Suma Root

Suma Root

Suma root, also known as Pfaffia paniculata, is a herbaceous vine native to Brazil and other parts of South America. This powerful herb has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for various illnesses, boosting immunity, restoring hormonal balance, and improving the body’s self-healing abilities. Suma root is also considered as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body fight and adapt to physical and mental stress. This medicinal herb is available as supplements in many health food stores.

Benefits of Suma Root

A number of high quality studies indicate that Suma root may offer the following amazing health benefits:

Fights Cancer

A 2009 study published in the Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology found that Suma root has anti-cancer properties.^[1] According to the study, Suma root was able to inhibit the growth and reproduction of human breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death and altering their cell cycle.

Supports Energy Levels

Suma root is a nutrient powerhouse. It contains potent levels of many essential nutrients, including amino acids, antioxidants, electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins A, B, E, and K – all of which help boost energy levels.^[2]

Maintains Healthy Skin

The nutrient density and potent antioxidants in Suma root may help protect the skin cells from sun damage, thus reducing the visible signs of skin aging. In one study assessing the effect of Suma root on under eye dark circles, researchers found that participants who applied Suma root ointment on the affected skin area had a significant reduction in their under eye dark circles.^[3]   

Fights Inflammation

One study found that Suma root has anti-inflammatory properties.^[4] Researchers found that Suma root was able to lower the levels of several inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, IL-1β,INF-γ,TNF-αand IL-6, suggesting that this medicinal herb can prevent inflammatory diseases.

Improves Libido

Several high quality studies found that Suma root can help improve libido especially in the elderly by increasing the levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone.^[5-7] Researchers believe that the age-related decline in these important hormones reduces libido in women.

Improves Menopausal Symptoms

The age-related decline in estrogen is the main culprit of all debilitating menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems, hot flashes, mood changes, body pains, depression, and reduced well-being. Interestingly, several high quality studies suggest that higher intake of phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) such as from Suma root can help restore estrogen levels in aging women, thus improving menopausal symptoms and overall quality of life.^[8-10] 

References:

1. Cytotoxic effects of butanolic extract from Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on cultured human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2009.
2. Woolf K, Manore MM. B-vitamins and exercise: does exercise alter requirements? International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2006 October;16(5):453-84.
3. Eberlin S1, Del Carmen Velazquez Pereda M, de Campos Dieamant G, Nogueira C, Werka RM, de Souza Queiroz ML. Effects of a Brazilian herbal compound as a cosmetic eyecare for periorbital hyperchromia (“dark circles”). J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Jun;8(2):127-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00438.x.
4. Costa CA, Tanimoto A, Quaglio AE, Almeida LD, Severi JA, Di stasi LC. Anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation: Experimental evidence. Int Immunopharmacol. 2015;28(1):459-69.
5. Matsumoto, I., “Beta-ecdysone from Pfaffia paniculata.” Japanese patent no. 82/118,422. January 20, 1984.
6. De Oliveira, F. G., et al. “Contribution to the pharmacognostic study of Brazilian ginseng Pfaffia paniculata.” An. Farm. Quim. 1980; 20(1–2): 277–361.
7. Nishimoto, N., et al. “Three ecdysteroid glycosides from Pfaffia.” Phytochemistry. 1988; 27(6): 1665–68.
8. Chen M-N, Lin C-C, Liu C-F. Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Climacteric. 2015;18(2):260-269. doi:10.3109/13697137.2014.966241.
9. Sunita P, Pattanayak SP. Phytoestrogens in postmenopausal indications: A theoretical perspective. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2011;5(9):41-47. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79098.
10. Davis SR. Phytoestrogen therapy for menopausal symptoms? : There’s no good evidence that it’s any better than placebo. BMJ : British Medical Journal. 2001;323(7309):354-355.