Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen vine along with prickly stems. Common smilax, Rough bindweed, Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean smilax, Prickly-ivys, Catbriers, Greenbriers, Wild Sarsaparill, Smilaxes, Rough Bindweed, Prickly ivy, The Common Smilax, Rough Smilax, Italian Sarsaparilla and Mediterranean Smilax are the common names of Smilax. The plant of Smilax is cultivated on the banks of Magadalena which was collected in 1805 by Humboldt. It is known as Sarzaparilla by the native people. It was sent to Jamaica and Carthagena. The stems are flexible and delicate with sharp spines. It bears flowers from September to November.

Plant

The deciduous plant grows upto 1-4 meters (3 ft. 3 inch-13 ft. 1 inch) long which lives upto more than two years. The leaves are 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 inch) long, alternate, heart shaped, toothed with spiny margins. It bears small fragrant flowers and its color ranges from yellowish to greenish. Fruits are globose berries that measures about 8-10 mm (0.31-0.39 inch) in diameter, 10 mm long and 7 mm broad. The berries are usually red or black. Each fruit bears one to three tiny and round seeds about 4 mm long in dark brown or black color.

Health Benefits of Smilax

Smilax is the member of the lily family which is used for medicinal uses. It is used as an aid for health problems such as skin ailments and syphilis. It helps to purify the blood. It lowers the toxins in the body. The roots and berries have various health benefits. It could be added to the diets in the form of tincture and teas. It could be added to the stews, soups, drinks, desserts and supplements.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

The inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout, muscle & joint ache could be relieved with the use of Smilax. It possesses the compounds like parillin, saponins and flavonoids that ease the flare ups in body and ease discomfort as well as pain. (1)

2. Enhance immunity

The berries of Smilax possess antibacterial properties that help to promote the immunity power. It prevents the chances of skin infection and improves the body’s response to the illness and colds. (2)

3. Lose weight

The research shows that Smilax helps to restrain appetite. It assists to lose weight. The addition of supplements helps to restrict cravings. (3)

4. Prevents cancer

The root of Smilax contains antioxidants that act as an effective remedy for the cancer. The results were positive between the sterol and flavonoid content and also lower the cancer cells. The presence of antioxidants helps to nullify the free radicals. (4)

5. Enhance fertility

Smilax raises the men and women libido in order to increase fertility. The root extracts contains the organic compounds that helps to raise the flow of blood and enhance the sperm motility. It also promotes the sex drive. (5)

6. Maintains skin health

Smilax possesses antibacterial properties. It helps to maintain the skin appearance and makes it look young. It alleviates the appearance of wrinkles and lowers the age spots appearance when it is eaten or applied to the skin. (6)

7. Detoxification

Smilax is considered to be diuretic which promotes the urination in the people. It helps to detoxify and purify the body by eliminating the presence of excess salts, fats, water and toxins. In addition, Smilax purifies the blood and increase the maintenance of health by lowering the strain on kidneys and liver. (7)

Traditional uses

• The root is considered to be depurative, demulcent, alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, tonic and stimulant.
• The application of ripe fruits to the skin helps to treat scabies.
• It is useful for skin ailments, muscle relaxation, rheumatic pain and considered to be diaphoretic, diuretic, dropsy and depurative.
• In South and Central America it is used to treat skin ailments, rheumatism, sexual impotence and physical weakness.
• In Honduras and Peru, it is used to cure joint pain and headaches.
• It is used to purify the blood and cures gonorrhea, syphilis, gout, wounds, rheumatism, fever, arthritis, hypertension, scrofula, cough, psoriasis, cancer, hypertension and skin diseases.
• It helps to cure rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and promote sweating.
• It treats syphilis and leprosy.
• In traditional medicine, it is used to treat flatulence, skin disorders, cognitive ailments and senile dementia.

 Precautions                                                                                            

• The diabetic and kidney patients should not use it in high amounts.
• The allergic people should avoid the use of Smilax.
• It should be used in moderate amounts.

How to Eat         

• The roots are added to soups and stews.
• The young shoots are consumed raw and cooked like asparagus.
• The berries are consumed raw as well as cooked.
• The tendrils could also be consumed.
• It is used as an ingredient in soft drinks.

Other Facts        

• The stem has strong and sharp spines.
• The leaves are glossy and arranged alternately on the stem.
• Roots are used for the production of soft drink and beer.
• About 40 types of birds use Smilax as a food source.
• Rabbits and white tailed deer use leaves of Smilax as a food source.
• Beavers eat root and black bears eat berries.
• The upper part of the plant can live upto 2-4 years.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax_aspera

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/179460/

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=34514

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Smilax+aspera

http://www.floracatalana.net/smilax-aspera-l

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=896986#null

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