Related Terms

• Allantoin, Amaranthaceae (family), beta-ecdysterone, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, Brazilian ginseng, butanolic extract, calcium, corango-açu (Portuguese - Brazil), copper, daucosterol, ecdysteroid glucosides, germanium, ginseng brasileiro (Portuguese - Brazil), 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 spp., 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-beta-D-glucoside, strontium, titanium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin E, vitamin K, Xeraea paniculata, zinc.

Background

• Suma is a large, shrubby, ground vine native to the Amazon basin and other tropical parts of South America. It has been used historically for various conditions, such as menstrual disorders and has also been used as a sexual enhancement agent, bodybuilding agent, and as a general tonic. According to early research, suma may have potential as an anticancer agent. Limited research suggests that suma may have hormonal effects and increase sexual performance.

• High-quality human trials supporting the effectiveness of suma for any condition in humans are currently lacking.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Adaptogen, analgesic (pain relief), anemia, anti-inflammatory, anxiety, appetite stimulant, arthritis, blood circulation, blood disorders (sickle cell), bronchitis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, digestion, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hormonal disorders, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), immune enhancement, increased muscle mass, leukemia, libido (sexual desire), memory enhancement, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, sexual dysfunction, stress, tonic, ulcers.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Suma has been taken by mouth as a capsule, decoction, extract, powder, root powder, or tea. At this time, there is no proven safe or effective dose for suma in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for suma in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. 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. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to suma, its constituents, or members of the Amaranthaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Reliable information regarding the safety and adverse effects of suma is currently lacking. Symptoms of asthma have been reported in a patient who worked in a plant that manufactured suma capsules. Suma may affect estrogen-related processes, such as menstruation.

• Use cautiously in patients with hormone-sensitive conditions, as suma may cause an increase in estrogen or testosterone production.

• Use cautiously in patients with heart conditions, as suma may cause chest pain.

• Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, as ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and stomach cramping.

• Avoid in patients with known allergy or sensitivity to suma, its constituents, or members of the Amaranthaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of available scientific evidence on the use of suma during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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.

Interactions with Drugs

• Suma may interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, hormonal agents, or pain relievers.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Suma may interact with antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, hormonal herbs and supplements, or pain relievers.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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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