Origin. - The dried root of Smilax medica Chamisso and Schlechtendal, Smilax ornata Hooker, Smilax papyracea Duhamel, or a dried root known commercially as Honduras Sarsaparilla, which is probably obtained from Smilax officinalis Kunth.

The species of smilax grow in swampy forests in Mexico and as far south as the northern portion of Brazil. They are woody climbers, often attaining a great height.

Description and Properties. - About 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3.17-6.35 Mm.) thick, very long, cylindrical, longitudinally wrinkled, externally grayish- or orange-brown; internally showing a whitish and mealy or somewhat horny cortical layer surrounding a circular wood-zone enclosing a broad pith; nearly inodorous; taste mucilaginous, bitterish, and acrid. The thick, woody, knotty rhizome, if present, should be removed.

Sarsaparilla contains an active principle, parillin, an acrid glucoside which froths with water and otherwise closely resembles saponin in its action; it also contains saponin and sarsa-saponin, two glycosides, the latter of which is the most poisonous glycoside in the plant.

Dose. - 30-60 grains (2.0-4.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Fluidextractum Sarsaparillae - Fluidextracti Sarsaparillae - Fluidextract of Sarsaparilla. - Dose, 1/2-2 fluidrams (2.0-8.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Fluidextractum Sarsaparillae Compositum - Fluidextracti Sarsaparillae Compositi - Compound Fluidextract of Sarsaparilla. - Dose, 1/2-2 fluidrams (2.0-8.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus - Syrupi Sarsaparillae Compositi - Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla. - A fluidextract, 20 per cent., with the fluidextracts of glycyrrhiza and senna, and the oils of sassafras, anise, and gaultheria.

Dose, 2-4 fluidrams (8.0-16.0 Cc.) [4 fluidrams (16 Cc), U. S. P.].

Antagonists and Incompatibles. - Alkalies and free iodine are incompatible with the official preparations of sarsaparilla.

Synergists. - The alteratives, diaphoretics, and diuretics.

Physiological Action. - Sarsaparilla has no local influence. Internally its action is due to the saponins contained. These have been discussed elsewhere.

Therapeutics. - As with guaiac, the history of sarsaparilla is full of interest. Introduced into Europe in the sixteenth century by the Spaniards, who had learned of its alleged virtues in constitutional syphilis in Peru, San Domingo, and Brazil, it retained its reputation as a specific in this disease for a century or more, when it was abandoned, only to be revived at the close of the eighteenth century. Since that time it has retained its place in medicine more through the wonderful virtues ascribed to it by nostrum-venders than to any real medicinal properties which it possesses.

The consensus of competent opinion seems to be that sarsaparilla can claim no special medicinal virtues other than its diuretic and diaphoretic properties.

Contraindications. - There are none.

Administration. - No special directions can be given for the administration of the various preparations. The compound syrup of sarsaparilla is quite pleasant to the taste, and is used extensively as a vehicle, particularly for potassium iodide. The sarsaparilla of the soda-water fountain is a mixture of aromatics, principally sassafras and wintergreen. It has no relation to sarsaparilla.