Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Suma(Hebanthe eriantha), or Brazilian ginseng, is a plant species in theAmaranthaceae(amaranth) family,used to decrease inflammation and relieve stress. Studies have looked at whether it can counteract cancer, although more research is needed.
Suma is native to tropical areas of the Amazon rainforest. The root of the plant has been used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat a variety of conditions, from boosting energy and sexual function to loweringblood sugar.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Suma
Suma is one of many medicinal herbs that are referred to asadaptogens. Adaptogens are plants that may help the body regulate and cope with different types of stress, likefatigue,infection, or environmental factors.
Preliminary studies in animal models or test tubes have shown that suma may benefitinflammation,cancer, ormental health. However, since results fromtest tube and animal studiesoften don’t translate into benefits for people, human clinical trials and more research are needed.
Here’s the science behind suma’s proposed uses:
What Are the Side Effects of Suma?
Consuming a supplement like suma may have potential side effects. These side effects can be common and mild or uncommon and severe.
Common Side Effects
If taken at a high dose or for a prolonged amount of time, side effects of suma may include the following:
Severe Side Effects
Parts of suma caused cell abnormalities and cell death in a 2016 rat study.More research is needed to determine if it has a similar action in humans. For this reason, some researchers suggest using it with caution.
Suma has not been studied in children and is not recommended.
Also, discuss using suma with your healthcare provider if you’re trying to conceive.
Suma is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there’s not enough research proving its safety.
Suma has been shown to decreasesperm qualityin mice. A daily intake of 100 mg/kg was associated with embryo loss.It’s unknown whether this effect also occurs in humans.
Dosage: How Much Suma Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
No human clinical trials have been conducted on suma. Therefore, there’s not a uniform suggested or recommended dose of suma. If you decide to try it, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Suma?
There’s not much data on suma toxicity. However, side effects seem more common if high doses are taken or if it’s used for an extended period.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients:Stigmasterol, sitosterol, allantoin, pfaffic acid, and glycosidesAlternate names:Brazilian ginseng,Pfaffia paniculata, para todo, amaranthaceaeLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement (United States)Suggested dose: Unknown.Safety considerations:Not recommended for children, or during pregnancy or lactation
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients:Stigmasterol, sitosterol, allantoin, pfaffic acid, and glycosidesAlternate names:Brazilian ginseng,Pfaffia paniculata, para todo, amaranthaceaeLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement (United States)Suggested dose: Unknown.Safety considerations:Not recommended for children, or during pregnancy or lactation
Because of a lack of human clinical trials, there’s very little information on suma’s drug interactions.
Suma could interact witherectile dysfunctionmedications likesi Viagra (sildenafil)based on a study conducted in mice.
Suma has had side effects like high blood pressure and anxiety.It might interact withblood pressure medicationsor other stimulants, such ascaffeineorattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications.
It is essential to read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement carefully to know which ingredients and how much or each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Suma
Herbal preparations should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Keep suma out of the reach of children and pets. Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Other herbs known asadaptogensinclude the following:
Some supplements that may decrease inflammation are:
Sources of Suma & What to Look For
The suma plant is native to Brazil. In the United States, it usually is consumed as a tea or in supplement form.
Food Sources of Suma
Suma root can be made into a powder for teas or used as a food additive.
Suma Supplements
Suma can be found in several forms at health food stores, pharmacies, and online. These include capsules, powder, and extracts.
No U.S. government agency regulates herbal preparations. This contrasts with prescription and over-the-counter medications, which the FDA regulates. This means that the burden of finding a safe and effective product is on the consumer.
Summary
Suma has been used traditionally for many conditions and studied for its effects on inflammation and specific types of tumors. However, most of the medical research data comes from animal, not human, studies. More studies are needed to prove suma’s safety and effectiveness for human use.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. The safety of suma for infants and children has not been established.Suma got its common name, “Brazilian ginseng,” because of its structural similarities to Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)and because both plants are considered adaptogens, which are believed to manage stress and restore balance in the body. But suma and Korean ginseng come from different plant families and differ in chemical makeup and health benefits.It is not yet known. Test tube studies have shown promising effects of suma on liver cancer cells.However, its benefit remains unknown until human clinical trials are conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The safety of suma for infants and children has not been established.
Suma got its common name, “Brazilian ginseng,” because of its structural similarities to Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)and because both plants are considered adaptogens, which are believed to manage stress and restore balance in the body. But suma and Korean ginseng come from different plant families and differ in chemical makeup and health benefits.
It is not yet known. Test tube studies have shown promising effects of suma on liver cancer cells.However, its benefit remains unknown until human clinical trials are conducted.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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