(Similax officinalis - 39mg per serving)

The root of this woody, 150 foot vine should not be confused with the Sarsaparilla Tree whose extract is used to flavor natural root beer.

Rather than a mere flavoring like the tree, the unrelated Sarsaparilla Vine is a rich source of a special category of phytonutrients called Saponins.

Saponins are also found in abundance (not by accident) in many other Iridesca ingredients. Saponins leverage the assimilation and utilization of other phytonutrients, thus enhancing their effective potency. The vine root extract is often employed in South American herbal blends as a booster for the entire formula. It makes a welcome addition to Iridesca’s already vigorous Saponin crew.

In 1536, a Sarsaparilla root was shipped from Mexico to Europe where the plant soon developed a strong following as a general tonic, and as a treatment for syphilis and rheumatism. It then gained a wide reputation as a blood purifier, and was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia after 1820.

According to Chinese clinical blood test studies, Sarsaparilla Vine was effective in 50% to 90% of syphilis cases. Other research has shown it to attack and neutralize a wider range of microbial substances.

The unique Saponin phytonutrient Sarsaponin

in Sarsaparilla Vine Root binds the endotoxins of harmful bacterial cell wall fragments so they stay in the intestines and pass out of the body. This is quite incredible, as these toxic fragments are otherwise absorbed and become a burden, or over-burden, upon your liver. They can tax your energy and make you feel just plain yuckie. These toxic particles are a factor in psoriasis, so Sarsaparilla may therefore be a meaningful player in its deterrence and abatement.

There are a number of phytonutrients in this vine such as (Beta-sitosterol, Epsilonsitosterol, Sitosterol-d-glycoside and Stigmasterol) which merit observation in regard to supporting a more youthful hormone activity into middle-age and for older adults. GH (Growth Hormone), estrogen and testosterone benefits could all be seen.

Each of these hormones begin their dramatic declines after your mid-twenties. Fat-gain, muscle-loss, slower healing, reduced immune power, rapidly aging skin, and older-looking complexion - along with a decrease in sex drive - and a decrease in ambition in general, are but some of the penalties for a decline in these hormones. Any combination of nutrients, which support or restore their increases to more youthful levels would be a godsend - especially for those people who are endeavoring to lose a few pounds. GH is also a big plus for body builders, and definitely for the elderly.

Sarsaparilla Vine promotes good circulation. It enjoys a vigorous following by aphrodisia enthusiasts in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Malaysia and Turkey.

It is mentioned for lung congestion, rheumatism (there are those two together again), eczema, diabetes, and for the kidneys, the stomach and liver - and as a protective against harmful radiation.

The fact that it facilitates removal of toxins from the intestine, cells, blood and lymph was first documented some 150 years ago. Dr. Pereira, one of London’s more enlightened physicians in the mid-1800’s, noted that Sarsaparilla Vine was especially helpful for those patients whose health was long - broken by the use of mercury-based medicines - “It is a great restorer of appetite, flesh, colour, strength and vigor”.

Other British doctors observed that patients given Sarsaparilla Vine Root tea were cured, and recovered faster than those given the most powerful and dangerous mercury-based medications.

In this era of exponentially increased mercury toxicity, anything which facilitates its removal from your body is a profound blessing to your health, longevity and brain functioning as a whole!