Root beer sarsaparilla

Folklore Although there are steroidal compounds present in sarsaparilla, the rumoured presence of testosterone, which made it of interest to body-builders, has not been substantiated. The root has been used in soft drinks and root beers. Sarsaparilla was introduced into Europe following the Spanish colonization of South America. It was regarded as a cure-all and was established in pharmacopoeias until the early twentieth century (Bown, 2003 British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983 Giuenwald et al, 2002 Tierra, 1998). 

Oil of sassafras Sassafras alhidum]. About 25,000 pounds produced annually in homemade stills from Maine to Florida and in the hills of Kentucky and the rolling country of Ohio . The oil goes into root-beer, sarsaparilla, candies, chewing gums, mouthwashes, toothpastes, soaps and perfumes. Source Fulling 1948... 

Food. Pipsissewa extracts (especially solid) are used as flavor components mainly in beverages (e.g., root beer, sarsaparilla, and other soft drinks) and candy. Other food products in which they are used include frozen dairy desserts, baked goods, gelatins and puddings, and sweet sauces. Highest average maximum use level is about 0.03% reported for the extract (type not specified) in sweet sauces (365 ppm) and baked goods (290 ppm). 

By far the greatest consumption of pure aqueous phosphoric acid is in the preparation of various salts for use in the food, detergent and tooth-paste industries (p. 524). When highly diluted the free acid is non-toxic and devoid of odour, and is extensively used to impart the sour or tart taste to many soft drinks ( carbonated beverages ) such as the various colas ( 0,05% H3PO4, pH 2,3), root beers ( 0.01% H3PO4, pH 5,0), and sarsaparilla ( 0.01% H3PO4, pH 4.5). 

Used in the manufacture of piperonal used to modify oriental perfumes used to strengthen soap perfumes used in small quantities, together with methyl salicylate, in root beer and sarsaparilla flavours also used as a pesticide. 

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