Smilax
Smilax · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Smilax, scientifically known as Smilax, is a genus of climbing woody vines valued in traditional medicine for their therapeutic potential. Often found in subtropical regions, these plants contain bioactive compounds used to support blood purification, reduce inflammation, and treat joint pain, offering a natural approach to holistic wellness.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
SmilaxRegional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Zarzaparrilla blanca
German:
- Stechwinden
- Sarsaparille
- Sarsaparilla
- Sassaparille
Sources: Wikidata
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution focused within the Mediterranean region. It can be found growing across various parts of Southwestern Europe, including France and Portugal. Additionally, the species is present on several significant islands such as Corse and Sardegna. Its range also extends to the Baleares, further establishing its presence in the archipelago. Overall, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the unique climates of the Southwestern European coastlines.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse |
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Plant Parts
Smilax has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Root
- Journal of functional foods
- Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology
Conditions
Smilax has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hepatocellular carcinoma.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
Preparations
Smilax has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Roots | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Roots
- Journal of functional foods