Evidence supporting the use of: Mexican Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

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Synopsis

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

Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly in Central and South America, for supporting various skin conditions. Indigenous peoples and later herbal practitioners have used sarsaparilla root in topical and internal preparations to help with skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, and general skin health. The rationale for its use was based on the belief that it could "purify the blood," a common concept in traditional systems for addressing chronic skin issues.

Some of the supporting evidence for this use includes historical and ethnobotanical records documenting its role in folk remedies. Early European and American herbalists adopted it as a remedy for skin diseases, especially in the 19th century. Additionally, Mexican Sarsaparilla contains compounds like saponins and flavonoids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically examining its effectiveness for skin care are lacking.

Thus, while the traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains limited. The evidence rating is moderate (2/5), reflecting strong traditional support but only preliminary scientific rationale.

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