How It Works
Bottom Line: Because there is no evidence that it works, sassafras should not be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or any other medical condition.
Sassafras is a root extract. Scientists do not know what, if any, positive biological effects sassafras might have. However, some of the compounds found in sassafras are known to have harmful effects: safrole, a volatile oil, is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), while L-hydroxy safrole can damage the nerves.
Purported Uses
To detoxify the body
No scientific evidence supports this use.
For general health maintenance
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To reduce inflammation
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat)
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat rheumatoid arthritis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat sprains
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat syphilis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat urinary tract disorders
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have been conducted to test any effects of sassafras.
Warnings
Sassafras is classified as a carcinogenic substance. It has caused liver cancer in laboratory animals to which it was fed; the risk of developing cancer increases with the amount consumed and duration of consumption.
This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Do Not Take If
You are taking barbiturates such as phenobarbital (Sassafras can have an additive effect).
Side Effects
Hot flashes
Profuse perspiration
At toxic doses or with prolonged use, sassafras can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, liver cancer, and death.
Special Point
Sassafras was once used as flavoring agent in root beer and candies. The Food and Drug Administration has since prohibited the use of sassafras as a food additive due to its carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Ague tree, saxifrax, cinnamonwood, saloop, smelling-stick
Clinical Summary
Derived primarily from the roots of the tree. No clinical data support the use of sassafras, which contains safrole, a volatile oil that was shown to be carcinogenic in animal models. Diaphoresis, hot flashes, and sedation have been reported following administration of small doses. Excessive doses can cause hallucinations, hypertension, and tachycardia.
Food Sources
Once used as flavoring agent in root beer and candies. Its use as food additive is now prohibited by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effect.
(6)
Purported uses
Detoxification
Health maintenance
Inflammation
Mucositis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sprains
Syphilis
Urinary tract disorders
Constituents
Volatile oils: Safrole, myristicin, L-hydroxy safrole
Alkaloids: Boldine, cinnamolaurine
Other constituents: Sitosterol, tannins, and lignans
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Unknown at this time. Safrole, a volatile oil, is a known carcinogen. L-hydroxy safrole can cause neurotoxicity and is believed to be carcinogenic as well.
(6)
Warnings
Sassafras, containing safrole, has caused liver cancer in animal models and is classified as a carcinogenic substance. Risk increases with length of exposure and amount consumed. It is unsafe and ineffective.
(5)
Adverse Reactions
Common: Hot flashes and diaphoresis
(4)Toxicity: Hallucinations, hypertension, tachycardia, liver cancer, and death
(2)
Herb-Drug Interactions
Barbiturates: Sassafras may have an additive effect.
(3)
Literature Summary and Critique
No studies justify the use of this herb.
References
- Newall C, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.
- De Smet PA, et al. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs, Vol 3. New York: Springer; 1997.
- Brinker F, Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998.
- Haines JD. Sassafras tea and diaphoresis. Postgrad Med 1991;90;75-6.
- Safrole. Report on Carcinogens. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s159safa.pdf (Accessed July 22, 2008).
- Foster S, et al. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. New York: Haworth Herbal Press; 1999.
