Evidence supporting the use of: Honduran Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honduran Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii, also known as Jamaican sarsaparilla) has a longstanding history of traditional use in Central and South American herbal medicine, particularly for skin conditions such as infections, eczema, and psoriasis. Indigenous peoples and traditional healers have used decoctions of the root for centuries, both topically and orally, to "cleanse the blood," which was believed to help clear up skin ailments. This belief spread into Western herbalism in the nineteenth century, where sarsaparilla became a common component of "blood purifying" tonics for treating skin diseases like syphilis, leprosy, and various rashes.
The rationale behind its traditional use stems from the presence of saponins and other phytochemicals in the root, which are thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Some in vitro laboratory studies have demonstrated that sarsaparilla extracts have mild antibacterial and antifungal activity, which could theoretically contribute to its efficacy in treating skin infections. However, these studies are limited and do not provide strong clinical evidence. There have been no high-quality human trials confirming its effectiveness for skin infections specifically.
In summary, Honduran Sarsaparilla's use for skin infections is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence. While there are plausible mechanisms and limited laboratory data, the overall evidence is weak, and its effectiveness for this purpose has not been validated in rigorous clinical studies.
More about Honduran Sarsaparilla
More about Skin (infections)
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ficus religiosa
Farnesol
Fleabane
Frankincense
Fir
Gallic Acid
Geraniol
Genipap
Glyceryl caprylate caprate
Galium
Geranial
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gigartina
Galbanum
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Hypericin
Hemidesmus
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Hydroxyquinoline
Hyaluronidase
Immunoglobulin G
Indian Nightshade
Indian Sarsparilla
Immortelle
Ivy
Jatoba
Kigelia africana
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lactobacillus plantarum
Ledebouriella
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactic Acid
Lantana camara
Laminaria
Labdanum
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Honduran Sarsaparilla
ArthritisBackache
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores