Suma

Hebanthe paniculata

Brazilian Ginseng Suma Parts used Uses Constituents Side effects and cautions

Suma, the dried root of a tropical plant native to the Amazon rain forests, is definitely a "skim-milk" herb. It purports to be derived from a species of the family Amaranthaceae designated Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze, but the Index Kewensis notes that the proper name should be Hebanthe paniculata Mart. Brazilian natives are said to refer to suma as para todo meaning "for all things." It was introduced into this country just a few years ago as Brazilian ginseng, presumably in an effort to trade on the reputation of a well-established herb to which it is not remotely related. Advocates promote suma as an immune enhancer or adaptogen, that is, an agent that helps the body adapt to stresses of all kinds by restoring or enhancing the natural immune system. Often when unproven recommendations are made for an herbal remedy, it is possible to take some comfort in knowing that the plant has at least been used as a folk medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years without apparent adverse effects. It is not unreasonable to assume that such an herb is probably safe for consumption by normal persons. That is not the case with suma.

PARTS USED

Root.

USES

Promotional literature indicates that the herb has been used in the Amazon for at least 300 years as a tonic, aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant), and remedy for cancer, diabetes, tumors, wounds, and skin problems. If so, the medication has been a well-kept secret, for it does not appear in any of the numerous and extensive compilations of medicinal plants of the world.

CONSTITUENTS

Japanese investigators have conducted chemical studies of suma root. They succeeded in isolating and characterizing a new nortriterpene designated pfaffic acid and six new saponin derivatives of that acid which were designated pfaffosides A, B, C, D, E, and F. Preliminary tests revealed that certain of the pfaffosides inhibited the growth of cultured tumor cell melanomas. This preliminary indication of cytotoxicity is interesting but by no means indicative that the plant is a useful anticancer agent in humans. Additional studies are required to determine if these constituents possess a sufficiently selective degree of toxicity to render them safe and effective medications.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Although we are told that suma is an ancient remedy in Brazil, no confirmation of this statement appears in the standard medicinal plant literature. Testing of suma's safety (toxicity) has not taken place, and appropriate studies of its efficacy are also lacking. In view of these deficiencies, it is not possible to recommend utilization of this remedy for any condition.