Evidence supporting the use of: Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

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

Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, including those of Central and South America as well as traditional Chinese medicine. Historically, it has been employed for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, rheumatism, and as a general tonic for “purifying” the blood. In the context of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, its use is primarily rooted in traditional beliefs that sarsaparilla can help detoxify the body and support liver function. However, there is a lack of high-quality scientific studies specifically investigating sarsaparilla’s effects on cirrhosis of the liver. Some laboratory research has identified saponins and other phytochemicals in sarsaparilla that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically offer some liver protection. Nevertheless, these findings are preliminary and have not been directly linked to clinical benefits in cirrhosis patients.

There are currently no well-designed human clinical trials that support the use of sarsaparilla for treating or managing cirrhosis. Therefore, while its use for liver health is documented in various traditional systems, scientific validation is extremely limited. Anyone considering herbal therapies for liver disease should consult with a qualified healthcare provider, as some herbal ingredients may interact negatively with liver function or prescribed medications.

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