Suma

Suma is a rambling ground vine native to South America, classified in the family Amaranthaceae. Its accepted botanical name is Hebanthe eriantha, though it has long been known in commerce and research as Pfaffia paniculata, and several related species of the genera Pfaffia and Hebanthe are sold interchangeably under the same common name ^[1]. In Brazil it is called suma or Brazilian ginseng, and it carries the folk nickname para tudo, literally for everything, reflecting its reputation as a cure-all tonic ^[1]. The part used is the root.

In South American folk medicine suma root has traditionally been used as a restorative tonic and adaptogen, taken for fatigue, stress, and low immunity, and as an aphrodisiac and an aid for various ailments ^[1][3]. The comparison to ginseng reflects this role as a general strengthening remedy rather than any botanical relationship, since suma is unrelated to the true ginsengs of the genus Panax.

Chemical study of the root has identified a range of constituents, including plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, the triterpene pfaffic acid and its sugar-bound forms called pfaffosides, saponins, and allantoin ^[2]. Pfaffic acid is often treated as a marker compound for authentic Hebanthe eriantha and is used to distinguish it from other plants sold as Brazilian ginseng ^[1]. Some suma products are also promoted for their content of ecdysteroids, plant steroids of interest for effects on metabolism.

Most scientific investigation of suma has been carried out in laboratory and animal models. Studies have reported anti-inflammatory effects in a model of intestinal inflammation, antitumor and antiangiogenic activity in mice, and changes in sex-hormone levels in rodents given the root, while a laboratory study of human blood cells found it could improve the flexibility of red cells from people with sickle cell disease ^[2][3][4][5]. Rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking, so these findings should be regarded as preliminary. Suma is sold as a dietary supplement, usually as powdered root or capsules, and toxicity studies in animals have not shown obvious harm at the doses tested; as with other herbal products, quality and composition can vary between brands ^[1][4].

Generally considered safe in traditional use. The root powder can irritate airways if inhaled. Hormonal and pregnancy safety are not well studied, so caution there. Quality and standardization vary a lot.