What is Smilax Sieboldii?
Smilax sieboldii Miq. Smilacaceae family. Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. They are climbing flowering plants, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae, native throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Is Smilax poisonous to humans?
While Smilax is not toxic to people or animals—in fact in many parts of the world it is used as a food plant—we don’t recommend eating it yourself unless you have had expert guidance in how to identify and use it. Sarsaparilla, also known as Smilax Glabra Rhizome (SGR), was shown to modulate immunity, protect against liver injury, lower blood glucose and suppress cancer.Sarsaparilla, particularly the species Smilax officinalis, is a vinelike plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. It has a historical association with treating conditions such as cancer, psoriasis, eczema, and joint pain, stemming from an outdated belief in blood purification.Smilax glabra is known as Tufuling in traditional Chinese medicine. The root has been used in combination with other herbs to treat various types of infections and inflammatory conditions. Lab studies suggest this plant has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
What are the benefits of Smilax extract?
Various smilax extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as effects on cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome; however, evidence is based largely on animal and in vitro studies, and clinical trials are limited. While animal studies have shown a benefit of Smilax for complex conditions such as psoriasis, and Smilax has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for eczema and psoriasis, high-quality human clinical studies are currently lacking.
What is 5a laxogenin?
Several dietary supplements claim to contain 5α-hydroxy laxogenin, which is a derivative of a naturally occurring spirostane-type steroid, laxogenin. Although laxogenin has been isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax sieboldii, 5α-hydroxy laxogenin has not been isolated or reported from any natural source.As dietary supplements, laxogenin and its so-called derivative, 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin, are promoted as “natural anabolics” (alternatives to anabolic steroids) for those who want to gain muscle mass while keeping body fat low.