Sarsaparilla

Overview

Sarsaparilla is native to Indonesia (Borneo, Java, Malaya, Maluku), Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, and Northern Australia. Young shoots, fruits and leaves are edible. Stem is usable as a substitute for rattan.

Vernacular Names

Canar bokor (Malaysia), Sarsaparillang-puti (Tagalog-Philippines), Wanabekira (Papua New Guinea).

Agroecology

S. leucophylla occurs in mixed forest and teak forest, in Java up to 1,100 m altitude. It grows in the medium altitude areas and tolerates with a pH 4-6,2.

Morphology

• Stems - has patent or recurved prickles on the stem and branches.
• Leaves - broadly ovate to ovate-oblong, 10-32 cm × 4-22 cm, coriaceous, pruinose beneath, petiole up to 4 cm long, wings of petiolar sheaths distinct, tendrils present.
• Inflorescence with 2-6 umbels.
• Fruits - about 10 mm in diameter, grey berries, black at maturity, occurring in round clusters, each fruit having a long stalk springing from the common rounded center of the cluster.
• Seeds - a singular seed.

Cultivation

Propagated by seed and stem cutting.

Chemical Constituents

Saponin, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Research showed antioxidant activity.
• It is recommended as an alternative, tonic and antiscorbutic.
• Considered blood purifier, antisyphylitic, and antirheumatic.
• The leaves are used by Aborigines for treating scurvy, coughs and chest complaints, including as a tea substitute.