Overview
Sarsaparilla is a prickly, woody vine (liana) and used by the indigenous people of the
Amazon rainforest against many ailments and conditions such as rheumatism, skin problems (eczema, rashes, acne), blood
purifying, joint pains (gout), STD (syphilis, gonorrhea), diaphoretic, treatment for psoriasis, lung diseases and
diuretic.
Constituents
Plant steroids sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, pollinastanol, resveratrol,
rhamnose, saponins (sarsasaponin, smilasaponin, sarsaparilloside, sitosterol glucoside), oxalic acid, fatty acids.
Pharmacology
Sarsaparilla is used in the treatment of syphilis. Clinical observations demonstrated that
sarsaparilla was effective in about 90% of acute and 50% of chronic cases.
Antibiotic properties of sarsaparilla were documented; as were antifungal and bacterial activities. Anti-inflammatory
activity has been demonstrated, using induced models of arthritis and inflammation due to its immune modulatory action. Sarsaparilla
also has demonstrated liver protective effects in rats. Improvement of appetite and digestion has been noted with sarsaparilla,
as well as its diuretic actions in humans. Root seems to have stimulatory activity on the kidneys in humans and, in chronic nephritis.
Sarsaparilla was shown to increase the urinary excretion of uric acid.
Flavonoids in this plant have been documented to have immune modulation and liver protective activities.
The plant sterols found in Sarsaparilla closely resemble testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen. These are not
identical to human hormones but close; the liver doesn't have to work as hard to produce actual human hormones. Sarsaparilla helps to
maintain proper levels of testosterone and progesterone which can help the hair to grow. It is also used by body builders as a
natural steroid to promote muscle growth and mass.
Sarsaparilla increases the bioavailability of other herbs and enhances the benefits (synergist) due to high amount of saponins
(glycosides with a foaming characteristic). In folk medicine in South America it is used for sexual impotence problems and skin
ailments.
Sarsaparilla was shown to be a preventative and therapeutic agent for respiratory and allergic diseases such as acute
bronchitis, bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Dosage
We use the vine and roots to prepare the tincture.
Tincture: 1 - 3 ml. daily.
Reference
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs
Leslie Taylor, copyrighted 2005
The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage.
For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescribed (RX) or over - the - counter medication (OTC) is also
available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
dietary supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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