Common name: Brazilian ginseng, Para todo
Botanical names: Pfaffia paniculata, Hebanthe
paniculata
Parts used and where grown
Suma is a large shrubby vine native to the rain forests of the Amazon and other tropical
regions of Latin America, including Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.1
The root of the plant is used medicinally.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Although suma is claimed as an ancient Brazilian folk remedy, no confirmation of that
statement is found in the modern literature on medicinal plants. Advocates have claimed suma
is an immune enhancer, an adaptogen (helps combat stress), and that it possesses anticancer
activities. Test tube studies do indicate possible anti-tumor activity of suma constituents
called pfaffosides. Suma has been marketed as Brazilian ginseng, though it is not an adaptogen
(a substance that invigorates or strengthens the system) and is not related to Asian ginseng or American ginseng. In light of the lack of known
traditional use, and of modern research confirming health benefits, use of suma is not
recommended for any condition at this time.2
Active constituents
Suma root contains several major constituents, including the nortriterpene pfaffic acid,
six pfaffic acid saponins (pfaffosides A–F), pterosterone, ecdysterone, and ecdysteroid
glycosides.3 4 Although widespread claims are made for this herb for the
treatment of chronic fatigue, stress, menopausal symptoms, and diabetes, they are not supported by current human
clinical research. What little research has been done focuses on the plant’s anti-tumor,
anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac effects and has been completed only in test tubes or with
animals.5 6 7 8
How much is usually taken?
Suma root, 500 to 1,000 mg two to three times per day, can be used.9
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Very little is known about the adverse effects of this herb. Saponins, such as the
pfaffosides found in this plant, can cause nausea when taken in excessive quantities.
Occupational inhalation of suma dust has been known to trigger asthma.10 The safety of this plant has not
been established for use during pregnancy or
breast-feeding.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with suma.
References:1. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York:
William Morrow and Co., 1999, 614–5.
2. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal 4th ed. New York: Haworth Press,
1999, 363–5.
3. Nishimoto N, Nakai S, Takagi N, et al. Pfaffosides and nortriterpenoid
saponins from Pfaffia paniculata. Phytochem 1984;23:139–42.
4. Nishimoto N, Shiobara Y, Inoue S, et al. Three ecdysteroid glycosides
from Pfaffia iresinoids. Phytochem 1988;27:1665–8.
5. Arletti R, Benelli A, Cavazzuti E, et al. Stimulating property of
Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual behavior of male
rats. Psychopharmacol 1999;143:15–9.
6. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York:
William Morrow and Co., 1999, 614–5.
7. Tyler VE. The Honest Herbal 3rd ed. New York: Haworth Press,
1993, 303–4.
8. Mazzanti G, Braghiroli L. Analgesic anti-inflammatory action of
Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) kuntze. Phyto Res 1994;8:413–6.
9. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York:
William Morrow and Co., 1999, 614–5.
10. Subiza J, Subiza JL, Escribano PM, et al. Occupational asthma caused
by Brazil ginseng dust. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991;88:731–6.