Evidence supporting the use of: Mexican Sarsaparilla
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Central and South America. Indigenous peoples and later herbalists in Mexico and elsewhere have employed sarsaparilla root for a variety of health concerns, including as a 'blood purifier' and to support the body's natural detoxification processes. The concept of 'blood purification' in traditional systems often corresponds to supporting the lymphatic system, which plays a role in immune function and waste removal.
However, there is limited scientific research directly validating these traditional uses. Some studies have investigated sarsaparilla's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, and it contains saponins and phytosterols that may have biological activity, but these findings do not specifically confirm benefits to the lymphatic system. No clinical trials have been published that definitively show efficacy of Mexican Sarsaparilla for lymphatic support. Thus, its use for this purpose is rooted primarily in tradition and anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific validation.
In summary, while Mexican Sarsaparilla is traditionally used to support the lymphatic system and for 'blood cleansing,' the scientific evidence to substantiate this use is weak or indirect. Most claims arise from historical practices and cultural beliefs rather than modern clinical research.
Other ingredients that support Lymphatics
alfalfaastragalus
bayberry
blackberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
cat's claw
chamomile
citrus oil
citrus pectin
turmeric
dandelion
dyer’s woad root
echinacea purpurea
fruit blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
onion
green tea
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
maitake mushroom
marshmallow
nettle
oregon grape
parsley
reishi mushroom
rosemary
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
water
watercress
watermelon
sarsaparilla
red clover
jiaogulan
boneset
mullein
typhonium
lobelia
neem tree
punarnava
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
yarrow
pau d'arco
elecampane
ganoderma
sheep's sorrel
polyporus
cleavers
stillingia
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
AHCC
Ajuga
Aescin
Andrographis
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Blue Flag
Black-Eyed Susan
Brassica
Bindweed
berry
Bee products
Bupleurum
Bittersweet
Coumarin
Calendula
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chinese Ligustrum berry
cypress
Chaparral
Cowslip
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cytokines
Castor Oil
Culvers Root
Deerbrush
Echinacea
Escin
Fruit
Figwort
Galium
Other body systems supported by Mexican Sarsaparilla
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Blood
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Glandular System
Immune System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Lymphatics
Male Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skin
Urinary System