Ingredient 6 of 8
Sarsaparilla in SodaPeak: How Much Is There and What It Can and Cannot Do
Sarsaparilla root is sixth of eight in SodaPeak's 1,200 mg blend, so two capsules hold at most 200 mg. RxList calls the idea that its plant sterols become testosterone "a false claim", since no plant has ever been found to contain testosterone (RxList: Sarsaparilla). Evidence is insufficient for every use, and it may raise lithium levels and digoxin absorption.
Written by the SodaPeak editorial teamUpdated
The basics
What is sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla is a woody climbing vine in the Smilax family. People dig up its long roots, dry them, and use them as a flavoring and a folk tonic.
Several Smilax species are sold under the sarsaparilla name. SodaPeak's label names one: "Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Roxb.) Root". Unlike most other herbs in the blend, it is not called an extract. That suggests dried root powder, though the label does not say.
Sarsaparilla is not a vitamin or a mineral. It has no Daily Value, and the body does not need it. The table below sums up the label facts and the research.
| Label name | Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra Roxb.) Root |
|---|---|
| What it is | Smilax glabra root · Root |
| Position on the label | 6 of 8 in the blend (labels list blend ingredients from most to least by weight) |
| Amount per serving (2 capsules) | Not disclosed; at most 200 mg by label math |
| Amount used in research | No established dose; contains no testosterone |
| Strength of evidence | Insufficient |
| Why it is used | Root used as a flavoring and folk tonic |
| Main caution | May raise lithium levels and digoxin absorption; avoid with kidney problems. |
Label math
How much sarsaparilla is in SodaPeak?
The amount is a secret. Sarsaparilla is printed sixth in the 1,200 mg Test Boost Proprietary Blend, and only the blend total appears.
FDA rules require blend ingredients to run from most to least by weight (FDA labeling guide ch. IV (blends)). Five ingredients sit above sarsaparilla, each at least as heavy. So it can make up no more than one sixth: 1,200 divided by 6, which is at most 200 mg per 2-capsule serving.
| Position | Ingredient | Ceiling, 2 capsules | Ceiling, 1 capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Wild yam | at most 240 mg | at most 120 mg |
| 6 | Sarsaparilla | at most 200 mg | at most 100 mg |
| 7 | Orchic substance | at most 171 mg | at most 85 mg |
| 8 | Boron amino acid chelate | at most 150 mg | at most 75 mg |
Sixth place means a small slice. The heavy hitters at the top of the list likely take most of the 1,200 mg, so sarsaparilla probably sits well under its ceiling.
The big myth
Does sarsaparilla contain testosterone or natural steroids?
No. RxList states that testosterone has never been found in any plant. It calls the claim that sarsaparilla's plant sterols turn into testosterone or other anabolic steroids "a false claim" (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
The myth grew from chemistry. Sarsaparilla contains plant sterols, which share a basic ring shape with human steroid hormones. A shared shape is not a shared effect. Your body does not rebuild these plant sterols into testosterone.
"Plant testosterone"
No plant has ever been shown to contain testosterone (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
"Natural steroid"
Its sterols do not become anabolic steroids in the body (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
SodaPeak does not repeat the myth on the bottle. Its blend name, Test Boost, still points in that direction, so it helps to know the facts.
The evidence
What does the research say sarsaparilla can do?
Not much is known. RxList finds insufficient evidence for every use it reviews, and our sources contain no human trial on muscle, energy or hormones (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
| Question | SodaPeak | Research |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per 2 capsules | at most 200 mg | No established dose (RxList: Sarsaparilla) |
| Form | Root, not called an extract | Not published |
| Testosterone | No claim on the bottle | Contains none; steroid claim false (RxList: Sarsaparilla) |
| Muscle or strength | "Supports healthy muscle*" (whole product) | No study in our sources |
| Tested in SodaPeak | Not published | No trial of the product |
The wider "T booster" market shows the same gap. A 2020 review of 50 such products found that 61.5% of their ingredients had no testosterone data at all (Clemesha 2020: T-booster claims). The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements adds that popular booster herbs like tribulus did not raise strength or sex hormones in small trials (ODS: Exercise & performance supplements).
Safety
What are the side effects of sarsaparilla?
Stomach irritation is the main one. RxList says larger amounts can upset the stomach (RxList: Sarsaparilla). At a ceiling of 200 mg, the SodaPeak share is small.
- RxList advises people with kidney problems to avoid it (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
- Dust from the dried root can trigger asthma-like symptoms in people who handle it (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
- No pregnancy or nursing data appear in our sources. The SodaPeak label already asks pregnant or nursing mothers to consult a physician.
The SodaPeak side effects page lists cautions for the full formula.
Medicines
Can you take sarsaparilla with lithium or digoxin?
Only with your doctor's approval. RxList rates both as moderate interactions (RxList: Sarsaparilla).
| Medicine | What may happen | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | A water-pill effect may push lithium levels up | Lithium has a narrow safe range |
| Digoxin | The body may absorb more digoxin | Too much digoxin can upset heart rhythm |
SodaPeak also contains nettle root, which carries its own lithium warning (RxList: Stinging nettle). If you take lithium or digoxin, show the label to your prescriber before starting. A racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, needs a doctor right away.
Quick check
Should you check with a doctor before trying SodaPeak?
Five questions sort that out. Sarsaparilla's lithium, digoxin and kidney cautions appear in questions three and four.
For dosing steps, see how to use SodaPeak: start with one capsule and never exceed two.
Our take
Is the sarsaparilla in SodaPeak worth it?
It adds flavor-root tradition, not proven value. The amount is small and hidden, the research is thin, and the steroid story behind it is false.
In its favor
- Species and plant part named on the label
- Stomach upset is the main reported side effect
Against it
- Insufficient evidence for every use
- Steroid and testosterone myth
- Lithium and digoxin interactions
- At most 200 mg, real amount unknown
For what the full formula can fairly claim, see SodaPeak benefits.
Keep exploring
What comes after sarsaparilla in the SodaPeak blend?
Orchic substance follows sarsaparilla, and boron closes the list. Each ingredient has a page with the same label math and sources.
FAQ
Sarsaparilla in SodaPeak: common questions
How much sarsaparilla is in SodaPeak?
SodaPeak does not print a sarsaparilla amount. As the sixth ingredient in a 1,200 mg blend listed by weight, it can weigh at most 200 mg per 2 capsules, or 100 mg per capsule. The real amount is most likely well below that.
Is sarsaparilla a natural steroid?
No. RxList says the claim that sarsaparilla's plant sterols turn into testosterone or anabolic steroids is false, and that testosterone has never been found in any plant. Its sterols only resemble human hormones in shape.
What is Smilax glabra?
Smilax glabra is the sarsaparilla species named on the SodaPeak label. It is a climbing vine whose root is dried and used as a flavoring and folk tonic. The label lists it as root, not extract, and gives no strength.
Does sarsaparilla help build muscle?
No study in our sources shows that. RxList rates the evidence as insufficient for every use. SodaPeak's only bottle claim, "Supports healthy muscle", is for the whole product, and the product itself has not been tested.
Can sarsaparilla affect digoxin?
Yes, it may. RxList says sarsaparilla can increase how much digoxin the body absorbs, a moderate interaction. Too much digoxin can affect heart rhythm, so anyone taking it should ask their prescriber before using SodaPeak.
Who should avoid sarsaparilla?
People with kidney problems should avoid it, per RxList. Anyone on lithium or digoxin should ask a doctor first. The SodaPeak label also asks pregnant or nursing mothers, people under 18 and those with a known medical condition to consult a physician.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Plain-language pages built from the bottle label, the order page and linked public health sources such as NIH, FDA and CDC.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a U.S. stocking partner for SodaPeak, not by the manufacturer. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
Keep reading
More about SodaPeak
Ingredients
All eight SodaPeak ingredients in label order, with the most each can weigh and what the research says.
Read moreHow to use
Start with one capsule, never more than two, always with a full glass of water: the SodaPeak routine.
Read more
Benefits
SodaPeak's one label claim, each possible benefit rated by evidence, and what really builds muscle.
Read moreU.S. stocking partner for SodaPeak
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