Sarsaparilla

#### Sarsaparilla. Highly famed in advertising as an important flavor ingredient in the so-called "root-beer" (a carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage), is the extract of **Sarsaparilla**. The name sounds intriguing, exotic, perhaps it is a good advertising slogan. The other side of the story is, that sarsaparilla does not contribute any important flavor note to the complex of sassafras, wintergreen, etc., called "root beer", nor to any other flavor. As a matter of fact, it has very little flavor at all. But the name sounds perhaps better than that of sassafras, the main flavor principle of that beverage. **Sarsaparilla **root comes from various **Smilax **species in Mexico, Honduras, Brazil and elsewhere in Central America. The root was brought to Europe in the 16th century, and great therapeutical value was attributed to the preparations from the drug. It has since become evident that **Sarsaparilla **is without any therapeutical or pharmacological value. The root has been submitted to steam distillation, but it yields less than 0.01 **%**** **of essential oil. The olfactory characteristics of the oil have been described (Journal. of the Royal Chem. Society of London, 1914, vol. 105, page 205) and are apparently without interest to the perfumer or the flavorist. The author is unable to give personal comments on the odor and flavor of this essential oil. The author has deliberately included this monograph in order to enlighten some of the very confusing informations, usually given in popular discussions on the subject of **Sarsaparilla**. The fact remains that sarsaparilla extracts are still used in certain types of soft drink (without any flavor effect), and are still used in pharmaceutical preparations (also without any effect). Apparently to satisfy the die-hard laymen among the public.