Does sarsaparilla have health benefits?

January 7, 2026 •

5 min read

Historically used in folk medicine for centuries to "purify the blood," the root of the sarsaparilla plant is rich in beneficial compounds, like saponins and flavonoids. But does sarsaparilla have health benefits that are validated by modern science? This article explores the research behind its traditional uses and assesses the scientific evidence.

Quick Summary

Sarsaparilla contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-supporting properties, though human research is limited. While traditionally used for various ailments, scientific validation is still emerging to confirm these benefits.

Key Points

Limited Human Evidence: The majority of research on sarsaparilla's health benefits comes from laboratory and animal studies, not large-scale human clinical trials.
Promising Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Sarsaparilla contains saponins and flavonoids that show anti-inflammatory potential, which could help with conditions like arthritis and psoriasis.
Potential Skin Health Support: Historically used for skin conditions, some studies suggest sarsaparilla's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may protect against oxidative damage and aid in treating psoriasis.
Antioxidant and Immune Boost: Rich in antioxidants, the herb may help neutralize free radicals and has been traditionally used to boost the immune system due to its potential antimicrobial properties.
Not a Proven Cancer Treatment: While some in vitro and animal studies show promising anti-cancer effects, there is no clinical evidence to support using sarsaparilla to treat cancer in humans.
Cautions and Interactions: Sarsaparilla can cause stomach irritation in large doses and should be avoided by pregnant/breastfeeding individuals and those with kidney disease due to safety concerns and potential drug interactions.

What is Sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla is a vine-like plant native to tropical and subtropical regions across Central and South America. While the term is often associated with the classic root beer flavor, the herb used for medicinal purposes comes from the root of plants in the Smilax genus. The thick, woody rhizomes of the plant are harvested, dried, and processed into various forms like teas, tinctures, and powders. Sarsaparilla contains a rich array of phytochemicals, including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and plant sterols, which are believed to be responsible for its effects. It is important to distinguish true sarsaparilla (Smilax species) from Indian or false sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), which is from a different family but is sometimes confused for it.

Traditional Uses and Modern Research

A History of Folk Medicine

For centuries, indigenous communities and European herbalists have prized sarsaparilla for its purported health-promoting properties. The belief that it could "purify the blood" led to its use for a wide range of conditions, including skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema, joint pain, venereal diseases like syphilis, and as a general tonic for vitality. This traditional usage, while extensive, is based on empirical tradition rather than controlled studies.

The Need for Clinical Evidence

In modern medicine, the efficacy of herbal remedies requires rigorous scientific validation through controlled clinical trials. While laboratory (in vitro) and animal studies have shown promising results for sarsaparilla's bioactive compounds, robust human trials are still limited. Therefore, many claims about sarsaparilla's benefits remain unsupported by strong scientific evidence, and users should approach them with informed caution.

Potential Health Benefits of Sarsaparilla

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Sarsaparilla's root contains saponins and flavonoids with notable anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis and joint pain. A 2019 study on rats showed that extracts from Jamaican sarsaparilla had significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, the flavonoid astilbin, found in sarsaparilla, has shown potential in mitigating inflammatory conditions in animal models.

Support for Skin Health

Historically, sarsaparilla was a remedy for skin issues, particularly psoriasis. Research indicates its anti-inflammatory effects and high antioxidant content could play a role. A 2017 in vitro study found that astilbin inhibited keratinocyte growth, which is often overproduced in psoriasis. A Korean study also demonstrated sarsaparilla root's antioxidant effects protected human dermal fibroblasts from oxidative damage, suggesting anti-aging potential. While promising, more human-specific studies are needed to confirm these skin-related benefits.

Antioxidant and Immune Effects

Rich in powerful antioxidants, sarsaparilla helps neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage and contribute to chronic diseases. This antioxidant activity, combined with its traditional use as an immune booster, suggests its potential role in supporting overall health and protecting against infections. Laboratory studies have shown that sarsaparilla extracts can inhibit human pathogens like E. coli.

Detoxification and Diuretic Action

In folk medicine, sarsaparilla is a well-known diuretic and diaphoretic, meaning it stimulates urination and sweating to help the body eliminate toxins. It has also been used to support liver and kidney function. However, robust scientific evidence confirming its liver and kidney detoxification effects in humans is limited.

Preliminary Cancer Research

Multiple in vitro and animal studies have explored sarsaparilla's potential anti-cancer properties. Research has found that extracts can inhibit cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion in lab settings. For example, a 2015 study showed that sarsaparilla extract inhibited the growth of various cancer cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and do not prove sarsaparilla can treat cancer in humans.

Comparison: Sarsaparilla, Burdock Root, and Dandelion


Feature	Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.)	Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)	Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Primary Traditional Use	"Blood purifier" for skin issues, arthritis, and vitality.	"Blood purifier" and lymphatic system tonic for skin and inflammation.	Liver detox, digestive aid, and diuretic.
Key Bioactive Compounds	Saponins, flavonoids, plant sterols.	Inulin, lignans, phenolic acids.	Inulin, potent antioxidants (beta-carotene, polyphenols), bitter compounds.
Scientific Evidence	Limited human evidence; promising in vitro/animal studies for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects.	Antioxidant activity supported by some research; more studies needed for other claims.	Supported by some studies for antioxidant and liver-protective effects, largely based on traditional use.
Risks/Considerations	Possible stomach irritation, potential drug interactions (Digoxin, Lithium).	Generally safe for most; potential allergic reactions.	Can cause stomach upset in some; potential drug interactions.

How to Use Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla root is available in several forms for consumption. Always follow package instructions and consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medication.

Common Preparations

Tea or Decoction: To prepare a concentrated tea or decoction, boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried root or powder in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. For a stronger medicinal decoction, boil 1 tablespoon in 2 cups of water for 20-30 minutes.
Tinctures: These liquid extracts are concentrated and taken in small doses, typically 2-4 milliliters three times daily.
Supplements: Sarsaparilla is widely available in capsule or powder form, with a typical dosage of 1-4 grams of dried root per day.

Conclusion: Navigating the Evidence

The question "does sarsaparilla have health benefits?" is complex. While traditional uses point to a wide range of applications, modern scientific research is still catching up. What is clear is that sarsaparilla contains potent bioactive compounds with demonstrable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory and animal studies. Its historical use for skin conditions like psoriasis is supported by some preliminary research on its active flavonoids. However, claims related to cancer, liver detoxification, and hormonal balance require much more robust human data. For most people, consuming sarsaparilla in moderation is likely safe, but it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, especially for serious conditions. Those with kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those taking medications like Digoxin or Lithium should avoid it. The journey from traditional remedy to evidence-based treatment is ongoing, and future research may yet shed more light on the full spectrum of sarsaparilla's potential benefits.

For more in-depth reading on specific scientific studies, you can visit the NCBI website, which hosts numerous research papers on herbal compounds, such as the PLoS One article detailing sarsaparilla's anti-cancer activity. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding your health and the use of herbal supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

While sarsaparilla has a long history of use as a "blood purifier" and diuretic in traditional medicine, there is little robust scientific evidence to support its specific efficacy for human liver and kidney detoxification.

Sarsaparilla comes from the Smilax vine, while sassafras comes from the sassafras tree. Historically, sarsaparilla was the main ingredient in the beverage of its name, while sassafras was used for root beer. Both contain safrole, a compound banned by the FDA in high doses.

Sarsaparilla is generally considered safe for most people in moderate amounts, but can cause stomach irritation in large doses. It is important to consult a physician, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Yes, sarsaparilla has been shown to potentially interact with certain medications, including Digoxin (used for heart conditions) and Lithium. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before use if you are on any medication.

To make a sarsaparilla root tea, you can simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried root or powder in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. For a stronger brew (decoction), boil 1 tablespoon in 2 cups of water for 20-30 minutes.

Sarsaparilla has been traditionally used to treat psoriasis, and some preliminary animal and in vitro studies show promise due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, high-quality human research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Both teas and supplements are common forms of sarsaparilla. Teas and decoctions involve brewing the root, while supplements are often concentrated extracts in capsule form. The optimal form and dosage depend on the individual and their specific health goals, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for guidance.

Some supplement manufacturers have falsely claimed that chemicals in sarsaparilla can be converted into anabolic steroids like testosterone. There is no scientific evidence to support this, and testosterone has never been detected in any plant.