Dictionary.net

The root of this and other species of Smilax is inodorous; taste bitterish, feculaceous, and fibrous; of a dark colour externally; white within. It is possessed of diuretic and demulcent properties, and has been often employed in the sequelae of syphilis; when, after a mercurial course, nocturnal pains, ulcerations, &c., continue. It has, also, been advised in scrofula, chronic rheumatism, &c.; but its efficacy is, to say the least of it, a matter of doubt. It is obtained from Honduras, Brazil, and Peru- the varieties being called respectively, Honduras, (F.) Salsepareille de Honduras; Brazil, (F.) S. de Bresil ou de Portugal, and Peruvian Sarsaparilla, (F.) S. de Perou ou caraque.

A name for various tuberous-rooted species, especially S. pseudo-china, S. lanceolata, and S. Walteri. The S. sarsaparilla of Linnaeus, formerly regarded as the source of the true medicinal sarsaparilla, is of doubtful origin, and is not now recognized as growing in the United States. The S. sarsaparilla of Pursh is S. glauca.