Smilax Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Smilax 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
Smilax is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals 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 root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Smilax by Source Naturals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Smilax by Source Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Smilax by Source Naturals
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Smilax is a single-ingredient supplement: sarsaparilla root extract, traditionally used in herbal medicine. The liquid comes in a base of purified water and grain alcohol as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for sarsaparilla isn't established in our data. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for cancer, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis — the three conditions linked to this ingredient in our monograph.
That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the studies we have aren't strong enough yet to say.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Sarsaparilla at food levels is generally well tolerated, but safety data for supplement doses in humans are limited. Occupational exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can trigger rhinitis and asthma symptoms in sensitive people — that's not a concern for taking the supplement itself, but it's worth knowing.
There isn't enough safety information to know whether sarsaparilla is safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your pharmacist if you take lithium or digoxin before starting this product. Both can be affected by sarsaparilla's diuretic properties, and both interactions carry Moderate severity — meaning your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitoring.
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.
Smilax may appeal to you if you're exploring traditional herbal remedies, but the evidence for it isn't solid yet. If you take lithium or digoxin, you need to check with your pharmacist first — this product could affect how those medications work.
Either way, run it by us before you start.
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 Dec 22, 2017.
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
General information
Key facts about Smilax, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078007180 |
| Net contents | 1 fl. Oz.; 29.57 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 22, 2017 |
| DSLD ID | 81383 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Smilax by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Sarsaparilla root extract | 1.2 mL | -- |
Other ingredients: purified Water, Grain Alcohol
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Sarsaparilla extract
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 15 drops 30 to 45 minutes before workouts.
Precautions
Note: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
General
SN0718 REV H172
General Statements
Smilax, also known as sarsaparilla, is a popular herbal extract.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Smilax by Source Naturals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Smilax by Source Naturals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1.2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.
Sarsaparilla root extract
Interacts with2 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...
Sarsaparilla root extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Purified Water, Grain Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Smilax by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Smilax by Source Naturals contains sarsaparilla root extract, which interacts with two medications we need to flag.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The main concern is lithium (used for mood disorders). Sarsaparilla has diuretic properties — it makes your body shed water — and this can reduce how much lithium your kidneys clear out.
That means lithium levels in your blood could rise, increasing both its effects and side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your lithium dose if you're taking this product.
Digoxin (Lanoxin), a heart medication, is the other one. Sarsaparilla's diuretic effect can lower your potassium levels, and low potassium combined with digoxin raises the risk of heart rhythm problems.
Again, overuse or misuse amplifies this risk.
Although sarsaparilla root extract is the only active ingredient here, you'll want to check your exact medications against our interaction search tool below before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Smilax?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Smilax interact with 2 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Smilax interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Sarsaparilla root extract
DigoxinDigitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
How Digoxin interacts with Smilax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Sarsaparilla Root ExtractDigoxin (lanoxin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of sarsaparilla with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Read the full Sarsaparilla Root Extract + Digoxin interactionLithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
How Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interacts with Smilax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Sarsaparilla Root ExtractLithium Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, sarsaparilla might increase the effects and adverse effects of lithium.
Read the full Sarsaparilla Root Extract + Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Smilax 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.
Sarsaparilla root extract
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Smilax, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Smilax by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Smilax by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is sarsaparilla safe to take if I'm pregnant?
What is sarsaparilla root extract used for?
Can sarsaparilla cause side effects?
Is this product safe while breastfeeding?
What's in this liquid besides the active ingredient?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Smilax is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Smilax’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Smilax'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Vandenplas O, Depelchin S, Toussaint G, et al. Occupational asthma caused by sarsaparilla root dust. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996;97:1416-8. PubMed
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