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Dietary supplement

Sarsaparilla Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Sarsaparilla label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Sarsaparilla against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Sarsaparilla is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine 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 Sarsaparilla. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 10, 2026

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: sarsaparilla root. Sarsaparilla has been used traditionally as a diuretic — meaning it's thought to increase urine flow.

The capsules also hold inactive ingredients (magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide) that help keep the powder bound and the capsule intact.

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

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: glandular system support.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence we hold on sarsaparilla for cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is insufficient to rate it. That means the studies either aren't there, aren't large enough, or don't give us a clear answer yet — not that it doesn't work, just that we can't say from the data we have.

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 at food amounts is likely low-risk, but human safety data at supplement doses are limited. The main concern from occupational exposure is rhinitis and asthma symptoms from inhaling root dust — a risk for workers, not typically a risk from taking capsules.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so the data advises against it — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on lithium or digoxin (Lanoxin). Both carry Moderate concerns from sarsaparilla's diuretic properties, and your dose may need adjusting or your levels monitored.

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 may be worth considering if you're exploring it for general wellness, but it's not established for cancer, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis. If you take lithium or digoxin, you'll need to clear it with your doctor or pharmacist first — the diuretic effect can raise lithium levels and interact with heart medications.

Chat with your own healthcare provider before you start, especially if you're on any prescription drugs.

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 Aug 23, 2019.

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 Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904006201
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2019
DSLD ID 205725
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Nature's Sunshine, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
099904006201
IngredientAmount% DV
Sarsaparilla750 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
General Statements

01000620010911 Glandular system support

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials that are subject to color variation.

Product of U.S.A. Herb specialists since 1972 Quality, service, integrity

Guaranteed pure

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation Take two capsules with a meal twice daily.

Precautions

This bottle was sealed for your protection. Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2011 Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Ko Pareve

Formula

Ko Pareve

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine label

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

Sarsaparilla label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Sarsaparilla

Interacts with
2 drugs
750 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...

Sarsaparilla monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine 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

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sarsaparilla 2

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Sarsaparilla interact with 2 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Sarsaparilla interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sarsaparilla

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.

Sarsaparilla2 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
Sarsaparilla full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
City
Spanish Fork
State
Utah
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Sarsaparilla by Nature's Sunshine 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 pregnant or breastfeeding?
The data we hold advises against it — there isn't enough safety information either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using sarsaparilla if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; they can weigh your individual situation.
Does sarsaparilla actually work for cancer, psoriasis, or arthritis?
The evidence we hold on all three is insufficient to rate. That means we don't have enough reliable studies to say yes or no — not that it's useless, just that it's not established yet.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Human safety data at supplement doses are limited. The known concern is from occupational exposure to sarsaparilla root dust, which can trigger rhinitis (runny nose and sinus inflammation) and asthma symptoms — but that's mainly a workplace hazard, not a typical risk from capsules.
What does sarsaparilla actually do in this product?
Sarsaparilla is traditionally used as a diuretic, meaning it's thought to increase urine flow. That's the mechanism behind the interactions we see with certain heart and mood medications.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Sarsaparilla’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Sarsaparilla

Interacts with 2 drugs

Sarsaparilla is a traditional root used in teas, tonics, and old-fashioned root beer flavoring. Modern evidence for its health claims is very limited and comes mostly from lab studies, so it...

Read the full Sarsaparilla monograph →
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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