Chinaroot is a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert guilinggao, which uses its ability to set certain kinds of jelly.

Dihydro-flavonol glycosides (astilbin, neoastilbin, isoastilbin, neoisoastilbin, (2R, 3R)-taxifolin-3'-O-beta-D-pyranoglucoside) have been identified in the rhizome of Smilax glabra[7] as well as smitilbin, a flavanonol rhamnoside.

[11] The root of S. glabra is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat dysentery, joint pain and colds.

The rhizome of the plant is collected and dried during all seasons for herbal use.

It is believed to restore balance in the body in response to yin disease by removing dampness and toxicity.