Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata), often referred to as "Brazilian ginseng," has a long history of use in traditional South American medicine as an adaptogen—a substance believed to help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Indigenous peoples and herbal practitioners in Brazil and other regions have used suma root tonics to bolster energy, enhance endurance, and support resilience to physical and emotional stress. Though it is not botanically related to true ginseng, suma shares a similar ethnomedical reputation for promoting vitality and reducing fatigue—qualities closely associated with stress support.

Scientific evidence supporting suma's use for stress is limited. Preliminary animal studies have suggested that extracts of suma root may exhibit adaptogenic and anti-fatigue effects, possibly due to its content of saponins (notably pfaffosides), ecdysteroids, and other phytochemicals. These compounds are thought to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and help normalize stress responses, though robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. While suma is marketed as a "stress adaptogen" in natural health circles, the bulk of justification for its use in this context remains rooted in traditional medicine and anecdotal reports rather than strong scientific validation.

In summary, suma is traditionally used for stress support, but the evidence base is modest, with most support coming from folkloric and ethnobotanical sources rather than rigorous clinical research.

More about suma
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Other ingredients used for Stress

Other health conditions supported by suma

Products containing suma

Nature's Sunshine 5-HTP Power
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)