Overview

Sarsaparilla refers to the roots of smilax vines. It is available as a tea and dietary supplement, and it is also commonly used as a natural flavoring in foods and drinks. Although sarsaparilla products may be used for various health purposes, their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects include an upset stomach and an increased need to pee, but the risks of sarsaparilla are not well understood. Before using sarsaparilla supplements, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is sarsaparilla used for?

Sarsaparilla teas and supplements may be used for various health purposes. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA considers sarsaparilla to be a natural flavoring substance for use in foods and drinks. Learn more about natural flavorings here. The FDA has not reviewed sarsaparilla supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does sarsaparilla work (mechanism of action)?

Sarsaparilla refers to the roots of smilax vines, which are a genus of plants. Sarsaparilla products may be made from many species of smilax, including S. medica, S. officinalis, S. regelii, and S. febrifuga. However, they are not the same as S. glabra (also known as chinaroot), which contains different chemicals that have different effects on the body. Sarsaparilla is also different from a product known as Indian sarsaparilla, which comes from an unrelated plant called Hemidesmus indicus.

Sarsaparilla is commonly used to flavor foods and drinks, including soft drinks such as root beers. It is also used to make tea and is sometimes taken as a dietary supplement. These products may be used for various health purposes, but very little research has been done to understand how sarsaparilla may work in the body. It is not clear if or how it may work for any use.

Herbal products, such as sarsaparilla, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific sarsaparilla product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store sarsaparilla?

You should store sarsaparilla according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sarsaparilla?

The most common side effects of sarsaparilla are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Increased need to pee
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of sarsaparilla that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sarsaparilla?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sarsaparilla are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sarsaparilla may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sarsaparilla and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use sarsaparilla?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sarsaparilla.

• Sarsaparilla
• Smilax plants
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sarsaparilla products they stock.

What should I know about sarsaparilla before using it?

Sarsaparilla is used as a flavoring in foods and drinks. It is also available as a tea and dietary supplement. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep sarsaparilla out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as sarsaparilla, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific sarsaparilla product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the root was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Sarsaparilla is available in many forms, including tea, dried and ground powder, capsules, and a flavoring substance. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested sarsaparilla products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sarsaparilla?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sarsaparilla is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Sarsaparilla may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sarsaparilla, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sarsaparilla could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sarsaparilla passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sarsaparilla interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if sarsaparilla interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does sarsaparilla interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure.

There is also a concern that sarsaparilla may alter the blood levels of some medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between sarsaparilla and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with sarsaparilla is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using sarsaparilla with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sarsaparilla?

If you or someone else has used too much sarsaparilla, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Sarsaparilla is available in a wide range of products and doses. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use sarsaparilla safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.