Smilax
sarsaparilla, the typical genus of the order Smilaceæ. The roots of several species or varieties constitute the sarsaparilla of the Materia Medica.
Sarsaparilla is regarded as an alterative in venereal and skin diseases, rheumatism, etc. The kind most valued is that known as Jamaica sarsaparilla, obtained from the species S. officinalis. It is not the produce of Jamaica, but of Central America and the N. parts of South America. Other kinds distinguished in commerce are Lima, Lean Vera Cruz, Gouty Vera Cruz, Lisbon, or Brazilian, and Honduras.
Among the European species is S. aspera, the roots of which form Italian sarsaparilla.