for use as a medicinal substance which can be administered orally, principally for use as a depurative and in the treatment of nutritional disorders and syphilis. The extracts of sarsaparilla are chiefly obtained from the roots of the plants. These extracts are characterized by the presence of saponosides of which the sapogenins are of steroidic structure. The major component of sarsaparilla is a variety of steroids which include sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol and pollinastanol, and their glycosides (saponins) including sarsasaponin (parillin), smilasaponin (smilacin), sarsaparilloside and sitosterol glucoside. Sarsaparilla is reported to have hepatoprotective, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Sarsaparilla root increases energy and, possibly, sexual stamina. It protects against harm from radiation exposure and regulates hormonal levels. The herb has diuretic properties, helping the kidneys rid the body of excess uric acid. Sarsaparilla's main active principles, phytosterols, steroid saponins, phenolic acids, flavonoids and minerals, adhere to toxins inside the gastrointestinal tract, this way reducing their absorption by the circulatory stream. On the other hand it improves the hepatic and renal excretory functions, facilitating the removal of toxic substances and waste found in cells, blood vessels and lymphatic system. Also, phytosterols block prostaglandin synthetase action, explaining its anti-inflammatory action and use to treat psoriasis.

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