SARSAPARILLA

Possible applications:

• Psoriasis

This species has been used worldwide for treatment of gout, arthritis, fevers, digestive disorders, skin disease, and cancer.  Sarsaparilla uses saponins which are steroid-like molecules which bind to the gut endotoxins .  The endotoxins themselves are known to lead to systemic problems such as psoriasis, exzema, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.  Though touted as a 'sexual rejuvenator' in the USA, (some advertisers have gone as far as to claim that it is a rich source of testoterone), sarsaparilla's steroid like substances are not absorbed in any great degree and it is doubtful that there is any such anabolic effect whatsoever.  There is, however, a component in the sarsaparilla called sarsapagenin which can be transformed into testosterone in a laboratory.   It is highly unlikely that this could take place in the human body.   There are no notable side effects reported due to sarsaparilla root ingestion.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004