Smilax officinalis vs Smilax Zeylanica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Smilax officinalis

Skin and Topical

Smilax Zeylanica

Smilax zeylanica

Skin and Topical

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Smilax officinalis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Smilax Zeylanica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical vine from Central America; famous blood purifier and alterative; used for skin diseases and rheumatism.

Climbing vine native to South and Southeast Asia used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for blood purification, skin diseases, and urinary conditions.

Active Compounds

sarsaponin, smilagenin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, pollinastanol, flavonoids, starch

sarsaponin, smilasaponin, steroidal saponins, phenols, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

skin diseases, syphilis, arthritis, blood purification, testosterone support

blood purification, skin diseases, urinary conditions, rheumatism, fever

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, alterative, diuretic, antioxidant

anti-inflammatory, detoxification, diuretic, antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried root or 1-3ml tincture daily

5–10g dried root as decoction 3x daily or 300mg extract

Contraindications

kidney disease, certain medications absorption affected

kidney disease, pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

GI upset, generally safe at therapeutic doses

mild digestive upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

View Smilax officinalis Details View Smilax Zeylanica Details