Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:
- Allantoin, Amaranthaceae (family), beta-ecdysterone, beta-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside, Brazilian ginseng, butanolic extract, calcium, corango-açu (Brazilian Portuguese), copper, daucosterol, ecdysteroid glucosides, germanium, ginseng brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese), 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, Pfaffia paniculata Kuntze, 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-β-D-glucoside, strontium, titanium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin E, vitamin K, Xeraea paniculata, zinc.
Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness
Brief Background:
- Suma is a large, shrubby ground vine with an extensive root system and is indigenous to the Amazon basin and other tropical parts of South America.
- Suma has been used historically as a folk remedy for various indications, such as for sexual enhancement and menstrual disorders, and as a general tonic. Based on preliminary study, suma may have potential as an anticancer agent (1;2;3), and in limited animal study has been shown to have hormonal effects (4) and to increase sexual performance (5).
- High-quality human trials supporting the efficacy of suma for any indication are currently lacking.
Dosing/Toxicology
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Precautions/Contraindications
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Interactions
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.
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Mechanism of Action
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History
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Evidence Table
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Evidence Discussion
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Products Studied
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Author Information
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References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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