Herbs & Botanicals · Brazilian tonic root

Suma

Hebanthe eriantha (Pfaffia paniculata), root · also called Brazilian ginseng, para tudo

Suma, or Brazilian ginseng, is the root of a South American vine that is sold as an energy and stress tonic and for sports. It is not related to Asian ginseng. We found almost no human research: one small sickle cell trial, one skin test, and sports trials of ecdysterone supplements that did not use suma. The main caution is that safety has not been studied, and lab and animal work raises questions about hormones, fertility and pregnancy.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Suma

Suma is a South American root with a long reputation as a tonic. Human research is almost absent. The plant is not Asian ginseng. Safety is the main question: nothing is established for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, hormone-sensitive conditions or use with medicines.

What it is

Suma is the root of a South American vine. Its accepted botanical name in the GBIF database is Hebanthe erianthos; older papers call it Pfaffia paniculata or Hebanthe eriantha. 'Brazilian ginseng' is also used for a different species, Pfaffia glomerata, and it has no botanical link to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Indigenous peoples called the root para tudo, 'for everything'.

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What the research shows

There are almost no human trials. The best human item is a Cochrane review of plant medicines for sickle cell disease, which includes one small trial of a powdered suma root extract and found the effect uncertain (very low-quality evidence). Sports claims rest on trials of ecdysterone, a compound in the root, using other products, with mixed results. A 2025 trial found its commercial product held under 1% of the labelled amount. One 21-person test of a three-plant eye serum is the only other human study. The rest is test-tube and animal work.

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How it may work

The root holds ecdysteroids (including 20-hydroxyecdysone), saponins, plant sterols and allantoin. Computer models suggest ecdysterone binds estrogen receptor beta, and animal work links it to the Mas1 receptor in the renin-angiotensin system. In people, a single dose of isolated ecdysterone was mostly cleared in urine with a half-life of about three hours. None of this has been shown for suma root.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Indigenous South American tonic, called para tudo ('for everything')
Folk use as an aphrodisiac and for diabetes and rheumatism in Brazil
Modern herbal use as an adaptogen for stress and tiredness

Studied for research

Stress, tiredness and general tonic use, insufficient
Anxiety, mood and memory, insufficient
Muscle and sports performance (ecdysterone), insufficient for suma
Sickle cell disease, very low
Sex hormones, fertility and libido, insufficient
Skin around the eyes (cosmetic serum), very low
Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, insufficient
Cancer, inflammation and germs (lab only), insufficient

Main compounds

20-Hydroxyecdysone (beta-ecdysone) and other ecdysteroids
Pfaffic acid and root saponins (triterpenoids)
Plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol) and allantoin

Common forms

Powdered root
Capsules and tablets
Liquid extracts and teas
Skin serums (cosmetic)
Not the same as Asian ginseng or Pfaffia glomerata

Research links: Phytomedicines for sickle cell disease, Cochrane (2020) · Suma and sex hormones in mice (2003) · Beta-ecdysone genotoxic in rodents (2016) · Ecdysterone supplement trial in men (2019) · Labeling of a phytosteroid product, trial (2025) · Suma's therapeutic uses (EBSCO, 2024) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen
Naming authority: ACCEPTED in the GBIF backbone (species key 10855609, checked 2026-10-25). Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze (key 5548115) and Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen (key 7323468) are both listed as synonyms of it. Plants of the World Online was not checked.
Synonyms: Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze; Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen (spelling variant used in many papers)
Common names: Suma (English / trade); Brazilian ginseng (English); Para tudo (Portuguese ('for everything'))
Botanical family: Amaranthaceae (the amaranth family, which also includes quinoa and beets).
Classification: Plantae > Amaranthaceae > Hebanthe > Hebanthe erianthos
Native range: Central and South America, per EBSCO. Not verified from a botanical source.
Habitat: Not verified.
What the plant looks like: Roots: The root is the part used. EBSCO calls the plant a large ground vine.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified.
Cultivation: Not verified.
Harvest and processing: Not verified.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen; Note: A separate accepted species (GBIF key 7323527) also called Brazilian ginseng. Much of the lab and animal research, including the fertility studies, used it. Results do not automatically carry over to suma.; Name: Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. (Asian ginseng); Note: Unrelated plant in another family (Araliaceae). Shares only the nickname.
Sustainability and conservation: Not verified.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Indigenous peoples of Central and South America	Used to promote health and treat 'practically all illnesses'; called para toda or para tudo, meaning 'for everything'.	s-ebsco-suma; s-healthline-suma
Brazilian folk literature	A survey of 24 Brazilian books on plants used in ways that resemble adaptogens: Pfaffia paniculata and Pfaffia glomerata were noted but listed in fewer than four books; the authors called for clinical studies.	p17030478
Folk medicine in Brazil	Tonic and aphrodisiac, and for diabetes and rheumatism, per the introduction to a genotoxicity paper (about Pfaffia species in general).	p26626488
Modern US herbal use	Promoted as an adaptogen, energy tonic and aphrodisiac; EBSCO says Russian Olympic athletes 'reportedly' used suma. That claim is NOT verified.	s-ebsco-suma

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
20-Hydroxyecdysone (beta-ecdysone, ecdysterone) PubChem 5459840	Ecdysteroid (plant steroid)	Root (isolated from Pfaffia paniculata roots)	Anabolic, lipid-lowering and other effects in animals and cells; estrogen receptor beta binding in models; Mas1 receptor activation in animals. Genotoxic in rodent and onion tests as a pure compound. ^{14 6 23 17}	Animal research
Ecdysone PubChem 19212	Ecdysteroid	Root	Isolated from the root; no activity data in the sources read. Pterosterone and rapisterone were also isolated (no CID checked). ¹⁴	Laboratory research
Pfaffic acid PubChem 441936	Triterpenoid (nortriterpenoid acid)	Root	Marker compound and aglycone of root saponins; EBSCO mentions anticancer promise from test-tube and animal studies. ^{14 20 8}	Laboratory research
Pfaffosides and other saponins	Triterpenoid saponins	Root	Listed in the root chemistry; activity data in the sources read are lab only. ^{20 8}	Laboratory research
Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol PubChem 222284	Plant sterols (phytosterols)	Root	Reported in the root; their role in the mouse hormone changes was not tested. ^{20 21}	Laboratory research
Allantoin PubChem 204	Urea derivative	Root	Reported in the root; no activity data in the sources read. ²⁰	Laboratory research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta)	ESR2	Computer simulations suggest ecdysterone binds ER-beta stably; a human sports paper also says its anabolic effect is thought to work through estrogen receptors. Not shown for suma. ^{23 13}	In silico
Mas1 receptor / renin-angiotensin system	MAS1	A review says 20-hydroxyecdysone activates the Mas1 receptor in animal models, which could explain many effects. Not shown for suma. ⁶	Animal research
Red blood cell mechanics		Extract improved sickle red cell deformability in a test tube. ¹⁶	Laboratory research
Cell survival in cancer cell lines		Methanol root extract lowered viability of colon cancer and mouse breast tumour cells, and was toxic to brine shrimp, so it is cytotoxic in general. ²²	Laboratory research
Sex hormone levels		Higher plasma estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in mice drinking root-enriched water for 30 days. ²⁰	Animal research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not studied for suma. In 12 volunteers given a single dose of isolated ecdysterone, urine levels peaked 2.8-8.5 hours after the dose.
Distribution: Not found.
Metabolism: Two metabolites of ecdysterone (14-deoxy-ecdysterone and 14-deoxy-poststerone) appeared in urine later than the parent compound.
Elimination: About 18% of the ecdysterone dose was excreted unchanged in urine; half-life about three hours; detected for more than two days. No sex difference.
Bioavailability: Not measured (urine only). The ecdysterone content of suma root is not known, so these figures cannot be applied to a suma product.

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

The ecdysterone trials used isolated or commercial ecdysterone products, not suma root. The root also holds saponins, sterols and other compounds, and no study compared whole root with 20-hydroxyecdysone. Results and warnings for the isolated compound (genotoxicity in animals, estrogen receptor models, sports trials) do not transfer automatically to the whole root.

Nutritional composition

EBSCO says suma is rich in vitamins and minerals, but gives no amounts and no source was read that does. No nutrient table is given.

8benefits and uses looked at

26studies and sources checked

Very low certaintybest evidence rating found

4lab markers tracked in trials

2 very low certainty6 not enough evidence

What is Suma good for?

The main studied and promoted uses and how strong the human evidence is. For suma itself there is almost none; where a result comes from ecdysterone products or a related species it is said so.

General tonic, stress and tirednessNot enough evidenceSuma is sold as an adaptogen, a herb said to help the body cope with stress. No human trial was found; the idea rests on tradition and the nickname 'Brazilian ginseng'. Anxiety, mood, memory and thinkingNot enough evidenceReference articles list these as proposed uses. Support comes from lab and animal work, partly on a related species. No human trial was found. Muscle building and sports performanceNot enough evidenceThe root holds ecdysteroids, sold to athletes. A 10-week trial of ecdysterone supplements in 46 men reported more muscle and strength; a later 12-week placebo trial found no difference, and its product held under 1% of the labelled ingredient. Neither used suma. Sickle cell diseaseVery low certaintyIn a test-tube study a suma extract made red blood cells from 7 people with sickle cell disease more flexible. A Cochrane review included one small trial of a powdered root extract and could not tell if it helped. It is not a treatment. Sex hormones, fertility and libidoNot enough evidenceMice drinking root-enriched water had higher estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Studies of a related species show mixed fertility results in mice. No human study was found, and this is a reason for caution as well as interest. Skin around the eyes (cosmetic serum)Very low certaintyAbout 90% of 21 people using a three-plant serum for 28 days had a lighter skin tone. It was not suma alone, not a supplement, and no control group is mentioned. Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterolNot enough evidenceReference articles say suma showed promise. No human study was found; the idea comes from animal work on ecdysterone and related species. Cancer, inflammation and germs (lab only)Not enough evidenceA root extract reduced the survival of colon cancer cells and mouse breast tumour cells and was moderately toxic to brine shrimp. That shows it can harm cells, not that it treats disease.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

General tonic, stress and tiredness

Not enough evidence

Suma is sold as a tonic that helps the body cope with stress and tiredness. We found no human trial that tested this. The claim rests on tradition and on its nickname 'Brazilian ginseng'.

3 studiesNot covered. Products vary in plant part and content.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of suma for stress, fatigue or energy was found in PubMed. A public reference article says there is no reliable scientific evidence that suma benefits chronic fatigue or stress.

Results

No outcome data in people.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

No human trial; only tradition and a literature survey.

Form and dose studied

Not covered. Products vary in plant part and content.

Who was studied

None studied.

Limits

The adaptogen label is a tradition-based idea, not a proven effect. Species names are mixed in the literature (Pfaffia paniculata, Pfaffia glomerata and Hebanthe eriantha are all called Brazilian ginseng).

Why researchers looked

Indigenous peoples of South America are reported to have called the root 'for everything' (para tudo / para toda). Herbalists today call it an adaptogen, a word for herbs said to help the body adapt to stress.

Traditional use

A survey of 24 Brazilian books found Pfaffia paniculata and Pfaffia glomerata had been studied in ways that support a possible adaptogen role, but each was named in fewer than four books, and the authors said clinical studies were missing. One reference also says Russian Olympic athletes reportedly used suma; that claim was not checked.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

No tested mechanism for stress or tiredness. The root contains ecdysteroids and saponins, and a related species has lab and animal activity, but nothing links these to stress relief in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Safety has not been established in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, or severe liver or kidney disease (see the safety file).

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Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking

Not enough evidence

Some reference articles say suma may help mood and memory. These statements come from lab and animal findings. No human trial was found.

2 studiesNot covered.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None found for suma. A public reference article says comprehensive human studies are necessary.

Results

No outcome data in people.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

No human evidence; related-species animal work only.

Form and dose studied

Not covered.

Who was studied

None studied.

Limits

Evidence comes from another species and from animals.

Why researchers looked

Marketing and reference texts list anxiety, mood and memory among suma's 'proposed uses'.

Traditional use

Part of the general 'tonic' reputation.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

A review of the related species Pfaffia glomerata lists antidepressant activity in laboratory and animal studies. That is a different species, and the findings are not human data.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Nothing specific found. Because hormones may be affected in animals (see body file), people on hormone treatment or with hormone-sensitive conditions should ask a doctor.

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Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone)

Not enough evidence

The root contains ecdysteroids, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), which are sold to athletes as natural muscle builders. Two trials of ecdysterone supplements gave mixed results and neither used suma. No trial of suma itself was found.

6 studiesNot covered.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 10-week strength-training study in 46 young men reported larger gains in muscle mass and bench-press strength with ecdysterone-containing supplements and no rise in liver or kidney markers. A later 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 28 men found no difference from placebo for a commercial product, which held under 1% of the labelled ecdysterone. Neither tested suma, and the suma root's ecdysterone content is not known.

Results

Mixed for ecdysterone products; no suma data.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers in the abstracts for the first trial. Second trial: no group difference (both groups improved with training).

Why this rating

No suma trial. Ecdysterone trials are small and contradict each other, and one product was mislabelled.

Form and dose studied

Not covered.

Who was studied

Young men doing resistance training (ecdysterone trials only).

Limits

Suma has not been tested. Product labels often do not match contents. The first trial's authors also argue ecdysterone should be banned in sport.

Why researchers looked

Four ecdysteroids were isolated from the root. Ecdysterone supplements are marketed for muscle gain, and suma is sometimes mentioned alongside them.

Traditional use

Suma's use by athletes is described in a reference as reported, not documented.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Computer modelling suggests ecdysterone binds estrogen receptor beta; a review also describes activation of the Mas1 receptor in the renin-angiotensin system in animals. Neither was shown for suma.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Ecdysterone is on the WADA Monitoring Program (not the Prohibited List), per a US Department of Defense supplement-safety article that was not checked against the current WADA list. Athletes in tested sports should check before use.

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Sickle cell disease

Very low certainty

In a test-tube study, a suma extract made red blood cells from people with sickle cell disease more flexible. A Cochrane review found one small trial of a powdered suma root extract in patients and could not tell whether it helped.

3 studiesPowdered root extract in the Cochrane-reviewed trial; details not rea…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The 2020 Cochrane review included three trials (212 people) of three plant medicines; one was a powdered Pfaffia paniculata root extract. The reviewers were uncertain of its effect on lab tests and symptoms (very low-quality evidence) and reported no adverse effects with it (low- to very low-quality evidence). The 2015 study used blood from 7 people with sickle cell disease and 4 without; nobody took the herb.

Results

Test-tube: better deformability at 0.5 mg/mL in sickle cell samples only. Trial: no conclusion.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Cochrane rated the evidence for the Pfaffia trial very low quality. The details of that trial were not read.

Form and dose studied

Powdered root extract in the Cochrane-reviewed trial; details not read.

Who was studied

People with sickle cell disease.

Limits

Tiny and old evidence. A sickle cell crisis is a medical emergency; suma is not a treatment.

Why researchers looked

Sickle-shaped red cells are stiff and can block small vessels, so researchers tested whether the extract makes them more flexible.

Traditional use

None specific.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Extract made sickle red cells more deformable in a test tube at high shear stress. How it does this was not shown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Anyone with sickle cell disease should discuss any herb with their haematology team first.

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Sex hormones, fertility and libido

Not enough evidence

Suma is sold as an aphrodisiac and fertility aid. The only direct evidence is one mouse study in which hormones rose. Studies of a related species show mixed or even harmful effects on fertility in mice. No human study was found.

5 studiesNot covered.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None for suma.

Results

Mice drinking root-enriched water for 30 days had higher estradiol, progesterone (females) and testosterone (males). In Pfaffia glomerata (a different species), mice exposed in the womb and during nursing mostly showed no testis damage, but a tetraploid laboratory line lowered sperm production and increased embryo loss in male mice.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Animal data only, different species, mixed direction.

Form and dose studied

Not covered.

Who was studied

Mice.

Limits

Higher hormones in mice are not a proven benefit in people and could be a risk for some people (see safety file). The fertility studies are of a different species.

Why researchers looked

Folk use as an aphrodisiac and a tonic.

Traditional use

Reputation as an aphrodisiac is repeated in reference articles but no human trial supports it.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Phytosteroids (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol) and ecdysteroids are in the root. Ecdysterone may act through estrogen receptor beta in computer models. How these affect hormone levels was not shown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Ask a doctor first if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a hormone-sensitive condition.

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Skin around the eyes (dark circles, a cosmetic serum)

Very low certainty

A 28-day test of a serum made from three plants (suma was one) on the skin of 21 people found about 90% had a lighter tone. This was not a swallowed supplement and not suma alone.

1 studiesSkin serum (cosmetic).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

One 28-day uncontrolled test in 21 volunteers with a serum containing 5.0% of a Pfaffia paniculata, Ptychopetalum olacoides and Lilium candidum compound applied twice daily.

Results

Skin tone and luminance improved in about 90% of volunteers; they also reported less obvious dark circles.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

Small, no control group mentioned, combination product, cosmetic outcome.

Form and dose studied

Skin serum (cosmetic).

Who was studied

21 volunteers with periorbital hyperchromia.

Limits

Cannot say suma alone worked. Sponsor not named in the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Tested as a cosmetic ingredient for dark circles.

Traditional use

None found.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

In a skin-culture model the compound lowered inflammatory mediators and raised an antioxidant enzyme.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Skin reactions were not described in the abstract.

⁹

Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol

Not enough evidence

Reference articles say suma 'showed promise' for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. We found no human trial. The promise comes from lab and animal work, much of it on ecdysterone or related species.

3 studiesNot covered.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None. A PubMed search for Pfaffia or Hebanthe with diabetes, glucose or blood pressure found no human study.

Results

No human outcome data.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

No human evidence.

Form and dose studied

Not covered.

Who was studied

None studied.

Limits

Based on a different compound and related species in animals.

Why researchers looked

Folk use for diabetes and rheumatism is mentioned in the introduction to a genotoxicity paper.

Traditional use

Pfaffia species were used in Brazil for diabetes, among many other uses.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

A review of pharmaceutical-grade 20-hydroxyecdysone reports lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic effects in animals and activation of a renin-angiotensin pathway (Mas1 receptor). This was not shown for suma root.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Because of this theory, people taking diabetes or blood pressure medicines should ask a doctor or pharmacist (see interactions).

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Cancer, inflammation and infection (lab and animal only)

Not enough evidence

Many lab and animal papers report that suma or related-species extracts kill cancer cells, reduce inflammation or block germs. These are not human results.

3 studiesRoot methanol extract (lab).

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None.

Results

Cell tests: IC50 272.6 ug/mL (HCT116 colon cancer cells) and 88.5 ug/mL (4T1 mouse breast cells) at 72 hours; brine shrimp LC50 589.4 ug/mL.

Effect sizes as reported

See results.

Why this rating

Lab and animal only.

Form and dose studied

Root methanol extract (lab).

Who was studied

Cell lines.

Limits

Laboratory concentrations do not tell what happens in the body. One review states members of the subfamily 'do not present toxicity', which is an overstatement given the genotoxicity and fertility findings in the safety file.

Why researchers looked

Cancer-cell and germ tests are quick and common.

Traditional use

Reference articles list anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory 'proposed uses'.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

A methanol extract of the root lowered the viability of human colon cancer cells and mouse breast tumour cells and was moderately toxic to brine shrimp. That shows the extract can harm cells, not that it treats disease.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use suma in place of cancer treatment.

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Connections to the rest of health

How Suma connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Stress Reduction	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	General tonic, stress and tiredness: Suma is sold as a tonic that helps the body cope with stress and tiredness. We found no human trial that tested this. The claim rests on tradition and on its nickname 'Brazilian ginseng'.	^{15 8 12}
Reduce Fatigue	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	General tonic, stress and tiredness: Suma is sold as a tonic that helps the body cope with stress and tiredness. We found no human trial that tested this. The claim rests on tradition and on its nickname 'Brazilian ginseng'.	^{15 8 12}
Energy Boost	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	General tonic, stress and tiredness: Suma is sold as a tonic that helps the body cope with stress and tiredness. We found no human trial that tested this. The claim rests on tradition and on its nickname 'Brazilian ginseng'.	^{15 8 12}
Anxiety Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking: Some reference articles say suma may help mood and memory. These statements come from lab and animal findings. No human trial was found.	^{4 8}
Mood Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking: Some reference articles say suma may help mood and memory. These statements come from lab and animal findings. No human trial was found.	^{4 8}
Memory Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking: Some reference articles say suma may help mood and memory. These statements come from lab and animal findings. No human trial was found.	^{4 8}
Muscle Recovery	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone): The root contains ecdysteroids, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), which are sold to athletes as natural muscle builders. Two trials of ecdysterone supplements gave mixed results and neither used suma. No trial of suma itself was found.	^{14 13 7 23 6 19}
Physical Stamina	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone): The root contains ecdysteroids, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), which are sold to athletes as natural muscle builders. Two trials of ecdysterone supplements gave mixed results and neither used suma. No trial of suma itself was found.	^{14 13 7 23 6 19}
Peak Performance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone): The root contains ecdysteroids, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), which are sold to athletes as natural muscle builders. Two trials of ecdysterone supplements gave mixed results and neither used suma. No trial of suma itself was found.	^{14 13 7 23 6 19}
Healthy Circulation	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Sickle cell disease: In a test-tube study, a suma extract made red blood cells from people with sickle cell disease more flexible. A Cochrane review found one small trial of a powdered suma root extract in patients and could not tell whether it helped.	^{18 16 8}
Libido Support	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Sex hormones, fertility and libido: Suma is sold as an aphrodisiac and fertility aid. The only direct evidence is one mouse study in which hormones rose. Studies of a related species show mixed or even harmful effects on fertility in mice. No human study was found.	^{20 3 5 23 12}
Fertility Support	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Sex hormones, fertility and libido: Suma is sold as an aphrodisiac and fertility aid. The only direct evidence is one mouse study in which hormones rose. Studies of a related species show mixed or even harmful effects on fertility in mice. No human study was found.	^{20 3 5 23 12}
Hormone Balance	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Sex hormones, fertility and libido: Suma is sold as an aphrodisiac and fertility aid. The only direct evidence is one mouse study in which hormones rose. Studies of a related species show mixed or even harmful effects on fertility in mice. No human study was found.	^{20 3 5 23 12}
Healthy Skin	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Skin around the eyes (dark circles, a cosmetic serum): A 28-day test of a serum made from three plants (suma was one) on the skin of 21 people found about 90% had a lighter tone. This was not a swallowed supplement and not suma alone.	⁹
Blood Sugar Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol: Reference articles say suma 'showed promise' for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. We found no human trial. The promise comes from lab and animal work, much of it on ecdysterone or related species.	^{6 17 8}
Blood Pressure Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol: Reference articles say suma 'showed promise' for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. We found no human trial. The promise comes from lab and animal work, much of it on ecdysterone or related species.	^{6 17 8}
Cholesterol Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol: Reference articles say suma 'showed promise' for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. We found no human trial. The promise comes from lab and animal work, much of it on ecdysterone or related species.	^{6 17 8}
Inflammation Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Cancer, inflammation and infection (lab and animal only): Many lab and animal papers report that suma or related-species extracts kill cancer cells, reduce inflammation or block germs. These are not human results.	^{22 4 2}
Immune Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Cancer, inflammation and infection (lab and animal only): Many lab and animal papers report that suma or related-species extracts kill cancer cells, reduce inflammation or block germs. These are not human results.	^{22 4 2}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Endocrine system	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Raised sex hormones in mice; estrogen receptor beta binding in computer models. Higher sex hormones in mice; a reason for caution in hormone-sensitive conditions. Preparation or compound: Powdered root (mice); ecdysterone (models)	^{20 23}
Reproductive system	Adverse effect or risk	Not enough evidence	Lower sperm production and more embryo loss in mice; not shown for suma. Preparation or compound: Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid root extract (mice)	^{5 3}
Stress Mood	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: General tonic, stress and tiredness	^{15 8 12}
Nervous System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking	^{4 8}
Musculoskeletal System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone)	^{14 13 7 23 6 19}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Sickle cell disease Studied for: Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol	^{18 16 8 6 17}
Reproductive System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Sex hormones, fertility and libido	^{20 3 5 23 12}
Endocrine System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Sex hormones, fertility and libido	^{20 3 5 23 12}
Integumentary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Skin around the eyes (dark circles, a cosmetic serum)	⁹
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol	^{6 17 8}
Immune System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Cancer, inflammation and infection (lab and animal only)	^{22 4 2}

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Hormone-sensitive conditions	Contraindication	Not enough evidence	Precaution based on animal hormone data. Preparation or compound: Whole root (precaution)	²⁰
Sickle cell disease	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Test-tube and one small trial; Cochrane could not judge. Preparation or compound: Pfaffia paniculata extract	^{18 16}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Estradiol (an estrogen)	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
Progesterone	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
Testosterone	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁰
Red blood cell deformability	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁶

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
ESR2 (estrogen receptor beta)	Preliminary mechanism	In silico	Computer-model binding of ecdysterone; relevance to suma unknown.	²³
MAS1	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	20-Hydroxyecdysone activates this receptor in animal models.	⁶

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
20-Hydroxyecdysone (beta-ecdysone, ecdysterone)	Biological association	Animal	Anabolic, lipid-lowering and other effects in animals and cells; estrogen receptor beta binding in models; Mas1 receptor activation in animals. Genotoxic in rodent and onion tests as a pure compound. Preparation or compound: Root (isolated from Pfaffia paniculata roots)	^{14 6 23 17}
Ecdysone	Biological association	In vitro	Isolated from the root; no activity data in the sources read. Pterosterone and rapisterone were also isolated (no CID checked). Preparation or compound: Root	¹⁴
Pfaffic acid	Biological association	In vitro	Marker compound and aglycone of root saponins; EBSCO mentions anticancer promise from test-tube and animal studies. Preparation or compound: Root	^{14 20 8}
Pfaffosides and other saponins	Biological association	In vitro	Listed in the root chemistry; activity data in the sources read are lab only. Preparation or compound: Root	^{20 8}
Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol	Biological association	In vitro	Reported in the root; their role in the mouse hormone changes was not tested. Preparation or compound: Root	^{20 21}
Allantoin	Biological association	In vitro	Reported in the root; no activity data in the sources read. Preparation or compound: Root	²⁰

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 4 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Hormonal3 Other1

The evidence

The research centre for Suma. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

General tonic, stress and tiredness 3 studies Not enough evidence Anxiety, mood, memory and thinking 2 studies Not enough evidence Muscle building and sports performance (ecdysterone) 6 studies · 28 people in trials Not enough evidence Sickle cell disease 3 studies Very low certainty Sex hormones, fertility and libido 5 studies Not enough evidence Skin around the eyes (dark circles, a cosmetic serum) 1 studies Very low certainty Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol 3 studies Not enough evidence Cancer, inflammation and infection (lab and animal only) 3 studies Not enough evidence

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read each abstract directly, and checked plant names through GBIF and compound IDs through PubChem. EBSCO, Healthline and a US defense supplement-safety article were read. NCCIH has no suma page; EMA, LiverTox and LactMed could not be confirmed; Commission E and WHO were not checked. Full texts were mostly not read.

Study library: every study we checked 26

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Ambrosio 2021 Urinary Elimination of Ecdysterone and Its Metabolites Following a Single-Dose Administration in Humans Metabolites · PMID 34207569 · DOI	Pharmacokinetic	12 Twelve volunteers	Single dose of ecdysterone (not suma) n/a (isolated compound) Single 50 mg dose Urine collected for more than 2 days · vs None	Ecdysterone was the most abundant compound, detected for more than 2 days, peaking at 2.8-8.5 hours; two metabolites appeared later. About 18% of the dose was excreted as ecdysterone; half-life about three hours. No sex difference. 18% excreted unchanged; half-life about 3 hours Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Urine levels of ecdysterone and metabolites Limitations: Urine only (no blood levels), 12 people, isolated ecdysterone not suma. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest Read: abstract
Araque Gelves 2025 Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Toxicology of the Subfamily Gomphrenoideae (Amaranthaceae): A Comprehensive Review Chem Biodivers · PMID 40273036 · DOI	Narrative review in-vitro	About 480 species of the subfamily that includes Pfaffia/Hebanthe	Extracts and compounds from the subfamily various n/a n/a · vs n/a	512 compounds reported; extracts show antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity in studies; the authors state members of the subfamily do not present toxicity. Narrative review Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Compounds, activities, toxicity Limitations: Covers hundreds of species and mostly lab studies; the 'no toxicity' statement is not a safety clearance for suma in people. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts Read: abstract
Auharek 2019 Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng) Andrologia · PMID 31145510 · DOI	Animal research animal	Male mice exposed in the womb and while nursing	Hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata (a different species) root (not stated in the abstract) Several doses (not given in the abstract) In utero and during lactation · vs Control	No change in body weight, tubule diameter or testis function. Testis weight was lower in animals dosed directly in early life at the highest dose. The authors concluded the extract may not act as an endocrine disruptor. Mostly no effect; one testis-weight reduction Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Body weight, testis structure and function Limitations: Different species (P. glomerata). Mice. Abstract has no numbers. Read: abstract
Cotrim Ribeiro 2024 A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 38484957 · DOI	Narrative review animal	76 studies on Pfaffia glomerata (a different species also called Brazilian ginseng)	Pfaffia glomerata (not suma) root and other parts n/a n/a · vs n/a	40 compounds (ecdysteroids, triterpenes, saponins and others); 20-hydroxyecdysone is the main root compound; in vitro and in vivo activities reported (anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, aphrodisiac and others). Narrative review Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Botany, compounds, activities Limitations: Covers a different species. Lab and animal findings; not human evidence. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract
Dias 2023 Pfaffia glomerata polyploid accession compromises male fertility and fetal development J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 37230282 · DOI	Animal research animal	Adult male Swiss mice (4 per group for mating, 6 per group for lab analysis)	Hydroalcoholic root extract of a tetraploid Pfaffia glomerata line (a different species and a laboratory-bred line) root 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg in mice Not stated in the abstract · vs Water; sildenafil group	Daily sperm production and sperm number and quality fell; embryo loss after implantation rose in treated groups (except the lowest dose); markers of oxidative stress changed. Harm signal in male mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Fertility, sperm, testis tissue, oxidative stress markers Limitations: Different species and a tetraploid line, so it may not apply to suma. Mice only. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract
Dinan 2021 20-Hydroxyecdysone, from Plant Extracts to Clinical Use: Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Neuromuscular, Cardio-Metabolic and Respiratory Diseases Biomedicines · PMID 33947076 · DOI	Narrative review animal	Review of 20-hydroxyecdysone studies	Pharmaceutical-grade 20-hydroxyecdysone (not suma) n/a n/a n/a · vs n/a	Animal and cell studies report anabolic, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects; a main mechanism is activation of the Mas1 receptor in the renin-angiotensin system. Preclinical regulatory studies assessed a lack of toxicity; early trials were done in healthy volunteers and patients. The authors say safety and pharmacology need better evaluation. Narrative review Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mechanism, safety, early trials Limitations: Not suma. Only the abstract was read; author affiliations were not checked. Mostly animal and cell data plus early trials. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest Read: abstract
Dissemond 2025 How reliable is the labeling of a commercial phytosteroid product? A 12-week randomized double-blind training study J Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 40781783 · DOI	Controlled trial	28 Resistance-trained young men (24 finished)	Commercial 20-hydroxyecdysone plus diosgenin supplement (not suma) unspecified Taken three times daily as the label advised 12 weeks · vs Placebo	Both groups improved with training and did not differ. Capsules held less than 1% of the claimed 20-hydroxyecdysone and 10.4% of the claimed diosgenin; the extract showed no activity in muscle cells. No difference between groups Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Strength, muscle and fat-free mass, liver, kidney and hormone blood tests; lab analysis of the capsules Limitations: Not suma. Product contained almost none of the labelled compound, so the trial says little about real 20-hydroxyecdysone. Small. Read: abstract
EBSCO CAM Review Board (Research Starters) 2024 Suma's therapeutic uses EBSCO CAM Review Board (Research Starters) · Source	Consumer reference		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Reference article: no reliable scientific evidence for the conditions suma is promoted for; one test-tube sickle cell study; not associated with serious adverse reactions but comprehensive safety studies have not been done; safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease not established. Methods, limits and funding Limitations: A reference summary for the public, not primary research. It also lists a typical dose, which this page does not repeat. Read: full-text
Eberlin 2009 Effects of a Brazilian herbal compound as a cosmetic eyecare for periorbital hyperchromia ('dark circles') J Cosmet Dermatol · PMID 19527337 · DOI	Uncontrolled trial	21 Volunteers with dark circles under the eyes	Serum with 5.0% of a three-plant compound (Pfaffia paniculata, Ptychopetalum olacoides and Lilium candidum) applied to the skin root (not stated) Twice a day on the skin 28 days · vs None stated in the abstract	Skin tone and luminance improved in about 90% of volunteers, who reported less obvious dark circles. In a skin-culture model the compound lowered inflammatory mediators and raised an antioxidant enzyme. About 90% improved (no numbers given) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Skin colour and luminance around the eyes; questionnaire; skin-culture markers Limitations: Three-plant cosmetic used on the skin, not a swallowed supplement and not suma alone. No control group is mentioned. Only 21 people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
European Medicines Agency 2026 EMA / HMPC herbal monograph search for Pfaffia / suma European Medicines Agency · Source	Authoritative guidance		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Not found: no HMPC monograph for Pfaffia paniculata or Hebanthe was found. The agency search page returned an access error when queried from the command line, so absence is not confirmed. Methods, limits and funding Read: not-found
GBIF 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Pfaffia paniculata, Hebanthe eriantha, Hebanthe erianthos, Pfaffia glomerata, Panax ginseng GBIF · Source	Database		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Checked 2026-10-25. Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze (key 5548115) and Hebanthe eriantha (Poir.) Pedersen (key 7323468) are both SYNONYMS of Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen (key 10855609, ACCEPTED, family Amaranthaceae). Pfaffia glomerata (key 7323527) is a separate accepted species. Panax ginseng (key 5372262) is in family Araliaceae. Methods, limits and funding Limitations: Accepted name not cross-checked in Plants of the World Online. Read: full-text
Healthline 2021 Suma root: nutrients, benefits, downsides, and more Healthline · Source	Consumer reference		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Consumer health article: little scientific evidence for claims, especially in people; no recent studies on side effects or overall safety; children, pregnant or breastfeeding people and those on medicines may want to avoid it until more is known. Methods, limits and funding Limitations: Consumer article, used only for the caution statements and for what is promoted, not as evidence of benefit. Read: full-text
Isenmann 2019 Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans Arch Toxicol · PMID 31123801 · DOI	Controlled intervention study	46 Young men doing strength training	Ecdysterone-containing supplements (not suma) unspecified Different doses (not given in the abstract) 10 weeks · vs Lower or no ecdysterone (details not in the abstract)	Significantly higher muscle mass gain and bench-press gains in the ecdysterone-dosed men; no increase in liver or kidney toxicity markers. Positive (no numbers in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Muscle mass, one-repetition bench press, blood and urine markers Limitations: Not suma. Only abstract read. Design details (blinding, doses) not in the abstract. The authors conclude ecdysterone should be a prohibited sports substance. Read: abstract
Li 2010 Triterpenoids from Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculata Planta Med · PMID 19941264 · DOI	Phytochemistry in-vitro	Roots of Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze	Root extracts for compound isolation root n/a n/a · vs n/a	Two new nortriterpenoids (pfaffine A and B) and ten known compounds, including four ecdysteroids (ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, pterosterone, rapisterone) and triterpenoids such as pfaffic acid. Compound list only; no amounts given in the abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Compounds isolated and identified Limitations: Does not report how much of each compound a root or product contains. Read: abstract
Mendes 2007 Brazilian plants as possible adaptogens: an ethnopharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 17030478 · DOI	Survey	24 Brazilian books, 766 plants cited	Survey of traditional use n/a n/a n/a · vs n/a	Pfaffia glomerata and Pfaffia paniculata had been the object of pharmacological studies that support their use as possible adaptogens, but each was listed in fewer than four books. Brazil is rich in such plants but lacks pharmacological studies, mostly clinical ones, to confirm the properties. Survey of traditional literature Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plants used in ways resembling adaptogens Limitations: A survey of books and studies up to 2006, not a trial. Read: abstract
Mozar 2015 Pfaffia paniculata extract improves red blood cell deformability in sickle cell patients Clin Hemorheol Microcirc · PMID 26444603 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	11 Blood samples from 7 people with sickle cell disease and 4 without (not a treatment trial)	Pfaffia paniculata extract added to washed red blood cells in a test tube unspecified 0.2 or 0.5 mg/mL 5 hours at 37 C · vs 0.0 mg/mL	Red cell deformability improved in sickle cell samples at 0.5 mg/mL versus none; not in healthy cells. Fragility of sickle cells was not changed. Improved deformability, mainly at high shear stress (no numbers in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Red cell deformability, aggregation and fragility Limitations: Test-tube work on 11 blood samples; no one took the herb. Abstract gives no numbers. Read: abstract
Neves 2016 The phytoecdysteroid beta-ecdysone is genotoxic in Rodent Bone Marrow Micronuclei and Allium cepa L. Assays J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 26626488 · DOI	Animal research animal	Rodents (micronucleus test) and onion root cells	Pure beta-ecdysone (20-hydroxyecdysone), not suma root n/a (isolated compound) Three concentrations chosen 'based in human therapeutic dosage' 2 consecutive days (rodents); 24 hours (onion) · vs Untreated controls	Increased micronucleated cells at all three concentrations in rodent bone marrow; onion cells showed spindle and chromosome abnormalities. The authors say use of Pfaffia and other beta-ecdysone species 'should be considered with caution'. Positive genotoxic signal Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Micronucleated cells; cell abnormalities Limitations: Isolated compound, not the whole root; animal and plant-cell tests, no human data. Abstract gives no numbers or animal counts. Read: abstract
Oniyangi 2020 Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 32977351 · DOI	Systematic review	212 People with sickle cell disease; 3 trials in total (Niprisan, Ciklavit, and one of a powdered Pfaffia paniculata extract)	Powdered extract of Pfaffia paniculata (one of three phytomedicines) unspecified (powdered extract) not given in the abstract not given in the abstract · vs Placebo or conventional treatment	The review was uncertain of the effect of Pfaffia paniculata on laboratory parameters and symptoms (very low-quality evidence). No adverse effects were reported with it (low- to very low-quality evidence). No conclusions on efficacy. Uncertain; very low-quality evidence Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Laboratory parameters and symptoms of sickle cell disease Limitations: Only abstract read. The single Pfaffia trial is small and of low quality in the reviewers' view; its own details were not read. The 212 participants are across all three trials. Funding and conflicts: Cochrane authors: none known Read: abstract
Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS 2026 Ecdysterone and turkesterone dietary supplements Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS, US Department of Defense programme) · Source	Authoritative guidance		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Ecdysterone supplements: results of small human studies inconsistent; safety as a supplement ingredient unknown; labelled amounts can vary from batch to batch; risk of contamination or unlisted ingredients; on the WADA Monitoring Program since 2020 (not on the Prohibited List). Methods, limits and funding Limitations: About ecdysterone products in general, not suma. WADA status taken from this article and not checked against the current WADA list. Read: full-text
Oshima 2003 Pfaffia paniculata-induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice J Reprod Dev · PMID 14967943 · DOI	Animal research animal	Mice (female for estradiol and progesterone, male for testosterone); group sizes not given in the abstract	Powdered Pfaffia paniculata root dissolved in drinking water root ad libitum (amount not given in the abstract) 30 days · vs Plain drinking water	Estradiol, progesterone and testosterone were clearly higher in mice drinking root-enriched water than in controls; no adverse reactions were seen within 30 days. The authors concluded long-term use 'appears safe'. Higher sex-hormone levels in mice; no numbers in the abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone, testosterone; root chemistry Limitations: Mice, not people. Abstract gives no group sizes or numbers. 30 days only. The safety conclusion is the authors' and does not follow from a 30-day mouse study; raised sex hormones are a reason for caution in hormone-sensitive people, not proof of benefit. Read: abstract
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound records (name lookup) PubChem · Source	Database		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Checked 2026-10-25 by name: 20-hydroxyecdysone CID 5459840 (C27H44O7); ecdysone CID 19212 (C27H44O6); pfaffic acid CID 441936 (C29H44O3); allantoin CID 204; beta-sitosterol CID 222284; stigmasterol CID 5280794. Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
Rahamouz-Haghighi 2024 Antiproliferative assay of suma or Brazilian ginseng (Hebanthe eriantha) methanolic extract on HCT116 and 4T1 cancer cell lines, in vitro toxicity on Artemia salina larvae, and antibacterial activity Nat Prod Res · PMID 37337697 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Human colon cancer cells (HCT116), mouse breast tumour cells (4T1), brine shrimp larvae, bacteria	Methanolic extract of Hebanthe eriantha (suma) root root n/a 72 hours (cell test) · vs Untreated cells	Extract reduced cell viability (IC50 272.6 ug/mL in HCT116 and 88.5 ug/mL in 4T1 at 72 h); moderate toxicity to brine shrimp (LC50 589.4 ug/mL); it blocked some bacteria (MIC 500 ug/mL). IC50 272.6 and 88.5 ug/mL Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell viability, brine-shrimp toxicity, bacterial growth Limitations: Test-tube and brine-shrimp work only; shows the extract is toxic to cells at these concentrations, not that it treats cancer. Read: abstract
Tariq 2025 Molecular insights into the role of Estrogen Receptor Beta in Ecdysterone Mediated Anabolic Activity PLoS One · PMID 40455734 · DOI	In silico in-vitro	Computer models of ecdysterone binding to androgen receptor and estrogen receptors alpha and beta	Ecdysterone (isolated compound) n/a n/a 250 ns simulations · vs n/a	Simulations suggested ecdysterone binds estrogen receptor beta in a stable way, stronger-looking binding to alpha but with more fluctuation. The authors argue its anabolic effect may work through estrogen receptor beta rather than the androgen receptor. Computer modelling only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Binding behaviour Limitations: Computer simulation, no living cells, animals or people. It does not show that suma changes hormones. Read: abstract
US NIH LactMed 2026 NIH LactMed entry for suma / Pfaffia US NIH LactMed · Source	Authoritative guidance		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	No suma or Pfaffia entry was found in the searches made; not confirmed absent. Methods, limits and funding Read: not-found
US NIH LiverTox 2026 NIH LiverTox entry for suma / Pfaffia US NIH LiverTox · Source	Authoritative guidance		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	No suma or Pfaffia entry was found; the NCBI Bookshelf search returned only unrelated hits. Not confirmed absent (LiverTox pages were blocked in the earlier summary check). Methods, limits and funding Read: not-found
US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 2026 NIH NCCIH page for suma US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health · Source	Authoritative guidance		Suma (Pfaffia paniculata / Hebanthe eriantha) root	Not found: the address https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/suma returned 'page not found' (404) on 2026-10-25. No NCCIH page for suma, Brazilian ginseng or Pfaffia was located. Methods, limits and funding Read: not-found

What we do not know yet

No human trial of suma for stress, energy, sport, hormones, fertility, blood sugar or blood pressure.
The one Pfaffia paniculata sickle cell trial in the Cochrane review was not read in full.
The ecdysterone content of suma root and suma products is unknown.
No human safety, interaction or liver data; hormone effects only in mice and related species.
EMA, LiverTox, LactMed and the current anti-doping list could not be confirmed.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person checks each one before it is added.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Hormonal 3

▲

Estradiol (an estrogen)

Raised in trials

The main estrogen sex hormone.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Raised or lowered estrogen matters for hormone-sensitive conditions.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Animal finding only. A rise in an estrogen is not a benefit and may be unwanted in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Safety implication

Reason for caution with hormone-sensitive conditions and hormone treatments.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	Plasma estradiol-17beta clearly higher than in controls (no numbers in the abstract)	Female mice	Powdered root in drinking water for 30 days

²⁰

▲

Progesterone

Raised in trials

A sex hormone important in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Same study as estradiol.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Animal finding only.

Safety implication

As for estradiol.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	Plasma progesterone clearly higher than in controls (no numbers in the abstract)	Female mice	Powdered root in drinking water for 30 days

²⁰

▲

Testosterone

Raised in trials

The main male sex hormone; also present in women.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Sold for libido and muscle.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Animal finding only; no human measurement.

Safety implication

Hormone-sensitive conditions (for example prostate) are a reason to ask a doctor first.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁰	Plasma testosterone clearly higher than in controls (no numbers in the abstract)	Male mice	Powdered root in drinking water for 30 days

²⁰

Other 1

↕

Red blood cell deformability

Mixed results in trials

How easily red blood cells bend to squeeze through small vessels.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Stiff red cells are a problem in sickle cell disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A test-tube measure; not a symptom or crisis outcome.

Safety implication

None reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁶	Deformability improved in sickle cell blood at 0.5 mg/mL, not in healthy cells; fragility unchanged	Blood from 7 people with sickle cell disease and 4 without (test tube)	Extract added for 5 hours at 37 C

¹⁶

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

Almost no safety data exist for suma in people. A reference article says suma has not been linked to serious adverse reactions, but comprehensive safety studies have not been done. Another consumer article found no recent studies on side effects. Not having reports is not the same as being safe. Authoritative guidance ^{8 12}
Hormone effects: raised sex hormones in mice, mixed fertility results in related species. Mice given root-enriched water for 30 days had higher estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. A related species (Pfaffia glomerata) did not harm testes in mice exposed in the womb, but a laboratory-bred tetraploid line cut sperm production and raised embryo loss in male mice. Computer models suggest the root compound ecdysterone binds estrogen receptor beta. None of this has been tested in people, which is why anyone with a hormone-sensitive condition or on hormone treatment should ask a doctor first. Animal research ^{20 3 5 23}
A root compound damaged chromosomes in animal tests. Pure beta-ecdysone (20-hydroxyecdysone), a compound found in the root, increased micronucleated cells in rodent bone marrow and caused chromosome abnormalities in onion cells at concentrations chosen from human therapeutic amounts. The authors advised caution with Pfaffia species. Other sources describe a lack of toxicity for pharmaceutical-grade 20-hydroxyecdysone, and a human sports trial saw no rise in liver or kidney markers, so the evidence points both ways. Animal research ^{17 6 13}
Product contents are unreliable. A 12-week trial found a commercial ecdysterone product held under 1% of the amount on its label. A US defense supplement-safety programme warns that contents vary from batch to batch and that bodybuilding products can hide unlisted ingredients. The ecdysterone content of suma products is unknown. Controlled trial ^{7 19}

Side effects 5

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
No specific side effects documented EBSCO says no serious adverse reactions have been associated with suma; Healthline says no recent studies on side effects exist. Neither gives a frequency. The single Pfaffia paniculata trial in sickle cell disease reported no adverse effects (very low-quality evidence).	Not established	unknown unknown	Authoritative guidance ^{8 12}
Stomach and bowel upset (nausea, loose stools, cramps) No source read reports or measured stomach or bowel effects from suma. The root contains saponins (including pfaffic acid-type triterpenoids), and saponin-rich herbs can irritate the gut in theory. This is a possibility, not an observed effect.	Not established	unknown unknown	Pharmacological theory ¹⁴
Hormone-related changes (cycle, breast tenderness, libido, mood) Based only on raised estradiol, progesterone and testosterone in mice. No human report of such effects was found.	Not established	unknown unknown	Animal research ²⁰
Genetic damage markers (micronuclei) Found with the pure compound in rodents and onion cells. Not tested with whole suma root or in people.	Not established	unknown unknown	Animal research ¹⁷
No rise in liver or kidney blood markers with ecdysterone supplements 46 young men for 10 weeks, ecdysterone-containing products (not suma); abstract gives no numbers.	Not established	none seen n/a	Controlled trial ¹³

Liver

No liver injury case reports for suma were found in the sources read, and no LiverTox entry was found (LiverTox pages could not be opened by command line, so absence of an entry is not confirmed). In a 10-week study of ecdysterone supplements (not suma) liver and kidney blood markers did not rise. A reference article says safety is not established in people with severe liver or kidney disease. ^{13 8 25}

How often. No frequency data for suma.

Monitoring. No monitoring advice from any source read. People with liver or kidney disease should ask their clinician before use.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Suma supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 5

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Diabetes medicines (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas and others) drug	Reference articles say suma 'showed promise' in lowering blood sugar, and a review reports anti-diabetic effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone in animals. If true in people, it could add to a blood-sugar-lowering medicine.	Possible low blood sugar. No human interaction report or trial was found.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ^{6 8}	If you take diabetes medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using suma and watch for shakiness, sweating or confusion.
Blood pressure medicines (including ACE inhibitors and ARBs) drug	20-Hydroxyecdysone activates the Mas1 receptor in the renin-angiotensin system in animals; reference articles also say suma showed promise in lowering blood pressure.	Possible extra blood pressure lowering, or unpredictable effects with renin-angiotensin drugs. Theory only.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ^{6 8}	Tell your doctor or pharmacist before combining; check blood pressure if you start.
Hormone medicines (birth control, hormone replacement, anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen, anti-androgens, testosterone) drug	Raised sex hormones in mice and computer models showing ecdysterone binding estrogen receptor beta suggest a possible effect on hormone-driven medicines.	Unknown. Could in theory weaken or add to a hormone treatment.	Animal research Not enough evidence ^{20 23}	Do not combine without your prescriber's agreement, particularly in hormone-sensitive cancers.
Other sports or muscle-building supplements, and anabolic products supplement	Ecdysterone and other phytosteroids are often combined in sports products. Unlisted ingredients are possible in bodybuilding products.	Unknown; a labelling and contamination concern more than a pharmacological one.	Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence ^{19 7}	Choose products with independent testing if you use any, and check anti-doping rules in tested sport.
Documented human interactions none-found	No case report, trial or pharmacokinetic interaction study of suma with any medicine was found.	Unknown, not safe by default.	Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence ¹²	Treat all of the above as theory. Ask a pharmacist.

Who should check first 7

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Pregnancy	Avoid. Safety has not been established (EBSCO), and animal studies of a related species show embryo loss in one line.	Authoritative guidance ^{8 12 5}
Breastfeeding	Avoid. Safety has not been established; no LactMed entry was found.	Authoritative guidance ^{8 12 24}
Children	Avoid. Safety has not been established.	Authoritative guidance ⁸
Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast, ovarian, uterine or prostate cancer, endometriosis, fibroids) or being treated with hormone-blocking drugs	Avoid unless a specialist agrees. This is a precaution based on mouse hormone findings and computer modelling, not a documented harm in people.	Animal research ^{20 23}
Severe liver or kidney disease	Avoid; safety not established.	Authoritative guidance ⁸
Planning pregnancy or fertility treatment	Ask a doctor; animal fertility findings in related species are mixed.	Animal research ^{3 5}
Taking diabetes or blood pressure medicines	Ask a pharmacist first (theory only).	Pharmacological theory ⁶

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. No human toxicity data for suma. Animal and lab data are mixed and mostly from related species or from isolated ecdysterone.

Animal. Mice drinking root-enriched water for 30 days showed no adverse reactions (authors' statement, no detail). Brine shrimp: moderate toxicity (LC50 589.4 ug/mL) from a methanol root extract. Pure beta-ecdysone was genotoxic in rodent bone marrow and onion cells. A tetraploid Pfaffia glomerata line reduced sperm and raised embryo loss in male mice.

Human doses studied. Not given; no human trial of suma dosing is cited here. Ecdysterone supplement trials (not suma) lasted 10 and 12 weeks.

High dose or long term signals. None identified for suma; long-term safety is unknown.

Overdose response. Not found.

Genotoxicity. Positive for pure beta-ecdysone in rodent micronucleus and onion tests (p26626488). Not tested for whole suma root.

Toxic plant parts. The root is the part used. Toxicity of other parts was not covered.

Mislabelled contents and species mix-ups are the main quality worries. No heavy-metal or pesticide testing of suma products was found.

Label accuracy. A commercial 20-hydroxyecdysone and diosgenin product held under 1% of the labelled 20-hydroxyecdysone and 10.4% of the labelled diosgenin. Not a suma product. ⁷

Unlisted ingredients. The OPSS article says some bodybuilding products may illegally contain steroids or steroid-like substances. Not tested for suma. ¹⁹

Species confusion. 'Brazilian ginseng' is used for Pfaffia paniculata, Pfaffia glomerata and Hebanthe eriantha. GBIF treats the first and the last as synonyms of Hebanthe erianthos, and Pfaffia glomerata as a separate species. It is unrelated to Panax ginseng. ^{11 4}

Body	Action	Date
NIH NCCIH (US) (United States)	No suma page found; the address /health/suma returns page not found. source	2026-10-25

When to get medical help

Itching, hives, swelling of lips or face, or trouble breathing after taking it (possible allergy; seek urgent care).
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools (liver warning signs; not reported for suma but worth acting on).
Shakiness, sweating or confusion if you take diabetes medicines (possible low blood sugar).
Dizziness or fainting if you take blood pressure medicines.
Unexpected vaginal bleeding, new breast pain or a lump, or large cycle changes (hormone-related; a general precaution).
If you are pregnant or think you might be, stop and call a doctor or midwife.

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is suma?

The root of a South American vine, also called Brazilian ginseng. Older papers name it Pfaffia paniculata; the accepted name in GBIF is Hebanthe erianthos. It is used as a tonic.

^{11 8}

Is suma the same as ginseng?

No. Asian ginseng is Panax ginseng, in a different plant family. Suma shares only the nickname. Research on one cannot be applied to the other.

¹¹

Is there good evidence that suma works?

No. We found no human trial for stress, energy, sport, hormones or blood sugar. One small sickle cell trial was reviewed by Cochrane, which could not judge it. Most findings are from test tubes and animals.

^{18 8}

Does suma build muscle?

Not shown. The sports claim comes from ecdysterone, a compound in the root. One trial of ecdysterone supplements reported gains and a later placebo trial found none; neither used suma. The later trial's product held under 1% of its labelled ingredient.

^{13 7}

Does suma affect hormones?

In mice, yes: estradiol, progesterone and testosterone rose after 30 days of root-enriched water. Computer models suggest ecdysterone binds estrogen receptor beta. No human study was found, so effects in people are unknown.

^{20 23}

Is suma safe with hormone-sensitive conditions?

Not known. Because of the mouse hormone findings, people with breast, ovarian, uterine or prostate conditions, endometriosis, or on hormone-blocking treatment should ask their doctor first. This is a precaution, not a documented harm.

^{20 23}

Can it affect blood sugar or blood pressure medicines?

Possibly, in theory. Reference articles say it showed promise for lowering both, and animal work on ecdysterone points the same way. No human interaction report was found. Ask a pharmacist before combining.

^{6 8}

Does it cause stomach problems?

No source read reports stomach or bowel side effects, and none were measured in a suma trial. The root contains saponins, which can upset the gut in theory, so stop if you feel unwell.

^{14 8}

Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Not established. A reference article says safety is unknown in pregnant and nursing women and in young children, and a consumer article suggests avoiding it. A tetraploid line of a related species raised embryo loss in mice. No breastfeeding data were found.

^{8 12 5 24}

Can it damage the liver or genes?

No liver injury reports for suma were found. Pure beta-ecdysone, a root compound, damaged chromosomes in rodent bone marrow and onion cells; a sports trial of ecdysterone saw no rise in liver or kidney markers. Both involve the compound, not the whole root.

^{17 13}

Can I trust the label on a suma product?

Not always. A trial found a commercial ecdysterone product held under 1% of the labelled amount, and a US defense supplement programme warns that bodybuilding products can contain unlisted ingredients. Look for the Latin name, the plant part and independent testing.

^{7 19}

Is there an official opinion?

We found none. No EMA monograph was found (the search could not be fully checked) and the NCCIH page for suma does not exist. Ecdysterone is on the anti-doping Monitoring Program per a 2026 article that was not checked against the current list. For amounts, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

^{10 26 19}

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the original sources.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed and read each abstract directly, and checked plant names through GBIF and compound IDs through PubChem. EBSCO, Healthline and a US defense supplement-safety article were read. NCCIH has no suma page; EMA, LiverTox and LactMed could not be confirmed; Commission E and WHO were not checked. Full texts were mostly not read.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. Some ecdysterone trials come from a group that argues for banning the compound in sport, which is flagged.

Sources 26

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Ambrosio G, Yuliandra T, Wuest B, et al.. Urinary Elimination of Ecdysterone and Its Metabolites Following a Single-Dose Administration in Humans. Metabolites. 2021. PMID 34207569. DOI 10.3390/metabo11060366. (abstract)
Araque Gelves DI, de Andreoli Souza GC, Hernandez Tasco AJ, et al.. Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Toxicology of the Subfamily Gomphrenoideae (Amaranthaceae): A Comprehensive Review. Chem Biodivers. 2025. PMID 40273036. DOI 10.1002/cbdv.202500530. (abstract)
Auharek SA, Carollo CA, Oliveira RJ, et al.. Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng). Andrologia. 2019. PMID 31145510. DOI 10.1111/and.13328. (abstract)
Cotrim Ribeiro ST, Gancedo NC, Braz de Oliveira AJ, et al.. A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024. PMID 38484957. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118003. (abstract)
Dias FCR, Matta SLP, Lima GDA, et al.. Pfaffia glomerata polyploid accession compromises male fertility and fetal development. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023. PMID 37230282. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116680. (abstract)
Dinan L, Dioh W, Veillet S, et al.. 20-Hydroxyecdysone, from Plant Extracts to Clinical Use: Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Neuromuscular, Cardio-Metabolic and Respiratory Diseases. Biomedicines. 2021. PMID 33947076. DOI 10.3390/biomedicines9050492. (abstract)
Dissemond J, Havers T, Held S, et al.. How reliable is the labeling of a commercial phytosteroid product? A 12-week randomized double-blind training study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2025. PMID 40781783. DOI 10.1080/15502783.2025.2540408. (abstract)
EBSCO CAM Review Board (Research Starters). Suma's therapeutic uses. EBSCO CAM Review Board (Research Starters). 2024. (full-text)
Eberlin S, Del Carmen Velazquez Pereda M, de Campos Dieamant G, et al.. Effects of a Brazilian herbal compound as a cosmetic eyecare for periorbital hyperchromia ('dark circles'). J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009. PMID 19527337. DOI 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00438.x. (abstract)
European Medicines Agency. EMA / HMPC herbal monograph search for Pfaffia / suma. European Medicines Agency. 2026. (not-found)
GBIF. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Pfaffia paniculata, Hebanthe eriantha, Hebanthe erianthos, Pfaffia glomerata, Panax ginseng. GBIF. 2026. (full-text)
Healthline. Suma root: nutrients, benefits, downsides, and more. Healthline. 2021. (full-text)
Isenmann E, Ambrosio G, Joseph JF, et al.. Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans. Arch Toxicol. 2019. PMID 31123801. DOI 10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x. (abstract)
Li J, Jadhav AN, Khan IA. Triterpenoids from Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculata. Planta Med. 2010. PMID 19941264. DOI 10.1055/s-0029-1240631. (abstract)
Mendes FR, Carlini EA. Brazilian plants as possible adaptogens: an ethnopharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007. PMID 17030478. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.024. (abstract)
Mozar A, Charlot K, Sandor B, et al.. Pfaffia paniculata extract improves red blood cell deformability in sickle cell patients. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2015. PMID 26444603. DOI 10.3233/CH-151972. (abstract)
Neves CS, Gomes SS, dos Santos TR, et al.. The phytoecdysteroid beta-ecdysone is genotoxic in Rodent Bone Marrow Micronuclei and Allium cepa L. Assays. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016. PMID 26626488. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.038. (abstract)
Oniyangi O, Cohall DH. Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020. PMID 32977351. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD004448.pub7. (abstract)
Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS, US Department of Defense programme). Ecdysterone and turkesterone dietary supplements. Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS, US Department of Defense programme). 2026. (full-text)
Oshima M, Gu Y. Pfaffia paniculata-induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice. J Reprod Dev. 2003. PMID 14967943. DOI 10.1262/jrd.49.175. (abstract)
PubChem. PubChem compound records (name lookup). PubChem. 2026. (full-text)
Rahamouz-Haghighi S, Sharafi A. Antiproliferative assay of suma or Brazilian ginseng (Hebanthe eriantha) methanolic extract on HCT116 and 4T1 cancer cell lines, in vitro toxicity on Artemia salina larvae, and antibacterial activity. Nat Prod Res. 2024. PMID 37337697. DOI 10.1080/14786419.2023.2225688. (abstract)
Tariq SS, Sardar M, Shafiq M, et al.. Molecular insights into the role of Estrogen Receptor Beta in Ecdysterone Mediated Anabolic Activity. PLoS One. 2025. PMID 40455734. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0320865. (abstract)
US NIH LactMed. NIH LactMed entry for suma / Pfaffia. US NIH LactMed. 2026. (not-found)
US NIH LiverTox. NIH LiverTox entry for suma / Pfaffia. US NIH LiverTox. 2026. (not-found)
US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. NIH NCCIH page for suma. US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2026. (not-found)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.