Indigenous people globally used sarsaparilla root for centuries to treat joint issues like arthritis and skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
The root was believed to cure Hansen’s disease (leprosy) due to its “blood-purifying” properties.
Sarsaparilla was later introduced to European medicine and registered in the United States Pharmacopoeia for syphilis treatment.
Habitat
Fast-growing thin perennial vine with prickly stems that cling for support.
Oval-shaped and slender leaves with a smooth texture; flowers are small and elongated in light green and purple hues.
Hard, linear roots emit a sweet scent reminiscent of vanilla, cinnamon, and almonds.
Propagated from stem and rootstock cuttings, with the latter preferred.
Harvested roots, when dry and boiled, produce the extract.
Phytochemistry
H. indicus roots contain hexatriacontane, lupeol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, sitosterol. coumarino-lignoid-hemidesminine, hemidesmin, hemidesmin I and II, pentacyclic triterpenes, and more. including two oleanenes, and three ursenes.
Stem contains calogenin, acetylcalogenin-3-0-β-D-digitoxopyrannosyl-0-β-D-digitoxopyronsyl-0-β-D-digitoxopyranoside. It also afforded 3-keto-lup-12-en-21 28-olide along with lupanone, lupeol-3-β-acetate, hexadecanoic acid, 4-methoxy-3-methoxybenzalaldehyde and 3-methoxy-4-5methoxybenzalaldehydglycosides-indicine, and hemidine.
The leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, hyperoside, rutin and coumarino.
Rare leucoderma lignoids, hemidesminine, hemidesmin I and hemidesmin II, are found in leaves.
Nutritional Prowess
Sarsaparilla contains plant chemicals believed to have beneficial effects on the body, including saponins for joint pain and skin itching, anti-inflammatory properties for arthritis, and potential anti-cancer properties.
Sarsaparilla root, particularly sarsaponin, may improve skin by removing endotoxins responsible for psoriasis lesions.
Anti-inflammatory nature makes sarsaparilla effective against rheumatoid arthritis and other causes of joint pain and swelling.
Demonstrates activity against harmful bacteria, historically used to treat syphilis and Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
Recent studies suggest potential anticancer properties, especially in breast and liver cancer cell lines. More research is needed for cancer prevention and treatment.
Shows protective effects on the liver, reversing damage and promoting optimal functioning in rats with liver damage.
Dermatological Perks
Blood-purifying properties leave the skin glowing.
Removes toxins for clearer skin.
Effective against psoriasis, skin rashes, acne, and other skin diseases.
