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PubMed · <i>Pfaffia paniculata</i> Extract, a Potential Antimicrobial Agent against <i>Candida</i> spp., <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> Biofilms. (2024)
PubMed · <i>Juglans regia</i> and <i>Pfaffia paniculata</i> extracts: implications for periodontal disease treatment and correlation with Alzheimer's risk. (2025)
Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals
Pfaffia paniculata (Suma) functions through active compounds called pfaffosides and beta-ecdysterone. These constituents help reduce inflammatory cytokines and modulate the immune response, assisting the body in maintaining homeostasis during stress. Beta-ecdysterone also contributes anabolic properties that may support physical stamina. Current evidence for these specific mechanisms is rated Level C, based primarily on preliminary research and traditional application rather than extensive human clinical trials.
Does Suma root interact with hormone medications?
Due to its potential hormonal effects, Pfaffia paniculata may interact with hormone replacement therapies or oral contraceptives. Because the herb contains phytosterols and ecdysteroids, it could theoretically interfere with the efficacy of these medications. While specific clinical drug interaction studies are limited (Evidence Level C), patients taking hormonal treatments should consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid unintended interactions.
What is the standard dosage for Pfaffia paniculata extract?
The standard adult dosage for Pfaffia paniculata extract typically ranges from 500mg to 1 gram taken twice daily. This amount is traditionally used to support energy and immune function. Dosage may vary depending on the concentration of active saponins or beta-ecdysterone in the specific product. Users should adhere to manufacturer guidelines or seek advice from a medical herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations.
Is Suma root safe to use during pregnancy?
No, Pfaffia paniculata is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb possesses hormonal properties that could disrupt the delicate hormonal balance required for fetal development. Consequently, it is contraindicated for pregnant women and those breastfeeding. Safety data is limited, but the potential for hormonal interference necessitates strict avoidance during these periods to ensure maternal and fetal health.
What are the primary benefits of taking Suma root?
Traditionally used in Amazonian medicine, Suma root is primarily utilized as an adaptogen to reduce fatigue and support stress resilience. It is believed to modulate the immune system and provide anabolic support for muscle recovery. While these uses are supported by traditional knowledge and preliminary studies regarding beta-ecdysterone, human clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C), so benefits are largely anecdotal and theoretical.
Who should not take Pfaffia paniculata supplements?
Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, should avoid Pfaffia paniculata due to its potential estrogenic effects. Side effects are generally mild but may include gastrointestinal disturbances. Because the herb influences immune response, those with autoimmune diseases should consult a physician before use. Its safety profile is not fully established for children or those with severe chronic illnesses.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Pfaffia paniculata, also known as Brazilian ginseng, is an endemic Brazilian plant used traditionally for stress, inflammation, and immune support [PMID:29037916, PMID:26202807].
Background
Pfaffia paniculata (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial wild plant native to South America, often used as a substitute for Asian ginseng in Brazil [PMID:11091225, PMID:29607660, PMID:17030478].
Traditional uses
It is used in Brazilian folk medicine as an 'anti-stress' agent and for the treatment of fatigue, inflammation, low immune system, and as an aphrodisiac or antidiabetic tonic [PMID:29037916, PMID:26202807, PMID:23384553].
Active compounds
Compounds isolated from the roots include nortriterpenoids (pfaffine A and B), ecdysteroids (ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, pterosterone, rapisterone), triterpenoids (pfaffic acid, pfameric acid, mesembryanthemoidigenic acid, oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside), monoterpene glycosides, phytosteroids (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol), allantoin, and saponins [PMID:19941264, PMID:14967943].
Mechanism of action
The herb may modulate Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation [PMID:29037916]. In sickle cells, it appears to function as a sodium ionophore, increasing Na+ content and mean corpuscular volume to improve hydration and rheological properties [PMID:11091225]. It has also been shown to induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and caspase-3-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells [PMID:26075002].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BSickle Cell Disease
Extract improved red blood cell deformability in patients with SCD [PMID:26444603].
Evidence BPeriocular Hyperpigmentation
A compound cream containing P. paniculata, Ptychopetalum olacoides, and Lilium candidum showed 90% improvement in 'dark circles' [PMID:23377386, PMID:19527337].
Evidence DIntestinal Inflammation (Animal Model)
Extract at 200mg/kg significantly decreased macroscopic damage scores in TNBS-induced colonic inflammation in rats [PMID:29037916, PMID:26202807].
Evidence DCancer (Animal/In Vitro Models)
Demonstrated antineoplastic effects in Ehrlich tumors, reduced incidence of hepatic lesions in hepatocarcinogenesis models, and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells [PMID:14623028, PMID:16051424, PMID:16039950, PMID:18485683].
Evidence DSexual Performance (Animal Model)
Fluid extracts improved copulatory performance in sexually sluggish or impotent male rats [PMID:10227074].
Evidence D
Safety & adverse effects
In animal studies, doses up to 1000mg/kg did not cause weight loss or histopathological alterations in the liver, kidney, or spleen [PMID:17481871, PMID:14623028]. However, a case of occupational asthma was reported in a patient exposed to P. paniculata root powder during capsule manufacturing [PMID:1955631].
Evidence summary
The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with limited clinical evidence (Level B) regarding sickle cell red blood cell deformability and cosmetic use for periorbital hyperpigmentation.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 29037916 (2018) — Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract modulates Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 26202807 (2015) — Anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation: Experimental evidence. · International immunopharmacology
4.PMID: 32977351 (2020) — Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
5.PMID: 17481871 (2007) — Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) methanolic extract reduces angiogenesis in mice. · Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
Extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Candida spp., S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and oral pathogens P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis [PMID:38930547, PMID:28004034, PMID:36057926, PMID:40453709].
6.PMID: 16214177 (2006) — Effects of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract on macrophage activity. · Life sciences
7.PMID: 40453709 (2025) — Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata extracts: implications for periodontal disease treatment and correlation with Alzheimer's risk. · Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
8.PMID: 14623028 (2003) — Effect of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on the Ehrlich tumor in its ascitic form. · Life sciences
9.PMID: 19427770 (2010) — Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) roots decrease proliferation and increase apoptosis but do not affect cell communication in murine hepatocarcinogenesis. · Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie
10.PMID: 16039950 (2005) — Inhibitory effects of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in a mouse hepatocarcinogenesis model. · Cancer letters
11.PMID: 10917139 (2000) — Effects of oral administration of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on incidence of spontaneous leukemia in AKR/J mice. · Cancer detection and prevention
12.PMID: 38930547 (2024) — Pfaffia paniculata Extract, a Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Candida spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms. · Microorganisms
13.PMID: 40574006 (2025) — Exploring Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata Extracts: Implications for Intestinal Dysbiosis and Colorectal Cancer Risk Associated with Oral Pathogens. · Pharmaceutics
14.PMID: 14967943 (2003) — Pfaffia paniculata-induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice. · The Journal of reproduction and development
15.PMID: 18485683 (2009) — Cytotoxic effects of butanolic extract from Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) on cultured human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. · Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie
16.PMID: 23377386 (2013) — Periocular hyperpigmentation: a review of etiology and current treatment options. · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD
17.PMID: 26444603 (2015) — Pfaffia paniculata extract improves red blood cell deformability in sickle cell patients. · Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation
18.PMID: 29607660 (2019) — Two new triterpenes from the roots of Pfaffia glomerata. · Journal of Asian natural products research
19.PMID: 17030478 (2007) — Brazilian plants as possible adaptogens: an ethnopharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
20.PMID: 42180249 (2026) — Correction: Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata extracts: implications for periodontal disease treatment and correlation with Alzheimer's risk. · Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
21.PMID: 36057926 (2023) — Antimicrobial action of four herbal plants over mixed-species biofilms of Candida albicans with four different microorganisms. · Australian endodontic journal : the journal of the Australian Society of Endodontology Inc
22.PMID: 16051424 (2006) — Antineoplastic effects of butanolic residue of Pfaffia paniculata. · Cancer letters
23.PMID: 10227074 (1999) — Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual-behavior of male rats. · Psychopharmacology
24.PMID: 1955631 (1991) — Occupational asthma caused by Brazil ginseng dust. · The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
25.PMID: 28004034 (2016) — Klebsiella pneumoniae Planktonic and Biofilm Reduction by Different Plant Extracts: In Vitro Study. · TheScientificWorldJournal
26.PMID: 11091225 (2000) — Hydration of sickle erythrocytes using a herbal extract (Pfaffia paniculata) in vitro. · British journal of haematology
27.PMID: 15784959 (2005) — Characterization of hypoglycemiant plants by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. · Biological trace element research
28.PMID: 23384553 (2013) — Development of an analytical method for the quantification of pfaffic acid in Brazilian ginseng (Hebanthe eriantha). · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
29.PMID: 26075002 (2015) — Pfaffosidic Fraction from Hebanthe paniculata Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Caspase-3-Induced Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
30.PMID: 19527337 (2009) — Effects of a Brazilian herbal compound as a cosmetic eyecare for periorbital hyperchromia ("dark circles"). · Journal of cosmetic dermatology