Suma

Contents: Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) powder

Preparation: 1-2 tsp/cup, simmer for 10 minutes, or add powder to smoothies.

Suma

Suma, commonly sold under the name Pfaffia paniculata but taxonomically aligned with Hebanthe erianthos, is a South American root traditionally described as a general tonic (“para tudo”).⁴ Its roots contain nortriterpenoid saponins known as pfaffosides, along with pfaffic acid and related triterpenoids, plus ecdysteroid-type compounds such as 20-hydroxyecdysone.¹,⁴ Experimental studies with root extracts have explored interactions with inflammatory signalling, oxidative stress pathways, and mucosal gene expression in intestinal inflammation models, without defining clinical outcomes.²,³ Recent work has also examined antimicrobial and cytotoxic actions of standardized extracts in vitro, contributing to an evolving picture of its pharmacological profile.³ Ethnobotanical accounts emphasize its use as a fatigue and resilience-supporting tonic in Brazilian and Amazonian traditions, though controlled human trials remain limited.²,⁴

This information is for educational purposes only and does not refer to the effects of any specific product.

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1. Li, J., Jadhav, A. N., & Khan, I. A. (2010). Triterpenoids from Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculata. Planta Medica, 76(17), 1907–1911. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1240631 

2. Costa, C. A. R. A., Tanimoto, A., Quaglio, A. E. V., Almeida, L. D., Severi, J. A., & Di Stasi, L. C. (2015). Anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation in rats. International Immunopharmacology, 28(1), 459–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2015.07.002 

3. Taioli, F., de Matos, M. N., Nagamine, M. K., et al. (2024). Pfaffia paniculata extract, a potential antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. Microorganisms, 12(6), 1165. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061165 

4. Hebanthe erianthos (syn. Pfaffia paniculata). (n.d.). In Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/