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Dietary supplement

Sarsaparilla Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Sarsaparilla is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for skin conditions like psoriasis, joint pain and arthritis, general tonic or 'blood purifier'.Based on those ingredients, 2 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) dried root liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Herbal Terra's Sarsaparilla is a single-ingredient liquid extract made from certified organic sarsaparilla root (Smilax medica). The only other ingredient is menstruum, which is a liquid solvent used to extract the plant material.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Sarsaparilla product and its label doesn't state a use — see Sarsaparilla's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for sarsaparilla's effectiveness is not established in our data. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for cancer, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

If you're considering it for a specific condition, talk with your doctor about what the evidence actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sarsaparilla

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Sarsaparilla in food amounts is likely low-risk, but we have limited human safety data for supplement doses. The data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know if it's safe in those situations — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Occupational exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can trigger rhinitis and asthma symptoms, though this is mainly relevant to workers handling the raw material.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sarsaparilla

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Sarsaparilla.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 2 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product if you take lithium or digoxin (Lanoxin). Both have Moderate-severity interactions linked to sarsaparilla's diuretic effects, and both may need dose adjustment or closer monitoring.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Sarsaparilla extract is a single-ingredient product with diuretic properties that mainly affects people taking lithium or digoxin. If you're on either of those medications, you'll want to discuss this supplement with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also check with their healthcare provider first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Sarsaparilla, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 0606595842959
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234324
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
0606595842959
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) dried root liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Origin of plant material: India.

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Smilax medica

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

See for yourself

Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

970 mg per serving

Sarsaparilla is a traditional root used in teas, tonics, and old-fashioned root beer flavoring. Modern evidence for its health claims is very limited...

Certified organic Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) dried root liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sarsaparilla?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
2Drugs
2 Moderate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Sarsaparilla with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica) dried root liquid extract2 drug types · 2 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of sarsaparilla with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, sarsaparilla might increase the effects and adverse effects of lithium.
Sarsaparilla is thought to have diuretic properties. Due to these effects, sarsaparilla might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Sarsaparilla, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Sarsaparilla by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sarsaparilla has a known interaction with 2 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Sarsaparilla contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it because there isn't enough information about its safety during breastfeeding. Discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Does sarsaparilla really work for cancer, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis?
We don't have reliable evidence to rate it for any of those uses. If you're thinking about it for one of those conditions, talk with your doctor about what the evidence actually supports.
What does this liquid extract do?
Sarsaparilla is thought to have diuretic properties — meaning it may increase water loss through urine. Beyond that, the evidence for what it treats or how it helps isn't well-established in our data.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Supplement doses haven't been studied much in humans, so we have limited safety data. Exposure to sarsaparilla root dust (mainly occupational) can trigger rhinitis and asthma symptoms, but that's different from taking it as a supplement.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Sarsaparilla is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Sarsaparilla label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Sarsaparilla's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Sarsaparilla 3 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. Vandenplas O, Depelchin S, Toussaint G, et al. Occupational asthma caused by sarsaparilla root dust. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996;97:1416-8. PubMed

See these in context on the Sarsaparilla monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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