Integrative Medicine

Sassafras

Sassafras

Health Care Professional Information

Scientific Name

Sassafras albidum

Common Name

Ague tree, saxifrax, cinnamonwood, saloop, smelling-stick

Clinical Summary

Derived primarily from the roots of the tree. There are no clinical data to support the use of sassafras, which contains safrole, a volatile oil that was shown to be carcinogenic in animal models. Diaphoresis, hot flashes, and sedation have been reported following administration of small doses.
Excessive doses can cause hallucinations, hypertension, and tachycardia.

Food Sources

Once used as flavoring agent in root beer and candies. Its use as food additive is now prohibited by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effect.
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Purported Uses

Detoxification
Health maintenance
Inflammation
Mucositis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sprains
Syphilis
Urinary tract disorders

Constituents

Volatile oils: Safrole, myristicin, L-hydroxy safrole
Alkaloids: Boldine, cinnamolaurine
Other constituents: Sitosterol, tannins, and lignans
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Mechanism of Action

Unknown at this time. Safrole, a volatile oil, is a known carcinogen. L-hydroxy safrole can cause neurotoxicity and is believed to be carcinogenic as well.
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Warnings

Sassafras, containing safrole, has caused liver cancer in animal models and is classified as a carcinogenic substance. Risk increases with length of exposure and amount consumed. ⁽⁵⁾

Adverse Reactions

Common: Hot flashes and diaphoresis. ⁽⁴⁾
Toxicity: Hallucinations, hypertension, tachycardia, liver cancer, and death. ⁽²⁾

Herb-Drug Interactions

Barbiturates: Sassafras may have an additive effect.
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References

Newall C, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

De Smet PA, et al. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs, Vol 3. New York: Springer; 1997.

Brinker F, Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2^nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998.

Haines JD. Sassafras tea and diaphoresis. Postgrad Med 1991;90;75-6.

Safrole. Report on Carcinogens. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/twelfth/profiles/Safrole.pdf. Accessed September 26, 2011.

Foster S, et al. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. New York: Haworth Herbal Press; 1999.

Consumer Information

How It Works

Bottom Line: Because there is no evidence that it works, sassafras should not be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or any other medical condition.

Sassafras is a root extract. Scientists do not know of any positive biological effects sassafras might have. Some compounds found in sassafras have harmful effects: Safrole, a volatile oil, is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), while L-hydroxy safrole can damage the nerves.

Purported Uses

There is no scientific evidence to support the claims below:

To detoxify
For general health maintenance
To reduce inflammation
To treat mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat)
To treat rheumatoid arthritis
To treat sprains
To treat syphilis
To treat urinary tract disorders

Research Evidence

Clinical trials have not been conducted to test the effects of sassafras.

Patient Warnings

Sassafras is classified as a carcinogenic substance. It caused liver cancer in laboratory animals; the risk of developing cancer increases with the amount consumed and duration of consumption.

Do Not Take If

You are taking barbiturates such as phenobarbital (Sassafras can have an additive effect).

Side Effects

Hot flashes
Profuse perspiration
At toxic doses or with prolonged use, sassafras can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, liver cancer, and death.

Special Point

Sassafras was once used as flavoring agent in root beer and candies. The Food and Drug Administration has since prohibited the use of sassafras as a food additive due to its carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects.

Last updated: September 29, 2012

E-mail your questions and comments to aboutherbs@mskcc.org.