Smilax glabra

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Smilax glabra, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Smilax glabra has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.

Smilax glabra is known as Tufuling in traditional Chinese medicine. The root has been used in combination with other herbs to treat various types of infections and inflammatory conditions.

Lab studies suggest this plant has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, clinical studies have not been conducted and it is not known if the same effects would occur in humans.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Arthritis
    Anti-inflammatory activity has been observed in rat models, but studies in humans are lacking.
  • Infections
    Lab studies suggest S. glabra has antiviral activity.
  • Kidney disease
    Astilbin, a compound present in S. glabra, has been studied in rats with diabetic nephropathy. However, clinical trials are lacking.
  • Immunostimulation
    Smilaxin, a protein isolated from S. glabra, stimulated immune activity in mice, but studies have not been conducted in humans.
  • Cancer
    Lab studies suggest antioxidant and antitumor effects, but clinical trials have not been conducted.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

You are taking CYP3A4 or 2D6 substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest compounds in S. glabra may affect the activity of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined.

Special Point:

Smilax glabra should not be confused with Smilax officinalis, another species commonly known as sarsaparilla.