Sarsaparilla Root [Discontinued] by Indiana Botanic Gardens

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral sarsaparilla for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sarsaparilla for this purpose.
• Psoriasis. Although there has been interest in using oral sarsaparilla for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sarsaparilla for this purpose.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there has been interest in using oral sarsaparilla for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of sarsaparilla for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate sarsaparilla for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Sarsaparilla has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of sarsaparilla when taken orally in medicinal amounts.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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DIGOXIN (Lanoxin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of sarsaparilla with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.  Details Sarsaparilla is thought to have diuretic properties, which could potentially cause potassium loss. Overuse or misuse of sarsaparilla with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss (2,11).

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, sarsaparilla might increase the effects and adverse effects of lithium.  Details Sarsaparilla is thought to have diuretic properties (11). Due to these effects, sarsaparilla might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

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General ...Orally, sarsaparilla seems to be well tolerated.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, there is some concern that sarsaparilla may cause GI irritation when used in large amounts (11,18). However, these claims cannot be substantiated.

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Occupational exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can cause rhinitis and asthma symptoms (4111).

Renal ...Orally, there is some concern that sarsaparilla may cause temporary kidney impairment and diuresis, possibly leading to shock, when used in large amounts (11,18). However, these claims cannot be substantiated.

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