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Sarsaparilla: What Is It Used For?
Sarsaparilla is a vine root used as a traditional tonic, and it is not the same thing as sarsaparilla soda. Human evidence is weak, mostly test-tube and animal work. SodaPeak lists Smilax glabra root sixth, at most 200 mg per serving by label order.
Written by the SodaPeak label deskUpdated · 4 min read
What is sarsaparilla used for?
Sarsaparilla is the root of Smilax plants, long promoted as a tonic and a "blood purifier" (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla).
It has been promoted for psoriasis, joint pain, sexual dysfunction and sports performance, largely on the outdated idea of purifying the blood. Support is weak and mostly from test-tube or animal work.
| Claim | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Psoriasis, joint pain | Weak, mostly test-tube and animal |
| Sexual dysfunction, sports performance | Weak, same limits |
| Saponin that mimics hormones | Lacks sufficient evidence |
| Human trials | Double-blind studies still needed |
Is the herb the same as sarsaparilla soda?
No. The soda shares the herb's name, but a capsule of root extract is a different product from a drink.
Nothing on the SodaPeak label is a flavor or a drink. The brand name and the herb have no link beyond the word "soda" in some search results, so a search for one can surface the other.
Check the Supplement Facts, not the name, to see what a bottle holds.
The label names Smilax glabra, while the reference we cite describes mainly Smilax officinalis, so the species differ.
How much sarsaparilla is in SodaPeak?
At most 200 mg per serving by label order, and the label prints no real figure. Sarsaparilla is line 6 of 8, so 1,200 divided by 6 gives the ceiling (21 CFR 101.36 (Supplement Facts, proprietary blends)).
An even split would be 150 mg. No studied dose for this use was found.
SodaPeak: from $15.10 a bottle60 capsules · 1 or 2 bottles · free economy shipping (listing) · 60-day guarantee (seller)
See packsIs sarsaparilla safe?
No serious adverse effects are reported, but comprehensive safety studies have not been done (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla).
Stomach upset is possible, one note mentions short-term kidney irritation, and some products were found to contain unsafe lead levels. The SodaPeak bottle shows no independent test result; see the supplement facts.
Keep taking prescribed medicine, and ask a pharmacist about anything new.
Order SodaPeak: the buttons open the eBay listing
Listing prices, October 19, 2026 (eBay listing for SodaPeak). The listing prints prices for 1 and 2 bottles only, and import fees can apply. The seller states a 60-day guarantee; the listing prints 30-day returns. Compare the packs.
Does sarsaparilla change the SodaPeak verdict?
No. It is one more traditional herb with a thin record, listed beside seven others.
Eight lines share 1,200 mg, so sarsaparilla can never be a large part of the capsule by label order. Read the sarsaparilla ingredient page and the ingredient list. Related: what is SodaPeak.
FAQ01
SodaPeak questions people ask
Is sarsaparilla safe to take every day?
Comprehensive safety studies have not been done (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla). No serious adverse effects are reported, but stomach upset is possible. Ask your doctor about long-term use.
Does sarsaparilla contain hormones?
No source shows that. The claim that its saponin sarsasapogenin mimics hormones lacks sufficient evidence (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla).
Can sarsaparilla products contain lead?
Some have. Some products were found to contain unsafe lead levels (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla). SodaPeak shows no independent test result, and its lot code is a seller reference, not lab proof.
Which sarsaparilla species is in SodaPeak?
The label names Smilax glabra Roxb. root. The reference we cite covers mainly Smilax officinalis (EBSCO, Sarsaparilla), so its findings may not carry over to the species on the bottle.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Learn about our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Sodapeakdaily, a retailer of SodaPeak, not by the manufacturer. We make money when you buy through our order links.
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