Indian Sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) has a long history of use in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine in India for treating various skin conditions, including infections, itching, and chronic skin diseases. The roots of the plant are commonly used because they are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and blood-purifying properties, which are thought in traditional medicine to help clear skin eruptions and manage conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological disorders. Traditional texts and ethnobotanical surveys confirm its popularity for topical and internal use against skin ailments.

Scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. Some in vitro studies suggest that extracts of Hemidesmus indicus have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially benefit skin health. For example, certain laboratory assays have shown inhibition of bacterial growth and reduction in inflammatory markers. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating its efficacy for skin infections are lacking. Therefore, while laboratory data are promising, the primary justification for its use remains traditional, with only preliminary scientific support.