Evidence supporting the use of: Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sarsaparilla (from several Smilax species) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Central and South America, as well as in Western herbal traditions. It has historically been employed as a "blood purifier," which, in the context of older medical systems, often implied a perceived benefit to the lymphatic system due to its role in cleansing and detoxification. Some traditional herbal texts and practitioners suggest that sarsaparilla supports healthy lymphatic flow and function, often grouping it with other "alterative" herbs thought to enhance the body's eliminative processes.
However, there is very little scientific research specifically investigating sarsaparilla's effects on the lymphatic system. Most modern studies on sarsaparilla focus on its potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or antimicrobial properties, but these are not directly linked to lymphatic health in available research. Thus, its use for this purpose is justified primarily by tradition, with anecdotal support and longstanding use in herbal formulas, rather than by clinical trials or robust scientific validation. The evidence rating is low due to the lack of direct research, but its historical and traditional use is well documented.
Other ingredients that support Lymphatics
alfalfaastragalus
bayberry
blackberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
cat's claw
chamomile
citrus oil
citrus pectin
turmeric
dandelion
dyer’s woad root
echinacea purpurea
fruit blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
onion
green tea
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
maitake mushroom
marshmallow
nettle
oregon grape
parsley
reishi mushroom
rosemary
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
water
watercress
watermelon
sarsaparilla
red clover
jiaogulan
boneset
mullein
typhonium
lobelia
neem tree
punarnava
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
yarrow
pau d'arco
elecampane
ganoderma
sheep's sorrel
polyporus
cleavers
stillingia
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
AHCC
Ajuga
Aescin
Andrographis
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Blue Flag
Black-Eyed Susan
Brassica
berry
Bee products
Bupleurum
Bittersweet
Coumarin
Calendula
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chinese Ligustrum berry
cypress
Chaparral
Cowslip
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cytokines
Castor Oil
Culvers Root
Deerbrush
Echinacea
Escin
Other body systems supported by Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Arteries
Bladder
Blood
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Lymphatics
Male Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skin
Urinary System