Sarsaparilla: Ancient Root, Modern Hype — What's Actually Proven?

Sarsaparilla: What This Root Actually Does

Who this is for: Anyone who's encountered sarsaparilla in supplement form and wants to know whether there's science behind it or just history. After reading, you'll know what sarsaparilla is reasonably good for and what it isn't.

Sarsaparilla (genus Smilax) is a tropical vine from Central and South America whose root has been used medicinally for over 500 years. In the 16th century, it was brought to Europe as a syphilis treatment. In the 19th century, it became a popular beverage (the ancestor of root beer). Today, it's marketed as a "natural testosterone booster" and "blood purifier" — claims that deserve critical examination.

TL;DR

• Sarsaparilla contains steroidal saponins — these are plant compounds, not human steroid hormones
• The testosterone claim is a myth — the plant's saponins don't convert to testosterone in the body (Shishodia et al., 2008)
• Reasonable evidence: anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial activity, skin health support
• Weak evidence: joint disease, liver protection, "blood purification"
• Dose: 1–4 g root powder or 250–500 mg standardized extract per day
• Safety profile is good — minimal side effects with long-term use

What Sarsaparilla Contains

The root's bioactive profile is complex (Moneriz et al., 2015):

The Testosterone Myth: Why It Doesn't Work

This is the most widespread misconception about sarsaparilla. The logic goes: the plant contains steroidal saponins → steroids = testosterone → sarsaparilla raises testosterone. In reality:

1. Plant saponins and human steroid hormones are structurally similar but chemically different (Shishodia et al., 2008)
2. The human body lacks the enzymes to convert sarsasapogenin into testosterone
3. No human study has demonstrated testosterone increases after sarsaparilla supplementation
4. Diosgenin (one of the saponins) is indeed a pharmaceutical starting material for testosterone synthesis, but this requires chemical laboratory processing — not the digestive tract

If you're looking for testosterone support, consider evidence-based alternatives: vitamin D (Pilz et al., 2011), zinc in case of deficiency, or ashwagandha (Lopresti et al., 2019).

What There's Actually Evidence For

Anti-inflammatory Effects (moderate evidence)

Sarsaparilla saponins inhibit the NF-kB signaling pathway and reduce TNF-alpha and IL-6 production — at least in cell cultures and animal models (Jiang & Xu, 2003). Traditional use for psoriasis and eczema may be related to this mechanism.

One 1940s study (Thurmon, 1942) showed psoriasis improvement with sarsaparilla, but this study doesn't meet modern standards and results haven't been reproduced.

Antimicrobial Activity (in vitro evidence)

Sarsaparilla root extract showed in vitro activity against several pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (Abdel-Naime et al., 2019). However, in vitro results don't equal clinical efficacy.

Skin Health (traditional + limited science)

Sarsaparilla has been used for skin conditions for centuries. Mechanisms may include:

• Saponins' cleansing effect in the gut (endotoxin binding)
• Anti-inflammatory action (NF-kB inhibition)
• Diuretic effect (waste removal)

How to Use Sarsaparilla

Doses:

Practical Protocol:

Sarsaparilla vs Other Herbal Supplements

Common Mistakes

1. Buying it for testosterone — this is a marketing myth. Save your money and choose an evidence-based alternative.
2. Confusing species — American sarsaparilla (Smilax) and Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) are different plants with different compounds.
3. Excessive expectations for skin — traditional use doesn't equal clinical evidence. Try for 6 weeks, but don't expect miracles.
4. Believing in "blood purification" — the liver and kidneys purify blood. Supplements don't.
5. Fearing saponins — the amounts in supplements are far below toxic doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sarsaparilla boost testosterone?

No. No human study has demonstrated this. The plant's saponins resemble steroid hormones structurally, but the body cannot convert them into hormones.

Can sarsaparilla be used during pregnancy?

Safety data is lacking. Traditionally used in some cultures during pregnancy, but without scientific evidence we don't recommend it.

Is sarsaparilla suitable for athletes?

Sarsaparilla is not on WADA's prohibited substances list and is safe. But there's no evidence for performance enhancement. For recovery, omega-3, magnesium, and tart cherry juice are better supported.

Is sarsaparilla tea effective?

Partially. Saponins are poorly water-soluble, so decoction (boiling) is better than simple steeping. However, capsules and extracts are more concentrated.

What's the difference between sarsaparilla species?

The Smilax genus contains over 300 species. Most common in supplements: S. officinalis (Central America), S. ornata (Mexico), S. glabra (China — tu fu ling). Bioactive composition varies by species.

Estonia Context

Sarsaparilla is not a traditional Estonian plant and local awareness is limited. Estonian pharmacies typically don't stock it — the main availability is through online stores. In Estonia's climate (winter vitamin D deficiency, darkness), other supplements (vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium) are more relevant priorities.

Sarsaparilla may be worth considering as an additional approach for skin issues, but preferably after trying evidence-based approaches first. MaxFit carries a selection of herbal supplements, where you can find products containing sarsaparilla.

References

• Shishodia, S., Sethi, G. & Aggarwal, B.B. (2008). Getting back to roots: natural products for cancer prevention. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1138, 229–251.
• Moneriz, C. et al. (2015). Parasitostatic effect of sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata). Acta Tropica, 150, 1–7.
• Jiang, J. & Xu, Q. (2003). Immunomodulatory activity of the aqueous extract from rhizome of Smilax glabra. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 85(1), 53–59.
• Thurmon, F.M. (1942). The treatment of psoriasis with a sarsaparilla compound. New England Journal of Medicine, 227, 128–133.
• Abdel-Naime, W.A. et al. (2019). Antibacterial, antifungal, and GC-MS studies of Smilax aspera L. South African Journal of Botany, 121, 432–439.
• Pilz, S. et al. (2011). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(3), 223–225.
• Lopresti, A.L. et al. (2019). Ashwagandha: hormonal and vitality effects in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men's Health, 13(2).

Also read our ashwagandha guide for an evidence-based alternative for natural hormone support.

See also:

• Ashwagandha: Stress, Sleep & Performance — What the Evidence Says
• Saccharomyces boulardii: The Probiotic Doctors Actually Recommend
• Norvita Supplements: Guide to the Estonian Brand and Product Overview