Smilax aspera, with common names common smilax,rough bindweed, sarsaparilla, and Mediterranean smilax, is a species of flowering vine in the Greenbriar family. Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen climber with a flexible and delicate stem, with sharp thorns. The climbing stem is 1–4 meters (3 ft 3 in–13 ft 1 in) long.[rx] The leaves are 8–10 centimeters (3.1–3.9 in) long,[rx] petiolated, alternate, tough and leathery, heart-shaped, with toothed and spiny margins. It is the monocot with the reticulate type of venation. Also, the midrib of the underside of the leaves is provided with spines. The flowers, very fragrant, are small, yellowish or greenish, gathered in axillary racemes. The flowering period in Mediterranean regions extends from September to November. The fruits are globose berries, gathered in clusters, which ripen in Autumn. They are initially red, later turn black. They have a diameter of 8–10 millimeters (0.31–0.39 in)[rx] and contain one to three tiny and round seeds. They’re insipid and unpalatable to humans, but they are a source of nourishment for many species of birds.
Smilax Quick Facts
Name:
Smilax
Scientific Name:
Smilax aspera
Origin
The plant of Smilax is cultivated on the banks of Magdalena which was collected in 1805 by Humboldt. It is known as Sarsaparilla by the native people. It was sent to Jamaica and Carthagena.
Colors
Red, black (Fruit)
Shapes
Globose berries, Diameter: 8-10 mm (0.31-0.39 inch); Length: 10 mm; Broad: 7 mm (Fruit)
Calories
100 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients
Vitamin E (194.00%)
Total dietary Fiber (49.47%)
Calcium (35.30%)
Manganese (23.96%)
Iron (20.75%)
Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen vine along with prickly stems. Common smilax, Rough bindweed, Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean smilax, Prickly-is, Catbriers, Greenbriers, Wild Sarsaparilla, 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 Magdalena which was collected in 1805 by Humboldt. It is known as Sarsaparilla 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.
SMILAX FACTS
Smilax aspera is a climbing plant with prickly stems. It is found in Mexico’s marshy forests and North Brazil. The stems are angular, shrubby, twining, and prickly. The leaves are ovate to oblong, smooth, 4-5 inches broad, and 1 ft. long. The young leaves are oblong, tri-nerved, acuminate, and lanceolate. The pollination of the flowers is done by beetles, small bees, and various flies. Though the side effects of Smilax are unknown, the excessive intake of Smilax might irritate the gastrointestinal.
Name
Smilax
Scientific Name
Smilax aspera
Native
The plant of Smilax is cultivated on the banks of Magdalena which was collected in 1805 by Humboldt. It is known as Sarsaparilla by the native people. It was sent to Jamaica and Carthagena.
Common/English Name
Common smilax, Rough bindweed, Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean smilax, Prickly-is, Catbriers, Greenbriers, Wild Sarsaparilla, Smilaxes, Rough Bindweed, Prickly ivy, The Common Smilax, Rough Smilax, Italian Sarsaparilla, Mediterranean Smilax
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 inches) 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 measure 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.
Nutritional value of Fresh tender shoots and leaves of Smilax
Serving Size: 100 g
Calories 100 Kcal.Calories from Fat 8.55 Kcal.
Proximity
Amount
% DV
Water
64.1 g
N/D
Energy
100 Kcal
N/D
Protein
3.5 g
7.00%
Total Fat (lipid)
0.95 g
2.71%
Ash
2.44 g
N/D
Carbohydrate
9.92 g
7.63%
Total dietary Fiber
18.8 g
49.47%
Minerals
Amount
% DV
Calcium, Ca
353 mg
35.30%
Iron, Fe
1.66 mg
20.75%
Magnesium, Mg
61.2 mg
14.57%
Potassium, K
180 mg
3.83%
Zinc, Zn
2.13 mg
19.36%
Manganese, Mn
0.551 mg
23.96%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
29.1 mg
194.00%
Tocopherol, beta
4.5 mg
N/D
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://www.springer.com/
Health Benefits of Smilax
Smilax is a 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 tinctures and teas. It could be added to the stews, soups, drinks, desserts, and supplements.
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 the body and ease discomfort as well as pain. (1)
Enhance immunity
The berries of Smilax possess antibacterial properties that help to promote immunity power. It prevents the chances of skin infection and improves the body’s response to illness and colds. (2)
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)
Prevents cancer
The root of Smilax contains antioxidants that act as an effective remedy for 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)
Enhance fertility
Smilax raises the men’s and women’s libido in order to increase fertility. The root extracts contain organic compounds that help to raise the flow of blood and enhance sperm motility. It also promotes the sex drive. (5)
Maintains skin health
Smilax possesses antibacterial properties. It helps to maintain the skin’s appearance and makes it look young. It alleviates the appearance of wrinkles and lowers the age spots that appear when it is eaten or applied to the skin. (6)
Detoxification
Smilax is considered to be a diuretic that promotes urination in 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 increases 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 is 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
Diabetic and kidney patients should not use it in high amounts.
