Smilax Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Smilax is the Smilax rotundifolia plant, a woody, vining plant native to Eastern North America. Smilax plants have prickly stems with leathery leaves. Smilax plants produce white or yellow colored flowers with red or black berries.^1,2

Smilax Health Uses and Health Benefits

Smilax extracts have health benefits that include anti-inflammation, pain-killing and immune system boosting. For this reason, smilax is often used to treat localized wounds and inflammation, typically on the skin. This includes treating psoriasis and eczema. Smilax preparations have also been used to alleviate digestive issues and stomach problems. Smilax has also shown to induce cancer cell death in certain cancer types.^2,3

References

1. https://www.britannica.com/plant/Smilax-plant-genus
2. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Smilax+rotundifolia 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25732255