Suma root comes from the plant Pfaffia paniculata, which belongs to the Amaranthaceae family of flowering plants. Although commonly referred to as Brazilian ginseng, this root is not related to Asian or American ginseng, both of which belong to the Araliaceae family.
Suma root contains pfaffic acid and saponin pfaffosides. These two compounds are praised for their anti-cancer properties and are largely responsible for the great research and commercial interest in suma root (1, 2).
Suma root is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, certain B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K, and germanium – a trace element praised for its immune-boosting properties (3).
The root is also rich in polyphenols and alkaloids. These two types of antioxidant compounds are thought to prevent cell damage and protect your body from a range of diseases (4, 5, 6).
May Act as an Adaptogen
Suma root is considered an adaptogen, which can be defined as a herbal medicine that enhances your body’s ability to adapt to and avoid damage caused by physical, chemical, or biological stressors. Examples of stressors include pollution, climate change, radiation, and infectious diseases. Adaptogens are thought to help your body cope with these stressors without interfering with its normal functions (7).
Researchers believe that adaptogens could potentially be used to control or prevent a wide range of diseases in which stress plays a major role, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and irritable bowel disease (IBD) (3, 4, 7). However, as promising as this may sound, more research is needed to confirm the adaptogenic properties and purported disease-fighting benefits of suma root.
May Have Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Qualities
Suma root is a source of polyphenols and alkaloids, two compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to the development of chronic conditions such as arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular problems (4, 5, 8). Some early research suggests that suma may reduce inflammatory markers and prevent free radical accumulation in cells, contributing to overall cellular health (8, 9).
May Support Hormonal Balance
Suma root has long been used in South American traditional medicine as a tonic for hormonal health. It is believed to help regulate the endocrine system and may support the balance of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone (10). This effect is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms related to PMS, menopause, or low libido. Animal studies also suggest that suma root may have anabolic effects, potentially promoting testosterone synthesis and sperm health (11).
Potential Benefits for Athletic Performance and Recovery
Due to its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hormonal regulatory properties, suma root is often used by athletes to enhance stamina, endurance, and post-exercise recovery. It may help reduce fatigue, improve muscle regeneration, and enhance the body’s resilience to intense physical stress (12, 13). The presence of saponins and pfaffic acid is thought to contribute to increased oxygen uptake and red blood cell production, both essential for physical performance (13).
Suma root is a nutrient-dense botanical with a wide range of potential health benefits—from antioxidant protection and hormonal support to adaptogenic stress resilience. While traditional uses are promising, more robust human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Still, its unique profile continues to spark interest in both scientific and wellness communities.
Suma Root
Suma root contains pfaffic acid and saponin pfaffosides. These two compounds are praised for their anti-cancer properties and are largely responsible for the great research and commercial interest in suma root (1, 2).
Suma root is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, certain B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K, and germanium – a trace element praised for its immune-boosting properties (3).
The root is also rich in polyphenols and alkaloids. These two types of antioxidant compounds are thought to prevent cell damage and protect your body from a range of diseases (4, 5, 6).
May Act as an Adaptogen
Suma root is considered an adaptogen, which can be defined as a herbal medicine that enhances your body’s ability to adapt to and avoid damage caused by physical, chemical, or biological stressors. Examples of stressors include pollution, climate change, radiation, and infectious diseases. Adaptogens are thought to help your body cope with these stressors without interfering with its normal functions (7).
Researchers believe that adaptogens could potentially be used to control or prevent a wide range of diseases in which stress plays a major role, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and irritable bowel disease (IBD) (3, 4, 7). However, as promising as this may sound, more research is needed to confirm the adaptogenic properties and purported disease-fighting benefits of suma root.
May Have Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Qualities
Suma root is a source of polyphenols and alkaloids, two compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to the development of chronic conditions such as arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular problems (4, 5, 8). Some early research suggests that suma may reduce inflammatory markers and prevent free radical accumulation in cells, contributing to overall cellular health (8, 9).
May Support Hormonal Balance
Suma root has long been used in South American traditional medicine as a tonic for hormonal health. It is believed to help regulate the endocrine system and may support the balance of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone (10). This effect is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms related to PMS, menopause, or low libido. Animal studies also suggest that suma root may have anabolic effects, potentially promoting testosterone synthesis and sperm health (11).
Potential Benefits for Athletic Performance and Recovery
Due to its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hormonal regulatory properties, suma root is often used by athletes to enhance stamina, endurance, and post-exercise recovery. It may help reduce fatigue, improve muscle regeneration, and enhance the body’s resilience to intense physical stress (12, 13). The presence of saponins and pfaffic acid is thought to contribute to increased oxygen uptake and red blood cell production, both essential for physical performance (13).
Suma root is a nutrient-dense botanical with a wide range of potential health benefits—from antioxidant protection and hormonal support to adaptogenic stress resilience. While traditional uses are promising, more robust human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Still, its unique profile continues to spark interest in both scientific and wellness communities.