Sariva (Indian sarsaparilla)

Hemidesmus indicus

Edible plant

Ayurveda

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at studied doses.

Contraindications: Pregnancy (insufficient data — caution).

Interactions: Theoretical additive with anti-inflammatories/hepatically cleared drugs; few documented.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy: insufficient data — caution.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

powder · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Preclinical

in blood-purifier formulas (Sarivadyasava) · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Preclinical

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: skin disease, fever, urinary complaints, demulcent tonic

Proposed mechanism: 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, pregnane glycosides, coumarins, sterols — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Evidence:Preclinical

syrup/sherbet (Nannari) · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: cooling drink

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Urinary complaints (general)Fever Skin conditions (general)

Edibility

Edible parts: Root used to make a traditional cooling drink (Nannari sherbet).

Toxic lookalike warning

Aromatic roots confused with Decalepis hamiltonii (also 'sariva') and other roots — positive ID needed; some sold roots are different species.

Nutritional notes

Root flavoring/demulcent; not a staple food.

Healing traditions

Ayurveda

Sources (2)

Nandy 2012, J Ethnopharmacol (PMID 22887725)
George 2020, J Ethnopharmacol (PMID 32007632)

All sources →