Suma's therapeutic uses
Suma, a large vine native to Central and South America, is often referred to as Brazilian ginseng and has a rich history of use among indigenous peoples for promoting health and treating various ailments. It is commonly labeled as an adaptogen, suggesting it may enhance the body's ability to manage stress and support immune function. Various proposed therapeutic uses for suma include addressing issues such as anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and even conditions like sickle cell disease. Although suma has gained popularity for its potential benefits in sports performance and as an aphrodisiac, scientific studies supporting these claims are limited and inconclusive.
Research has indicated that suma contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, while also supporting cognitive function and wound healing. Despite these promising findings, comprehensive human studies are necessary to validate these effects. While suma has not been associated with serious side effects, the safety of its use in specific populations, such as young children and pregnant or nursing women, remains uncertain. Overall, while suma has a storied reputation and a variety of suggested therapeutic uses, further research is essential to establish its efficacy and safety.
Suma's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Adaptogen (improve resistance to stress), anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune support, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, sexual dysfunction in men, sexual dysfunction in women, sickle cell disease, sports performance enhancement, ulcers, anti-cancer, cardiovascular health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, many other proposed uses
Overview
Suma is a large ground vine native to Central America and South America; it is sometimes called Brazilian ginseng. Indigenous peoples have long used suma to promote robust health and treat practically all illnesses. They have called suma para toda, which means “for all things.”
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of suma is 500 milligrams (mg) twice daily. It is usually taken for an extended period of time.
Therapeutic Uses
Suma’s ancient reputation has generated worldwide interest. However, little formal scientific investigation has been conducted into the herb.
According to most contemporary herbalists, suma is best understood as an adaptogen, which supposedly helps the body adapt to stress and fight infection. Russian Olympic athletes have reportedly used suma (and other adaptogens) in the belief that it will enhance sports performance. In the United States, suma is often recommended as a general strengthener of the body and for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, menopausal symptoms and problems, ulcers, anxiety, impotence, and for immune support. The herb also has a considerable reputation as an aphrodisiac. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence that suma benefits these conditions. Finally, one test-tube study suggests that suma might be helpful for sickle cell disease, but it is a long way from such preliminary investigations to evidence of efficacy.
Through studies conducted in test tubes and on animals, several other benefits of suma became apparent in the twenty-first century. Two compounds contained in suma, pfaffic acid, and saponin pfaffosides, showed promise for their anticancer properties and suggested suma’s efficacy as a complementary drug for cancer patients. Suma is also rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains polyphenols and alkaloids, both of which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Suma root showed promise in lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. It may also aid in supporting cognitive function, improving mood and memory, and promoting wound healing. Finally, suma may increase fertility. Comprehensive human study is necessary to support these preliminary conclusions. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled trials can determine the effectiveness of suma for these conditions, and none have been undertaken.
Safety Issues
Suma has not been associated with any serious adverse reactions. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been undertaken. Safety of the use of suma by young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Ballas, S. K. "Short Report: Hydration of Sickle Erythrocytes Using a Herbal Extract (Pfaffia paniculata) In Vitro." British Journal of Haematology, vol. 111, 2000, pp. 359-362.
De Oliveira, F. "Pfaffia paniculata (Martius) Kuntze-Brazilian Ginseng." Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, vol. 1, 1986, pp. 86-92.
Nunn, Megan. "The Science Behind Suma: Should You Supplement?" Verywell Health, 24 Aug. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/suma-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-interactions-4767934. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
"Suma: Uses, Side Effects, and More." WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-361/suma. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Warwick, Kathy W. "Suma Root: Nutrients, Benefits, Downsides, and More." Healthline, 4 Jan. 2021, www.healthline.com/nutrition/suma-root-benefits-downsides. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.