Evidence supporting the use of: Jamaican Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

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

Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii and related species) has a long history of use in traditional Caribbean and Central American medicine, including as a remedy for liver ailments such as hepatitis. In Jamaican herbal practice, sarsaparilla root is often consumed as a tea or tonic believed to "cleanse the blood" and support liver function. However, scientific studies specifically examining sarsaparilla’s efficacy in treating hepatitis are lacking. Most of the purported benefits are based on its general use as a "blood purifier" and anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. Some laboratory studies have identified saponins, flavonoids, and phytosterols in sarsaparilla that may exert anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects, which are theoretically beneficial for liver health. Nevertheless, there is no direct evidence from animal models or human studies demonstrating that Jamaican Sarsaparilla can treat hepatitis or significantly improve liver function in hepatitis patients. Thus, while its use is rooted in tradition and supported by some plausible mechanisms, robust scientific validation is absent.

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