Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant in the Smilax genus. The climbing, woody vine grows deep within the rainforest canopy. South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies are its natural habitats. 

Sarsaparilla includes a plethora of plant compounds that are regarded to be useful to the human body. Saponins are chemicals that may help relieve joint discomfort and irritation while also killing microorganisms. Other substances may be beneficial in lowering inflammation and preserving the liver.

It is vital to highlight that the human research supporting these assertions are either very old or non-existent. Individual active components of this plant, individual cell research, or mouse studies were used in the studies cited below. While the findings are intriguing, human studies are required to back up the assertions. 

Other Names: Kumarika, Luan ye ba qia, Mexican Sarsaparilla, Salsepareille mexican , Stechwinde, Guti, Jangli Ushbah, Ushva, Ushba, Smilax medica Sch, Ushba , Vanamadhusnahi, Ushba Maghrabi, Usba, Usva

Psoriasis

Sarsaparilla root has been used for treating psoriasis for many years. Sarsaparilla significantly reduced skin lesions in adults with psoriasis, according to one studyTrusted Source. The researchers believed that sarsaponin, one of sarsaparilla's primary steroids, could bind to endotoxins responsible for psoriasis lesions and remove them from the body. 

Arthritis

Sarsaparilla has anti-inflammatory properties. This property makes it an effective treatment for inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and other causes of joint pain and swelling such as gout. 

Syphilis

Sarsaparilla has been demonstrated to be effective against pathogenic bacteria and other germs that have infiltrated the body. Though it may not be as effective as current antibiotics and antifungals, it has been used for millennia to cure serious ailments such as Hansen's disease (leprosy) and syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. Another severe bacterial infection is Hansen's disease (leprosy). 

Recent investigations have shown that sarsaparilla possesses antibacterial action. One study examined the action of more than 60 distinct phenolic compounds extracted from sarsaparilla. The chemicals were tested against six different species of bacteria and one fungus. The researchers discovered 18 compounds with antibacterial properties against bacteria and one against fungus. 

Cancer

A recent study found that sarsaparilla has anticancer activities in many types of cancer cell lines and in animals. Sarsaparilla's anticancer effects have also been demonstrated in preclinical tests in breast cancer tumours and liver cancer. More research is needed to determine whether sarsaparilla can be used to prevent and treat cancer. 

Protecting the liver

Sarsaparilla has also been demonstrated to preserve the liver. In rats with liver damage, chemicals high in flavonoids from sarsaparilla were discovered to be able to reverse damage to the liver and let it function at its best. Improving the bioavailability of other supplements. Sarsaparilla is utilized as a "synergist" in herbal blends. In other words, the saponins present in sarsaparilla are thought to boost the bioavailability and absorption of other herbs.