Sarsaparilla.Smilax officinalis,Legend of Smilax China.

Administration and Suggestions:hwo to use Smilax officinalis?

Smilax sarsaparilla Extract INCI Name Smilax Aristolochiaefolia Extract Smilax Officinalis Root Extract CAS 97404-52-9 EINECS ELINCS No 306-819-2 Smilax officinalis Smilax China Wild Sarsaparilla Root extract photo picture image Precautions:When should I be careful taking it?

Sarsaparilla contains chemicals called saponins, which are poisonous to insects and other small creatures. It is believed that saponins are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of humans, therefore it does not appear to be toxic to humans when taken by mouth or used topically. If injected into the blood, however, saponins can dissolve red blood cells, which may result in serious effects that include death.

Due to its possible negative effect on the kidneys, sarsaparilla should not be used by individuals with impaired kidney function.

Possible Side Effects:What side effects should I watch for?

No major side effects have been reported from using oral or topical sarsaparilla in recommended amounts. Rarely, prolonged exposure to large amounts of the dust associated with commercial processing of sarsaparilla root has resulted in cases of asthma.

Taking oral sarsaparilla in very large amounts possibly could lead to stomach upset or intestinal irritation. Kidney function can also be disrupted temporarily if excessively large doses of sarsaparilla are taken. However, reports of these effects have not been verified by clinical research.

Side effects and Cautions: Excessive dosages can cause gastrointestinal irritation. According to German health authorities, sarsaparilla preparations have caused stomach irritation and temporary kidney problems. As it is known to increase the absorption of digitalis and hasten the elimination of other medications, thus changing their effective doses, sarsaparilla should not be taken by anyone on prescription medications.

Sarsaparilla can cause nausea and kidney damage. Large doses for long periods of time are to be avoided. Since sarsaparilla can increase absorption and/or elimination of digitalis and bismuth, such combinations are contraindicated.

Contraindications: Large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Possible interactions:

Drug Interactions: Sarsaparilla may increase the absorption of some drugs and compounds. Some report that it can increase the absorption of Digitalis glycosides while accelerating the elimination of hypnotic drugs.

Interactions with Prescription Drugs:

Sarsaparilla may possibly increase the absorption of the heart drug, digoxin by the body. If that happens, digoxin could reach dangerous levels in the blood. Some signs of excess digoxin may include blurred vision, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, rash, or upset stomach.

When sarsaparilla is taken at the same time that prescription drugs for insomnia are taken, it may cause the drug to leave the body more quickly than it would ordinarily. As a result, the drug may not be as effective.

Theoretically, sarsaparilla could interfere with the absorption or elimination of any oral drugs that are taken at the same time. If you take sarsaparilla by mouth, allow as much time as possible -- at least 2 hours -- between taking medicines and taking sarsaparilla.

Interactions with Non-prescription Drugs:

Sarsaparilla may possibly increase the body's absorption of bismuth from products such as Pepto-Bismol. Increased bismuth levels are relatively rare, but they may result in confusion, drowsiness, or excitement. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether you take a product that contains bismuth.

Interactions with Herbal Products:

Sarsaparilla could interfere with the absorption or elimination of other oral herbal supplements that are taken at the same time. Separate taking sarsaparilla and other supplements by at least 2 hours.

Sarsaparilla may increase blood levels of digoxin and bismuth,potentially causing heart rate, mental, or vision changes. Blood levels of drugs for insomnia, however, may decrease when they are taken at the same time as sarsaparilla and the sleep-promoting effects of the drug may lessen. The effectiveness of other drugs and herbal supplements may also be affected unpredictably by sarsaparilla.

Should I take it?

Native to South America, Latin America, Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean, sarsaparilla was introduced to Europe in the 15th century. A long vine-like plant with woody stems and long thorns, it is different from the sarsaparilla tree, which grows in the Northern Hemisphere.

For use in medicine, sarsaparilla root is dried and chopped, shredded, or powdered. In Chinese medicine, sarsaparilla is combined with a number of other ingredients into an oral compound to treat cancer and into a different combination for hepatitis. Indian traditional healers apply the juice of sarsaparilla leaves to treat skin conditions. In other cultures, it has been used historically for leprosy and for sexually-transmitted diseases such as syphilis. Although it is currently often included in dietary supplements for athletes, sarsaparilla does not contain anabolic steroids. No evidence exists to indicate that it enhances athletic performance or helps the development of muscle mass.

Because sarsaparilla has a characteristic fragrance and taste, it was formerly used extensively as a flavoring agent. Most notably, it was traditionally the ingredient that gave root beer its distinctive taste. Now mostly replaced by artificial flavors, sarsaparilla may still be used occasionally as a flavoring for foods or medications because it can hide bitter tastes. In the past, some individuals used it as a tonic because its strong flavor was believed to increase appetite and improve digestion.
Smilax sarsaparilla Extract INCI Name Smilax Aristolochiaefolia Extract Smilax Officinalis Root Extract CAS 97404-52-9 EINECS ELINCS No 306-819-2 Smilax officinalis Smilax China Wild Sarsaparilla Root extract photo picture image

Dosage and Administration:

Standard Dosage: Root Decoction: 1/2 to 1 cup 2-3times daily;Capsules: 1-2 g twice daily;Tincture: 2-3 ml twice daily.

Typically, sarsaparilla is taken two or three times a day -- either as a tea or as a liquid extract. Sarsaparilla tea can be made from 1,000 mg to 4,000 mg (one gram to 4 grams) of the chopped or shredded dried root that has been soaked for 10 minutes in about 8 ounces of hot water and then filtered before drinking. The extract is an alcohol-based liquid usually taken as 2 to 3 teaspoons at a time.

A recommended dosage for sarsaparilla is two or three times a day as a tea or a liquid extract. To make sarsaparilla tea, soak 1,000 mg to 4,000 mg (one gram to 4 grams) of chopped or shredded dried root for 10 minutes in about 8 ounces of hot water, and then filter before drinking. In its alcohol-based liquid supplement form it is recommended to take 2-3 teaspoons of sarsaparilla extract up to two or three times a day.

Capsules or tablets should provide at least 9 grams of the dried root per day, usually taken in divided doses. Tincture is used in the amount of 3 ml three times per day. Invariably, sarsaparilla is used in conjunction with other therapeutic herbs.

Capsules containing powdered sarsaparilla root are also available and sarsaparilla is included in a number of combination oral herbal products. Recommended doses differ greatly. If you decide to use sarsaparilla, follow the directions on the package you purchase.

Topical sarsaparilla is not widely available in the United States, although it is used in other parts of the world for acne, eczema, fungal infections, and similar skin conditions. The cooled and strained tea is sometimes applied to infected or inflamed skin as a wash or as a compress. When applied topically, sarsaparilla appears to have some ability to relieve itching, as well as having slight antibacterial properties. In this country, commercially-available topical antibacterial agents are much more effective, though.

It is common to find capsules containing powdered sarsaparilla root. It is also available in a number of combination oral herbal products. The recommended doses can differ according to manufacturer. Follow the directions on the package you purchase very carefully.

Although it is used in other parts of the world in connection with acne, eczema, fungal infections, and similar skin conditions, it is not usually used in the United States for this purpose. Sarsaparilla can be applied to the inflamed or infected skin in a tea form by slashing it on as a wash or as a compress. Topically it seems to be effective against itching and infections and seems to possess slight antibacterial properties. However, there are many other commercially available topical antibacterial agents which are more effective.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage: Sarsaparilla is generally considered as an alterative, though stated by some to possess diuretic, diaphoretic, and emetic properties. Its mode of action, however, is not well understood, as it effects normal changes in the system without any appreciable change in the operation of the various organs. No medicine has, probably, ever passed through so many changes of popularity, having been at various times most highly lauded as an efficient alterative, and as often been pronounced inert. There is no doubt, however, that, when properly prepared, it exerts a favorable influence over the system. The diseases in which it has been more particularly recommended, are inveterate syphilis, pseudo-syphilis, mercurio-syphilis, and struma in all its forms. It has been used in several chronic diseases, as of the skin, as herpes (best associated with sodium sulphite), rheumatic affections (with potassium iodide), passive general dropsy, gonorrhoeal rheumatism, and other depraved conditions of the system where an alterative is required. The decoction, made acid with nitric acid, is serviceable in syphilitic sore throats, and, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, is of some value in chronic hepatic disorders, with torpor. A drink is made in Angostura, which enjoys much reputation there as an alterative beverage. It is made of Rio Negro sarsaparilla, 1 pound; rasped guaiac wood, 6 ounces; aniseed and bruised liquorice root, of each, 2 ounces; mezereon root-bark, 1 ounce; molasses, 1 pound; and 1/2 dozen bruised cloves; pour upon these articles 2 gallons of boiling water, and shake the vessel 3 times a day. As soon as fermentation begins, it may be taken in doses of 4 fluid ounces, 2 or 3 times a day (C.Trans. Med. Bot. Soc., 1829). At the present day, sarsaparilla is but little used as above. Probably much of good that has been accomplished with sarsaparilla mixtures has been chiefly due to the active ingredients that have been so frequently associated with it. Dose of sarsaparilla, in powder, 30 grains, 3 or 4 times a day; of the infusion or syrup, 4 fluid ounces. Some believe sarsaparilla to contain an active cardiac-sedative principle.

Reference:

1.Sarsaparilla.Smilax officinalis,Legend of Smilax China.

last edit date:10th,Mar.2010.

Available Product

Name:Smilax sarsaparilla Extract
Serie No:P088
Specifications:10:1.TLC.
INCI Name:Smilax Aristolochiaefolia Extract,Smilax Officinalis Root Extract.
EINECS/ELINCS No.:306-819-2
CAS:97404-52-9
Chem/IUPAC Name:Smilax Aristolochiaefolia Extract is an extract of the roots of the sarsaparilla,Smilax aristolochiaefolia,Liliaceae

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