Evidence supporting the use of: Jamaican Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

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

Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax regelii, sometimes referred to as Smilax ornata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Caribbean and Central and South America. It has been used as a remedy for various skin conditions, including infections, eczema, and psoriasis. The traditional use is likely based on its purported "blood cleansing" properties, as well as its reported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions in folk medicine. Preparations made from the root were sometimes applied topically or taken internally to address skin eruptions and infections.

Scientific validation for these uses, however, is limited. Some laboratory studies have found that saponins and other compounds in sarsaparilla extracts exhibit mild antibacterial and antifungal activity, but these findings are preliminary and mostly in vitro. There are no well-conducted clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for treating skin infections in humans. Thus, while Jamaican Sarsaparilla is traditionally used for skin infections, the evidence supporting its use is modest and primarily based on historical practices rather than robust scientific research.

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