Sassafras

Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD — GMJ Editorial Board

What is Sassafras?

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America, historically valued for its aromatic root bark used in traditional folk medicine and as a flavoring agent. The root bark contains safrole, a volatile oil that gives sassafras its distinctive sweet, spicy aroma reminiscent of root beer. Traditionally, sassafras was used by Native Americans and early settlers to treat various ailments including fever, rheumatism, and skin conditions. However, sassafras and its primary active compound safrole are now banned by the FDA for use in foods and dietary supplements due to serious safety concerns.

Sassafras preparations were once popular in herbal medicine and were used to make traditional root beer before being replaced with safer alternatives like wintergreen and vanilla. The tree’s leaves, bark, and roots all contain safrole, though concentrations are highest in the root bark.

Health benefits & uses

Limited evidence: Historical uses of sassafras included treatment of urinary tract infections, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and as a “blood purifier.” Some traditional applications focused on its purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support any therapeutic benefits of sassafras.

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Modern research has been severely limited due to safety concerns surrounding safrole. The few studies conducted have primarily focused on the toxic properties rather than potential benefits. Any historical reported benefits must be weighed against the significant cancer risk posed by safrole consumption.

It’s important to note that safrole-free sassafras extracts exist but have not been adequately studied for efficacy, and their safety profile remains unclear.

How it works

The primary active compound in sassafras, safrole, is metabolized in the liver to form reactive intermediates that can bind to DNA and proteins. This mechanism is responsible for both any potential therapeutic effects and its carcinogenic properties. Safrole and its metabolites can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage.

The compound’s aromatic properties come from its phenylpropanoid structure, which is similar to other aromatic compounds found in spices and essential oils. However, unlike many other natural aromatic compounds, safrole’s metabolites are highly toxic and mutagenic.

Dosage

No safe dosage has been established. The FDA has banned sassafras containing safrole from use in foods and dietary supplements due to cancer risks. There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) or tolerable upper limit (UL) because no safe level of consumption has been determined.

Historically, traditional preparations used varying amounts of sassafras root bark, but these dosages are not recommended due to safety concerns. Even small amounts of safrole can pose health risks with repeated exposure.

Any use of sassafras products should only be considered under strict medical supervision, and safer alternatives should be prioritized for any intended therapeutic purposes.

Food sources

Sassafras is not legally available as a food ingredient in the United States due to FDA restrictions. Historically, it was used in:

• Traditional root beer (now made with safer alternatives)
• Filé powder (used in Creole cooking, though commercial versions are typically safrole-free)
• Traditional herbal teas and folk remedies
• Flavoring for various foods and beverages

Modern root beer uses artificial sassafras flavoring or safrole-free natural extracts. Commercially available filé powder is processed to remove safrole content.

Safety & side effects

Sassafras containing safrole is considered unsafe and potentially dangerous. The FDA banned its use in 1960 due to studies showing safrole causes liver cancer in laboratory animals. Potential risks include:

• Increased cancer risk, particularly liver cancer
• Liver damage and toxicity
• Allergic reactions
• Hallucinations and psychoactive effects at high doses
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)

Safrole is also a precursor chemical used in the illegal manufacture of MDMA (ecstasy), leading to additional regulatory restrictions. Even occasional use may pose cumulative health risks.

Interactions

Due to limited research and safety concerns, comprehensive interaction data is not available. However, potential interactions may include:

Drug interactions: Sassafras may affect liver enzyme systems responsible for drug metabolism, potentially altering the effects of medications processed by the liver. This could include blood thinners, diabetes medications, and drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Supplement interactions: Unknown, but caution is advised with any liver-affecting supplements or those with stimulant properties.

Given the banned status and safety profile, sassafras should not be combined with any medications or supplements without medical supervision.

Who should be cautious

Sassafras should be avoided by everyone due to its cancer risk and banned status. Particular caution is advised for:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Children and adolescents
• Individuals with liver disease or cancer history
• People taking medications metabolized by the liver
• Those with allergies to related plants in the Lauraceae family

Healthcare providers should be consulted before considering any sassafras-containing products, even those claimed to be safrole-free.

Frequently asked questions

Is sassafras illegal?

Sassafras containing safrole is banned by the FDA for use in foods and supplements, but the plant itself is not illegal to possess. However, safrole is regulated as a precursor chemical due to its use in illegal drug manufacturing.

Are there safe alternatives to sassafras?

Yes, safer alternatives exist for flavoring, including wintergreen, vanilla, and artificial sassafras flavoring. For potential health benefits, other herbs with better safety profiles should be considered under professional guidance.

What about safrole-free sassafras products?

While safrole-free sassafras extracts exist, their safety and efficacy have not been adequately studied. The removal process may not eliminate all potentially harmful compounds, and these products should still be used with caution.

Can I make sassafras tea from wild plants?

This is not recommended due to the cancer risk from safrole. Wild sassafras contains the same toxic compounds as commercial preparations and poses the same health risks.

Why was sassafras banned if it’s natural?

Natural does not mean safe. Sassafras was banned because scientific studies demonstrated that safrole causes cancer in laboratory animals, and regulatory agencies determined that no safe level of exposure could be established.