Herbs & Supplements

Sarsaparilla Other Names: Khao Yen, Sarsa, Smilace, Smilax, Smilax aristolochiifolia, Smilax glabra, Smilax officinalis, Smilax regelii, Smilax sarsaparilla, Tufuling When should I be careful taking it? Precautions Sarsaparilla contains chemicals called saponins, which are poisonous to insects and other small creatures. Saponins are not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of humans, however. Therefore, sarsaparilla does not appear to be toxic to humans when taken by mouth or used topically. If they are injected into the blood, however; saponins can dissolve red blood cells, which may result in serious effects that include death. Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, the German governmental agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal products, warns that sarsaparilla may have negative effects on the kidneys. Although the warning has not been verified and any kidney impairment is believed to be temporary, sarsaparilla still should not be used by individuals with kidney diseases. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.