Evidence supporting the use of: Honduran Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Honduran Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii or related Smilax species) has been used traditionally in various folk medicine systems, especially in Central and South America, for a variety of ailments including hormonal imbalances and symptoms associated with menopause. Historical records and herbal texts mention its use as a general tonic and blood purifier, and it has sometimes been recommended for women experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings attributed to menopause. The rationale for its use is largely based on its perceived ability to support hormonal balance and its content of plant sterols, which were once hypothesized to have mild estrogenic effects. However, these traditional uses are not strongly supported by rigorous clinical trials or scientific research. Existing scientific literature offers little to no evidence specifically validating sarsaparilla for menopause symptom relief. Most contemporary herbal medicine references mention sarsaparilla’s traditional uses, but acknowledge the lack of direct clinical evidence. Therefore, while its use is rooted in tradition, the supporting evidence is weak, earning it a low evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Honduran Sarsaparilla
ArthritisBackache
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores