Evidence supporting the use of: Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sarsaparilla (most commonly referring to species of the genus Smilax) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Central and South America, as well as in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. It has been used historically for a variety of ailments, including as a general tonic, for skin diseases, and for rheumatic conditions. Its application for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily rooted in folk medicine, where it has been used as a "blood purifier" and mild diuretic, which was believed to help flush out the urinary tract and assist with infections or inflammation. However, modern scientific evidence supporting the use of sarsaparilla specifically for UTIs is minimal to nonexistent. Few studies have investigated its antimicrobial properties, and those that do exist are generally in vitro (test tube) and do not specifically address common UTI pathogens such as Escherichia coli. There are no well-conducted human clinical trials validating its efficacy for UTIs. Therefore, while sarsaparilla's use for this condition is justified by tradition, not science, and any benefit is speculative and not evidence-based.

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