Sarsaparilla Side Effects and Warnings

Safety Issues

Although the use of sarsaparilla has not been associated with any serious adverse consequences, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. Sarsaparilla is traditionally not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Safety in young children and people with liver or kidney disease is also questionable.

As with most substances taken orally, sarsaparilla may cause gastrointestinal distress. Germany’s Commission E also reports short-term “kidney irritation” as a side effect; what this means, precisely, remains unclear.

Note that though various species of sarsaparilla are often used somewhat interchangeably; it is quite possible that some varieties of this plant are safer than others.

Finally, some sarsaparilla products have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead. ¹