Brazilian Ginseng (Suma)

Discover the Benefits of Brazilian Ginseng (Suma) Supplements

Brazilian Ginseng, also known as Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family of flowering plants and is native to tropical countries in the Amazon rainforest, like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. It has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries in a variety of therapeutic applications, including boosting energy and libido, improving sexual performance, and managing blood sugar. Suma is also recognized as a potent adaptogen, so it is often recommended to help manage physical, chemical, or biological stressors. Indeed, because of its incredible versatility, suma is commonly referred to as “para tudo” in folk medicine, meaning “for everything.”

Structurally speaking, suma is highly similar to Ginseng root, so is often referred to as “Brazilian ginseng ."The plant, however, is unrelated to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), all of which belong to the Araliaceae family. Like ginseng, however, the roots of the suma plant contain powerful active compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids which are responsible for its therapeutic properties. Perhaps most notably, the suma root contains traffic acid and saponin pfaffosides, which have been extensively studied in several medicinal applications. Suma is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K and germanium, a trace element with immune-boosting properties. As such, supplementing with suma naturally bolsters one's nutritional profile.

Comprehensive Health Advantages of Suma for Wellness and Performance

• Anabolic – Helps Build Lean Muscle Mass
• Boosts Energy/Fights Fatigue
• Fast-Acting Adaptogen 
• Helps Balance Hormones
• Immune System Support
• Promotes Resilience

Ideal Candidates for Suma Supplementation

Suma is exceptionally versatile and can be beneficial in several situations. As such, your naturopath may recommend it to relieve stress, reduce pain and inflammation, increase physical and mental energy, improve libido and sexual function (as an aphrodisiac,) treat chronic inflammatory bowel disease and other GI conditions, boost fertility by balancing hormones, and support exercise performance. Suma has long been recognized as a sports aid and anabolic supplement; it was dubbed the “Russian secret" after Russian scientist Syrov (1976) extracted a compound called ecdysterone from the root and discovered it had anabolic effects. In addition to building lean mass without side effects (unlike synthetic anabolic steroids), suma can also improve the strength of heart muscle contractions, which improves blood flow and cellular oxygenation throughout the body. This is why suma is often included in sports nutrition supplements.

Forms and Applications of Suma (Brazilian Ginseng) in Daily Health Regimens

Suma root can be purchased as a powder that can be added to food or beverages and is available in capsules, teas, and as a liquid extract.

There is no set recommended daily dose of suma, but drinking 2 daily cups of suma root tea is generally recommended. If you prefer supplements, you should aim to take 500–1,500 mg 2–3 times daily.

Final Thoughts Brazilian Ginseng

It’s important to know that for all of the impressive benefits that Suma offers, it can engender a few side effects, especially in high doses or if taken for a prolonged amount of time. These include anxiety, diarrhea, hypertension, and insomnia. In addition, please note that Suma can interact with erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, etc.) and medications for high blood pressure and anxiety. Suma should not be combined with other stimulants (natural or otherwise) or ADHD drugs.