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Suma

Pfaffia paniculata

Herbs & Roots. Latin American & Amazon and Modern nutrition.

Also called Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia, Hebanthe

Little human safety data

Suma is the root of a South American vine, sold as Brazilian ginseng for energy and stamina, though it is not related to true ginseng.

Did you know? Suma is called Brazilian ginseng, but it is not related to true ginseng (Panax), so ginseng research does not carry over to it.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Energy & tiredness. Sold for energy and stamina. Randomized human trials are few, and most evidence comes from animal and lab studies.
Traditional proof
Anemia & blood building. A small, uncontrolled report in a patent filing described higher hemoglobin (the oxygen carrier in blood) in children with sickle cell disease. It is not peer-reviewed proof.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Energy & metabolism, Blood

Traditional use

Brazilian folk healers have used the root as a tonic for tiredness and stamina. This use rests mostly on folk tradition.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Tonic, Adaptogen. Energy: neutral.

How people take it

Usually taken as root powder or capsules. Doses in studies are not clearly set, so ask a doctor before using it for sickle cell disease.

Capsule, powder and tea.

Where to get it

Grows wild in Brazil, Paraguay, and nearby areas of South America. Sold as root powder and capsules, mostly online. Older botany books may list it under the name Hebanthe eriantha.

Be careful

Little human safety data exists. Breathing root dust may cause asthma in workers, according to one report. Avoid it in pregnancy and with hormone-sensitive cancer.

Avoid if: pregnancy; hormone-sensitive cancer.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Both South American roots are sold as energy and libido boosters, though they are not tested together.

The honest take

Suma has a catchy name and a ginseng-like image, but its human research is very small. Most of the evidence is animal and lab work, plus one patent report that was not a controlled trial. Its name does not link it to true ginseng, so do not assume ginseng studies apply.