Evidence supporting the use of: Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Stress

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sarsaparilla (Smilax species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Central and South America, China, and India. Its primary traditional uses include supporting skin health, treating rheumatism, and as a general tonic. In some herbal traditions, sarsaparilla has been included in formulas intended to help the body cope with fatigue or stress, often as part of a multi-herb blend. However, there is little direct documentation of sarsaparilla being used specifically and consistently as an anti-stress agent, especially compared to well-known adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or ginseng.

From a scientific standpoint, very few studies have investigated the effects of sarsaparilla on stress or the physiological mechanisms related to stress response, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or cortisol levels. Most research has focused on its saponin content and potential anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects. Therefore, while traditional use for general vitality or “tonic” effects might indirectly relate to stress, there is minimal evidence—either traditional or scientific—specifically supporting sarsaparilla as a treatment for stress. Its use for this condition is largely based on its inclusion in broader herbal formulas rather than strong, direct evidence.

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Other ingredients used for Stress

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-pinene
arjun tree
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
sesame
black tea
bonito peptide
bupleurum falcatum
California poppy
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chamomile
cordyceps
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
dong quai root
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gardenia
gotu kola
green tea
guayusa
heartwood
hibiscus
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus helveticus
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lavender
lentinula edodes mycelia
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
mint
motherwort
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
oat
passionflower
peppermint oil
perilla
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
pine bark
polygala root
pregnenolone
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
rose oil
saffron
sceletium
black ginger
skullcap
spearmint leaf
spinach
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
mulberry
whole adrenal glandular
zinc
sarsaparilla
suma
jiaogulan
catnip
cardamom
anise
fumaria parviflora
bee pollen
lingzhi
kanna
silk tree
oriental arborvitae
anemarrhena asphodeloides
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
noni
wood betony
biota seed
goji berry
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aralia
Arjuna
akebia
Antler
Agastache
Agrimony
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Arginine aspartate
Albizia
Anserina
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Algal protein
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Black spruce
Baccosides
Bacopin
Baicalein
Basidiomycota
Banyan
Brahmi
Bacopa
Buddha's Hand
Borage
banana
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Centella triterpenes
Common Monkey Flower
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Codonopsis
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Chinese Fleeceflower
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Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Coca
Chocolate
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
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cypress
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Calamus
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Dismutase
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Devil's Club
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Eplotab
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yohimbine