A plant genus of the family SMILACACEAE. Members contain smiglasides (phenylpropanoid glycosides) and steroidal saponins. Commercially it is sometimes adulterated with HEMIDESMUS, which would affect experimental results. Drinks called sarsaparilla and root beer have been prepared from the Smilaz ornata (Jamaican sarsaparilla) and SASSAFRAS.

Annotation

note entry term SARSAPARILLA: SARSAPARILLA, EAST INDIAN see HEMIDESMUS and BRISTLY SARSAPARILLA see ARALIA are also available

DUI

D032281 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0400145

History note

2003

Public note

2003