Synopsis

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

Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has been traditionally used in various cultures for skin disorders, including psoriasis. Historical records, especially from traditional Chinese medicine and 16th-19th century European herbalism, suggest its use for “impure blood” and chronic skin conditions. In the 1940s, sarsaparilla was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia for treatment of skin diseases, largely based on empirical use. Biochemically, sarsaparilla contains steroidal saponins and phytochemicals that were thought to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

Scientific evidence supporting sarsaparilla for psoriasis is limited but not entirely absent. A notable study from 1942 reported that sarsaponin, a component of sarsaparilla, could bind endotoxins implicated in psoriasis. However, modern clinical trials are lacking, and only a few small studies or case reports exist, most of which are outdated by current research standards. The mechanism is hypothesized to be related to anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effects, but these remain speculative.

Overall, the use of sarsaparilla for psoriasis is primarily rooted in tradition with some early 20th-century scientific curiosity, but lacks robust contemporary evidence. It is not recommended as a standalone therapy but may be encountered as a historical or complementary approach in herbal medicine.

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