Evidence supporting the use of: Sarsaparilla (mixed)
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine systems, particularly in Central and South America, as well as in traditional Western herbalism. It has been used for a wide variety of ailments, including skin diseases, hormonal balancing, and as a general tonic. The association of sarsaparilla with supporting the adrenal cortex specifically is rooted mostly in traditional and naturopathic circles rather than rigorous scientific evidence. Herbalists have historically suggested that sarsaparilla can "support" or "tonify" adrenal function, often due to its perceived effects on energy, vitality, and hormone balance.

From a scientific standpoint, the evidence supporting sarsaparilla for direct adrenal cortex support is minimal. Some phytochemicals in sarsaparilla, such as saponins (notably smilagenin and sarsaponin), possess structural similarity to human steroid hormones, leading to the traditional belief that they may influence hormone production or balance. However, there is no robust clinical research demonstrating that sarsaparilla directly affects adrenal hormone production (like cortisol or DHEA) or function in humans. Most modern herbal references that mention adrenal support do so based on tradition or extrapolation from its general tonic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, while sarsaparilla is widely used in traditional herbal formulas targeting the adrenal system, this practice is not strongly supported by clinical trials or modern pharmacological studies.

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