smilax glabra

Smilax glabra is a perennial climbing plant native to China and parts of Asia. Its rhizome (root) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name 土茯苓 (tufuling) and also known as chinaroot or sarsaparilla. The dried root is typically prepared as a decoction for oral use. It has been traditionally used to treat conditions such as dysentery, joint pain (including arthritis and rheumatism), colds, skin diseases like psoriasis, syphilis and other infections[1][3][4][5]. Pharmacologically active compounds identified in Smilax glabra include dihydro-flavonol glycosides (such as astilbin), phenylpropanoid-substituted epicatechins (smiglabrone A/B), and steroidal sapogenins like sarsasapogenin[3]. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects via downregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6; immunomodulatory activity; antimicrobial properties; antipsoriatic effects through inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation; hepatoprotective actions; and possible anticancer potential[1][4]. However, robust clinical evidence for these uses remains limited.

Other names

tufulingchinarootchina-rootchina root土茯苓sarsaparilla