What is Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder?

Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder is the finely ground root of Smilax aristolochiifolia, a thorny climbing vine in the greenbrier family (Smilacaceae) native to Mesoamerica. It is also called Zarzaparrilla. Several Smilax species carry the name sarsaparilla; the Mexican variety is among the most prized.

About the plant

Sarsaparilla root has a long documented history in Mesoamerican herbalism, and from the 1500s Spanish colonial traders exported it to Europe, where it became a major medicinal import from the Americas. The root was one of the original botanical flavors of root beer, alongside sassafras, before commercial recipes shifted to synthetic flavorings. Its characteristic constituents are saponins such as sarsaponin and smilagenin.

Related herbs

• Indian Sarsaparilla Powder — the unrelated Hemidesmus root that shares the name.

Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder: form & sizes

We carry Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder as finely ground root powder, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Mexican Sarsaparilla Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Smilax aristolochiifolia

Family

Smilacaceae

Native region

Mexico and Central America

Plant part

root

Also known as

Zarzaparrilla

Historical note

One of the original root beer flavors

Form

finely ground root powder

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb