Page 113 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)
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Uses:
Sarsaparilla was formerly used in the treatment of syphilis, rheumatism, and
certain skin diseases.
It is widely used as a vehicle in the manufacture of non –alcoholic drinks.
Recently the genins were used in the partial synthesis of steroidal hormones.
It can also be used as a blood purifier
Mechanism of action : Purification of the blood from (endotoxins) cell wall
constituents of bacteria may be present in the gut; if the liver fails to filter these
endotoxins, hot infusion of sarsaparilla extract taken ORALLY will do this
process known as binding of the bacterial endotoxins from the gut, rendering
them non – absorbable through the formation of insoluble adduct of high
molecular weight.
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