Amaranthaceae
Suma Root
Pfaffia paniculata
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Amazon rainforest, South America
Also known as: Brazilian Ginseng, Para Toda, Corango-acu, Pfaffia
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Physical exhaustion, immune deficiency, anemia, hormonal imbalance, athletic performance, cancer adjunct, sexual dysfunction. 'Para toda' means 'for everything' — traditional Amazonian tonic.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, immunomodulator, anabolic (ecdysteroids), hormone normalizer, anti-inflammatory, antifatigue
Active Constituents
Ecdysteroids (beta-ecdysone — anabolic), pfaffosides A–F (saponins — adaptogenic), germanium, allantoin, beta-sitosterol, vitamins B1, B2, E
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Ecdysteroids anabolic — may be prohibited in professional sports (check WADA). Standardized extract: 500mg 2x daily. Combine with ashwagandha and eleuthero for adaptogenic formula. Effects accumulate over 4–8 weeks. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Professional sports (ecdysteroids, check WADA). Hormone-sensitive conditions. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI discomfort. Hormonal effects. Allergic reactions. Generally well tolerated.