Smilax aspera (Smilax aspera): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Smilax aspera work as a blood purifier?

Smilax aspera contains steroidal saponins, including sarsaponin and diosgenin, which are believed to support the body's natural detoxification processes. These compounds may bind to toxins in the digestive tract and enhance their elimination. The flavonoids and tannins provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which traditionally contributed to its blood purifying reputation for treating skin conditions. Evidence level: C (preliminary evidence based on constituent profile).

Does Smilax aspera interact with any medications?

Smilax aspera has not been extensively studied for drug interactions. However, its steroidal saponin content may theoretically affect the absorption or metabolism of certain medications. Due to limited safety data, individuals taking prescription medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver or hormones, should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical concern based on constituent profile).

What is the recommended dosage for Smilax aspera tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Smilax aspera tea is 3-5 grams of dried root per cup, prepared as an infusion and taken twice daily. Steep the root in boiling water for 10-15 minutes before straining. This dosage is based on traditional Mediterranean use rather than clinical trials. Start with the lower dose to assess tolerance. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Smilax aspera safe during pregnancy?

Smilax aspera is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb contains steroidal saponins that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect hormone balance. Traditional contraindications explicitly warn against use in pregnancy, particularly at higher doses. Pregnant women and those trying to conceive should not use this herb. Evidence level: C (based on constituent profile and traditional contraindication).

What is Smilax aspera used for in herbal medicine?

Smilax aspera, known as European sarsaparilla, has been used traditionally in Mediterranean folk medicine as a blood purifier and treatment for skin diseases including psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It has also been applied for rheumatic conditions and historically for syphilis. Modern use focuses primarily on its anti-inflammatory properties for skin and joint complaints. Evidence level: C (preliminary evidence supporting traditional use).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 17 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Smilax aspera is a Mediterranean shrub and climber containing steroidal saponins and carotenoids [PMID:21613127, PMID:22823246, PMID:18758111].

Background

Smilax aspera (Smilacaceae) is a common Mediterranean shrub and climber found in regions including the Mediterranean, East Africa, and South Asia [PMID:21613127, PMID:28439478, PMID:15143444]. It is considered a Tertiary relict and is found in habitats such as consolidated dunes and beech stands [PMID:24975406, PMID:15143444, PMID:27879869].

Traditional uses

Used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean basin [PMID:22186311] and traditionally used in Mexico to treat diseases such as cancer [PMID:36365315].

Active compounds

The berries contain carotenoids, primarily lycopene, followed by β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin [PMID:22823246]. The roots contain steroidal saponins, including curillin G, asparagoside E, asparoside A, and asparoside B, as well as the phenolic compound resveratrol [PMID:18758111]. Rhizomes contain furostanol saponins, trans-resveratrol, (+) catechin, and (-) epicatechin [PMID:20970485].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInflammation

Extracts produced 47% inhibition in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, though they did not affect TPA-induced ear oedema [PMID:22186311]

Evidence DCancer (Osteosarcoma)

Extracts showed strong antiproliferative activity on human osteosarcoma cells (U2OS) and induced cell cycle block in G2/M phase, but did not induce apoptosis [PMID:31878127]

Evidence DFungal Infection (Candida)

Curillin G isolated from roots exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis [PMID:18758111]

Evidence DParasitic Infection (Nematodes)

Methanol extracts were investigated for in vitro nematocidal activity against Trichinella spiralis and Strongyloides venezuelensis [PMID:39771182]

Evidence summary

The available evidence is limited to in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), focusing primarily on phytochemical profiling and preliminary biological activities.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 28439478 (2017) — Development of microsatellite loci in Mediterranean sarsaparilla (Smilax aspera; Smilacaceae) using transcriptome data. · Applications in plant sciences
2.PMID: 22823246 (2012) — Identification and quantitative analysis of carotenoids and their esters from sarsaparilla (Smilax aspera L.) berries. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
3.PMID: 24975406 (2014) — Understanding the formation of Mediterranean-African-Asian disjunctions: evidence for Miocene climate-driven vicariance and recent long-distance dispersal in the Tertiary relict Smilax aspera (Smilacaceae). · The New phytologist
4.PMID: 15143444 (2004) — Water sources and water-use efficiency in mediterranean coastal dune vegetation. · Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
5.PMID: 21613127 (2011) — Isolation of compound microsatellite markers for the common Mediterranean shrub Smilax aspera (Smilacaceae).

Smilax aspera

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Smilax aspera