Synopsis

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

Sarsaparilla (typically referring to species such as Smilax officinalis or Smilax regelii) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Central and South America. Historically, it has been used for a wide variety of ailments, including as a “blood purifier,” for skin diseases, and sometimes for hormonal imbalances or reproductive health, which is where its association with menopause may arise. Some traditional herbal systems have recommended sarsaparilla for symptoms thought to be related to menopause, such as hot flashes or mood changes, based on its supposed phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating properties.

However, modern scientific studies directly evaluating sarsaparilla’s efficacy for menopause are lacking. There is minimal to no clinical evidence supporting its benefit for menopausal symptoms in controlled trials. The plant does contain plant sterols, like sarsapogenin, which are sometimes claimed to have hormone-like effects, but there is no convincing research that these compounds act as estrogens in the human body. Therefore, the use of sarsaparilla for menopause is justified primarily by tradition and anecdotal reports rather than scientific validation.

In summary, while sarsaparilla has a historical reputation for supporting women’s health and hormonal balance, current scientific evidence does not substantiate its use for menopause. Its popularity for this condition is rooted in traditional use rather than robust clinical research.

More about Sarsaparilla (mixed)
More about Menopause

Other ingredients used for Menopause

Other health conditions supported by Sarsaparilla (mixed)

Products containing Sarsaparilla (mixed)