S
Dosages (Sarsaparilla) — 1–4 g dry rhizome, or in tea, 3 ×/day (CAN); 1–4 g powdered root
(PNC); 1–2 tsp powdered root/cup water up to 3 ×/day (APA); 0.3–1.5 g root (HH2; PH2); 3 ml
root 3 ×/day (SKY); 6 tsp (20 g) root in cold tea (MAD); 3 cups root tea/day (PH2); 2–4 tbsp fresh
root (PED); 3–6 g dry root (PED); 4.5 g dry root:22 ml alcohol/23 ml water (PED); 0.25–0.5 tsp
root tincture up to 3 ×/day (APA); 8–30 ml concentrated root decoction (PNC); 8–15 ml liquid
root extract (PNC); 8–15 ml liquid rhizome extract (1:1 in 10% glycerol, 20% alcohol) (CAN); 2
(450 mg) capsules 2–3 ×/day (NH). I’d feel safe with 10–30 g dry root in 3 cups tea or sarsapa-
rilla/day (JAD).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Sarsaparilla) — Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Can cause nausea and
kidney damage (SKY). Avoid large doses for long periods (SKY). Unapproved by Commission
E (KOM). Steroids used for arthrosis, dysmenorrhea, menopause, and PMS. Commission E
reports for the root that gastric and renal toxicity, as well as drug interactions, are possible (with
bismuth, digitalis, glycosides, and hypnotics) (AHP). Overdosage could lead to European cholera,
shock, and worsened diuresis, among other things (PHR). Blumenthal editorially questions the
Commission E claim for gastric irritation due to saponin content (KOM). Commission E reminds
us of another problem, saponins can increase the availability of simultaneously administered
drugs, while hastening the elimination of other drugs (e.g., hypnotics). In view of the lack of
toxicological data, excessive use should be avoided. There are no known problems with the use
of sarsaparilla during pregnancy and lactation. Sarsaparilla saponins have been used in the partial
synthesis of cortisone and other steroids (CAN).SASSAFRAS (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees) + (or X, CAN)Synonyms: Laurus albida Nutt., Sassafras officinale Nees & C. H. Eberm., S. variifolium (Salisb.)
Kuntze.
Activities (Sassafras) — Alterative (f; CRC); Analgesic (f; CRC); Antialcoholic (f; CRC);
Antidermatitic (f; DAW); Antipyretic (1; CAN); Antirheumatic (f; PNC); Antiseptic (1; APA;