Evidence supporting the use of: Mexican Sarsaparilla
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, including as a remedy for urinary tract issues such as infections, inflammation, and kidney problems. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys note that indigenous peoples and traditional healers have used decoctions of the root to "cleanse the blood" and support urinary health. The rationale for its use often centers on its purported diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which in theory could help flush out pathogens or soothe irritated urinary tract tissues.

However, scientific validation is limited. While saponins, flavonoids, and other compounds in sarsaparilla have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory settings, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials directly assessing the efficacy of Mexican Sarsaparilla against urinary tract infections in humans. Most references in the scientific literature point to its traditional use rather than providing direct experimental support. Overall, the evidence base is weak, so use for UTIs should be considered primarily traditional and not substitutive for proven therapies.

More about Mexican Sarsaparilla
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