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Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Also listed as: Pfaffia paniculata
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Related Terms
- Allantoin, Amaranthaceae (family), beta-ecdysterone, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, Brazilian ginseng, butanolic extract, calcium, corango-açu (Portuguese - Brazil), copper, daucosterol, ecdysteroid glucosides, germanium, ginseng brasileiro (Portuguese - Brazil), glycosides, Gomphrena eriantha, Gomphrena paniculata, Hebanthe eriantha, Hebanthe paniculata, Iresine erianthos, Iresine paniculata, Iresine tenuis, iron, magnesium, mart, nortriterpenes, pantothenic acid, para toda, paratudo, pfaffia, Pfaffia eriantha, Pfaffia paniculata spp., pfaffic acid, pfaffosides (A-F), phosphorus, phytochemicals, plant sterols, polypodine B, potassium, ptersterone, rubidium, saponins, silica, sitosterol, stigmasterol, stigmasterol-3-o-beta-d-glucoside, stigmasterol-beta-D-glucoside, strontium, titanium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin E, vitamin K, Xeraea paniculata, zinc.
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Background
- Suma is a large, shrubby, ground vine native to the Amazon basin and other tropical parts of South America. It has been used historically for various conditions, such as menstrual disorders and has also been used as a sexual enhancement agent, bodybuilding agent, and as a general tonic. According to early research, suma may have potential as an anticancer agent. Limited research suggests that suma may have hormonal effects and increase sexual performance.
- High-quality human trials supporting the effectiveness of suma for any condition in humans are currently lacking.
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Evidence Table
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use B: Good scientific evidence for this use C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work) F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
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Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
- Adaptogen, analgesic (pain relief), anemia, anti-inflammatory, anxiety, appetite stimulant, arthritis, blood circulation, blood disorders (sickle cell), bronchitis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, digestion, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hormonal disorders, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), immune enhancement, increased muscle mass, leukemia, libido (sexual desire), memory enhancement, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, sexual dysfunction, stress, tonic, ulcers.
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DosingAdults (18 years and older)
- Suma has been taken by mouth as a capsule, decoction, extract, powder, root powder, or tea. At this time, there is no proven safe or effective dose for suma in adults.
Children (under 18 years old)
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for suma in children.
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Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
- Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to suma, its constituents, or members of the Amaranthaceae family.
Side Effects and Warnings
- Reliable information regarding the safety and adverse effects of suma is currently lacking. Symptoms of asthma have been reported in a patient who worked in a plant that manufactured suma capsules. Suma may affect estrogen-related processes, such as menstruation.
- Use cautiously in patients with hormone-sensitive conditions, as suma may cause an increase in estrogen or testosterone production.
- Use cautiously in patients with heart conditions, as suma may cause chest pain.
- Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, as ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and stomach cramping.
- Avoid in patients with known allergy or sensitivity to suma, its constituents, or members of the Amaranthaceae family.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- There is currently a lack of available scientific evidence on the use of suma during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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InteractionsInteractions with Drugs
- Suma may interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, hormonal agents, or pain relievers.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
- Suma may interact with antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, hormonal herbs and supplements, or pain relievers.
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Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
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Bibliography
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- Ballas SK. Hydration of sickle erythrocytes using a herbal extract () in vitro. Br J Haematol 2000;111(1):359-362.
- Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72(2 Suppl):624S-636S.
- Carneiro CS, Costa-Pinto FA, da Silva AP, et al. (Brazilian ginseng) methanolic extract reduces angiogenesis in mice. Exp Toxicol Pathol 2007;58(6):427-431.
- da Silva TC, Paula da Silva A, Akisue G, et al. Inhibitory effects of (Brazilian ginseng) on preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in a mouse hepatocarcinogenesis model. Cancer Lett 2005 Aug 26;226(2):107-13.
- Kim KM, Kwon HS, Jeon SG, et al. Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma and determination of IgE binding components. J Korean Med Sci. 2008;23(2):232-5.
- Matsuzaki P, Akisue G, Salgado Oloris SC, et al. Effect of (Brazilian ginseng) on the Ehrlich tumor in its ascitic form. Life Sci 2003;74(5):573-579.
- Matsuzaki P, Haraguchi M, Akisue G, et al. Antineoplastic effects of butanolic residue of . Cancer Lett 2006;238(1):85-89.
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- Oshima M, Gu Y. -induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice. J Reprod Dev 2003;49(2):175-80.
- Pinello KC, Fonseca ES, Akisue G, et al. Effects of (Brazilian ginseng) extract on macrophage activity. Life Sci 2006;78(12):1287-1292.
- Subiza J, Subiza JL, Escribano PM, et al. Occupational asthma caused by Brazil ginseng dust. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991;88(5):731-6.
- Watanabe T, Watanabe M, Watanabe Y, et al. Effects of oral administration of (Brazilian ginseng) on incidence of spontaneous leukemia in AKR/J mice. Cancer Detect Prev 2000;24(2):173-8.
- Zucchi OL, Moreira S, de Jesus EF, et al. Characterization of hypoglycemiant plants by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Biol Trace Elem Res 2005;103(3):277-290.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
| The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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