The Smilax genus is big, with over 300 individual plant species. Most go by common names like carrion flower, sarsaparilla, greenbrier, or catbrier. Some of the most well-known species include Jamaican sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata), China root (Smilax china), and Mexican sarsaparilla (Smilax aristolochiaefolia).

What are the active compounds in Smilax?

Smilax plants have a valued place in herbal medicine within many cultures where they are endemic. They contain phytochemicals known as steroidal saponins, and some species contain pregnane glycosides. Some saponins can be very toxic, but the ones found in smilax are different from those found in deadly pokeweed. 

Does Smilax have medical potential?

The steroidal saponins found in smilax are being studied for their potential in treating tumors. These saponins could also have anti-microbial properties. The pregnane glycosides have also shown anticarcinogenic properties.

The steroidal saponins indicate that smilax could be useful in reducing inflammation from joint pain. But further study is needed.

Traditional medicine

Historically, people have used smilax to treat a variety of conditions, from arthritis to syphilis. Native Americans valued smilax plants as a herbal remedy and used the roots in many medicines. Herbal tea was created to treat mild respiratory illnesses, and also skin conditions. It was also drunk as it was believed it could cleanse the blood.

The most well-documented use of smilax roots is as a treatment for syphilis but also as a general health tonic. European settlers exported smilax roots from America and claimed it could revitalize and cleanse the blood. Though modern studies have proven that it has little effect.

Cultural uses of Smilax

One of the most well-known uses of smilax plants is as the soda-like soft drink made from its roots. Initially, smilax roots were prepared as a tonic and drank as a herbal remedy. However, with the introduction of sugar and sweeteners, they became a valued part of many cultures and were drank for flavor and enjoyment.

In the Caribbean, the Sarsaparilla drink uses roots from Jamaican Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata). In Cuba, a traditional drink known as Pru, uses Smilax domingensis as an active ingredient. Also in China, Smilax glabra roots are brewed to create a drink to treat joint pain.

Most smilax-based drinks taste very similar to root beer, which usually uses the sassafras tree as flavoring instead. Although less popular today, people create tonic versions of Sarsaparilla to treat various conditions. Many people even create their own homebrew.

You can still buy a liter bottle of Sarsaparilla in Tesco brand stores within the UK. It’s also still a popular drink within southeast Asia where it’s known by the brand name, Sarsi. There are old-fashioned sweets known as ‘Sarsaparilla tablets’, though these are flavored with the root of the sassafras tree.

What does Smilax look like?

Smilax plants will usually produce a trailing vine that climbs over other vegetation. But they can also form dense bushes too. Most species have pointed, heart-shaped leaves and thorny vines. Sarsaparilla, loosely translated from Spanish “zarzaparilla”, means bramble vine.

Their flowers are usually inconspicuous white/green clusters. However, when fruits form, the subtle flowers develop into a cluster of shiny red to deep purple berries.

Where does Smilax grow?

Most species are found in tropical regions within areas like China, Africa, South America, India, and the Caribbean. However, you may find some species, like the downy carrion flower (Smilax pulverulenta) and roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), in eastern US states.

Conclusion

Still available to buy in some locations throughout the world, smilax plants have been viewed as a herbal cure in many cultures. Smilax could be the key to future medical research, like toxic pokeweed and moonseed, and many other plants with anticancer compounds. For now, it can be enjoyed as a refreshing tonic that could help to reduce inflammation.

Featured Image: Photo by bastus917 on Wikimedia Commons

They’re beautiful, low-growing plants, which have been used in traditional African medicine for centuries. Word of its potential medicinal benefits soon spread, and it soon became valued in other cultures, including western medicine. 

What are the active compounds in Devils Claw?

The active compound in devil’s claw is known as harpagoside. It’s an iridoid glycoside that may have anti-inflammatory effects, although scientific evidence that proves this is very limited.

What is the medical potential of Devils Claw?

Dried or fresh, devil’s claw roots can be brewed into teas and tonics, taken in tablet form, or applied topically to the skin. It is mostly taken as a form of pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory. Individuals use it to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, and also general pains, like neck ache or back pain.

Can Devil’s Claw be toxic?

Devil’s claw may interfere with the efficacy of blood thinners like warfarin, so it is always recommended to check with a doctor before taking any herbal medicine. Like most medications, it can have secondary side effects, but the most common reactions include diarrhea and stomach upset.

Like many under-researched medicines, it is not considered safe for children, pregnant women, or those taking long-term medication (without speaking with a doctor first).

Cultural symbolism of Devils Claw

Devil’s claw is native to parts of southern Africa. Because of its medicinal value, local governments are implementing regulations to make sure the plant is harvested sustainably.

The plant is the national flower of Botswana, where it is valued greatly as a medicinal herb. It also provides an income source to people living in rural areas. They can harvest devil’s claw roots and sell them. Only the secondary tubers are harvested, as the primary tuber must remain to ensure the survival of the plant.

While scientific evidence is yet to back up the effects, the plant remains very popular as a herbal remedy. Extracts can be found in health and wellbeing stores around the World, and it is still highly valued in Africa.

There is another group of North American plants under the genus Proboscidea which are also referred to as ‘devil’s claw’. These plants have a similar appearance but lack the medicinal values of the South African devil’s claw.

What does Devils Claw look like?

Growing low over sandy soil, devil’s claw sends out creeping stems that hold heavily lobed leaves. When flowering, large pink tubular flowers with a yellow center emerge. When pollinated these may develop into unusual claw-shaped fruits that eventually dry out into woody capsules that hold the seeds. These hook-shaped pods have an almost skeletal appearance, and they open slowly throughout the year. Because of their delayed opening, devil’s claw seeds are noted as remaining viable for up to 20 years.

Where does Devils Claw grow?

Devil’s claw grows natively in the subtropical desert climate of southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and parts of South Africa. It favors sandy soils and can survive extended dry spells and also periods of heavy rainfall as it stores water and nutrients in tubers.

Conclusion

With intriguing medical potential, devil’s claw is a valuable and beautiful plant. Because of its popularity in the health and wellbeing trade, devil’s claw is closely monitored to ensure it doesn’t become vulnerable. Regulations are now in place to deter businesses who harvest devil’s claws in an unsustainable way for maximum profits.

Featured Image: Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum zeyheri) Photo by Dr. Alexey Yakovlev on Wikimedia Commons

The common name ‘dogbane’ has been given to a number of plant species across history. As the name hints, it’s a plant that was initially considered toxic to dogs. However, dogbane is toxic to all mammals, including humans.

What Are The Active Compounds in Dogbane?

The milky sap within dogbane contains cardiac glycosides. These active compounds can also be found within foxglove which is another very deadly plant. The cardiac glycosides are toxic to all mammals, as they can have a detrimental effect on heart rate by slowing or increasing heartbeats. Dogbane roots contain the cardiac glycoside, cymarin, which has been identified as a cardiac stimulant.

These toxins remain even when the plant is dried. This means livestock could still be poisoned if plants are accidentally collected and distributed within hay.

Dogbane Poisoning Symptoms

While dogbane doesn’t have the extreme toxicity of manchineel or hallucinogenic datura, it can still cause a series of potentially deadly symptoms. Initial symptoms usually involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and convulsions. In serious poisoning cases, severe weakness, coma, and death can occur. Treatment is possible in mild cases, and it usually follows the same route of care involved in foxglove poisoning.

What is the Medicinal Potential of Dogbane?

Despite its toxic compounds, dogbane has been used in some American and European remedies. Native Americans created treatments for various respiratory illnesses, heart palpitations and even increasing milk flow in lactating mothers.

In Europe, it was often used as a substitute for foxglove (digitalis) and would be used in treatments for edema and specific heart conditions. The leaves of sword-leaf dogbane (Apocynum venetum) have a history of use in China as a medicine for hypertension, edema, and palpitations.

Cultural Symbolism of Dogbane

Because of its varied uses, dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) has received a number of colloquial names throughout history. Hemp dogbane, Indian hemp, and wild cotton, all refer to the usefulness of its fibers in daily life. When dried, dogbane stems become very woody, fibrous, and tough. Native Americans used them to make nets, straps, bowstrings, and also simple twine, which had endless usage in daily life, including sewing clothes and equipment. It has also been known as rheumatism root, because of its use in treating inflammations and arthritis.

What Does Dogbane Look Like?

Plants can become quite tall and slender, usually reaching about 2ft. The leaves are opposite and pointed (lanceolate). The stems have prominent red coloring and are hairless, whereas the leaves have white hairs underneath. Dogbane flowers are quite delicate and showy, they’re bell-shaped and have a white to pink hue.

In Spring, dogbane and milkweed shoots can look very similar, and even grow in similar habitats, so foragers must take care. The flowers of dogbane eventually develop into long seed pods, full of fluffy seed heads.

Where Does Dogbane Grow?

Dogbane can be found growing in a variety of habitats, from urban areas of disturbed soil to woodland edges and sandy fields. The Apocynum cannabinum and Apocynum androsaemifolium species are native to North America, Canada, and parts of Mexico. 

The sword-leaf dogbane (Apocynum venetum) however is native to southeast Europe and many countries within Asia. It favors more waterlogged soil and can be found in coastal marshes and inland swamps.

Conclusion

Definitely a plant to be aware of if you plan on foraging milkweed. Although toxic, dogbane can still be enjoyed for its showy flowers and its vital place within ecosystems. The delicate pink flowers also provide a food source for plenty of insects too.

Featured Image: Spreading Dogbane Photo by Jacob W. Frank on Wikimedia Commons

Because of its wide usage, it’s grown as a crop throughout most Pacific islands and can be found growing in many gardens. It’s mainly known as kava, but it can often be referred to as kava kava, and ‘awa within Hawaii specifically.

What are the active compounds in kava?

The active compounds in Kava are known as kavalactones. They’re unique compounds that are only found in the kava plant, hence their name.

The root holds the majority of these kavalactones, so it’s the roots that are harvested and used in drinks and other supplement forms. Kavalactones create a mild sedative effect when consumed, and they can also help to alleviate anxious feelings.

How does kava make you feel?

Kava can make you feel calm, relaxed, joyous and may even bring on a general feeling of contentment and peace of mind. Compared to the potent effects of liberty mushrooms and other psychoactive plants or mushrooms, the effects of Kava are generally milder. Many people compare kava to a mild high, or even a mild drunk feeling as it increases confidence and happiness, causing a mild loss of inhibitions but not coordination.

What is the medicinal potential of kava?

Kava has a long history of use within Pacific Island cultures in treating a range of medical conditions. From menopausal symptoms to minor respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds. Because of the sedative effect, it has also been widely used to relieve pain and treat conditions that involve seizures or convulsions. Because of the soothing effects of the kavalactones, kava is currently being researched to determine if it could be used to treat conditions like stress and anxiety.

Is kava toxic?

Using kava sporadically or for a short period of time is considered safe. However, liver damage has been reported in a handful of long-term users. Studies have shown that kava may interact with other medicines, herbal or pharmaceutical, which would limit its usage.

Cultural Symbolism of Kava

Kava has an incredibly prominent place in society within Pacific cultures and has been used for hundreds of years. It’s often used daily for relaxed social gatherings, as men gather together at a kava bar after a day of work to enjoy the relaxing effects and alleviate the stresses of the day. But it also plays a role in many religious and political situations too, as it may be ritually presented as a gift to create or heal bonds between individuals or tribes.

Each country, island, or local tribe has variations of when kava is drunk, who can drink it, and the role it plays within life. Traditionally, only men were able to consume the kava drink, however, it’s almost always offered to female guests or tourists. Today however women can often be seen drinking kava as the cultures change and develop.

Kava is also valued for its medicinal properties and is now exported across the world where dried powders and extracts can be found in health and wellbeing shops.

In the Pacific, kava is usually prepared by grinding and pulverizing the roots using a sharp stone or modern press. The pulp is then soaked in water to release the kavalactones and create the kava drink. Within some areas, the roots are chewed by men to release the active compounds, and many say this process produces a stronger effect when drunk.

The sedative kava brew is then usually poured into a half coconut cup or shallow plastic bowl to be served. It tends to have a brown watery look, and many people compare it to the look of weak British tea or a muddy puddle. The flavor is particularly pungent and quite bitter, although generally, it is not drunk for the taste, but the calming effects.

Is kava legal?

Kava is legal in most countries, however many have regulations in place that control imports, exports, and even dosage amounts. In Poland and the UK, it is illegal to sell, consume or import kava for human consumption. In the US, however, it is legal for personal use and you can find an increasing number of kava bars appearing in cities.

What does kava look like?

Kava is a member of the pepper family. It can grow to heights of 2m when fully matured. It has a woody stem and large, veined, heart-shaped leaves. Kava roots have a woody and fibrous appearance and are usually harvested after 4 years when the kavalactones become more potent.

Where does kava grow?

The kava plant is native to islands within the Pacific, and many believe it may have originated in Papua New Guinea or Vanuatu. It’s a tropical plant that grows best in loose, well-drained soil and it thrives in the humid climate of South Pacific islands.

Conclusion

With such a prominent place in Pacific island culture, kava is relatively unexplored within other cultures. The medicinal benefits are still under research in a number of countries, although its ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress seems very promising.

Featured Image: Photo by Forest & Kim Starr on Wikimedia Commons