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 South American traditional medicine, particularly in Brazil. Indigenous peoples and folk practitioners have used suma as an adaptogen—herbs thought to help the body adapt to stress—which indirectly relates to supporting the adrenal cortex and its role in stress response. Historically, suma root has been used to address fatigue, boost energy, and promote overall vitality, all of which are functions often associated with adrenal health in herbal medicine traditions. However, scientific studies specifically examining suma’s effects on the adrenal cortex are limited. Most available research involves its general adaptogenic properties, antioxidant effects, and potential to modulate immune responses. Some animal studies suggest that suma may help the body manage stress, but these do not directly evaluate adrenal cortex function or hormone production. There is little to no high-quality clinical research confirming suma’s efficacy in supporting adrenal cortex function in humans. Overall, suma’s use for adrenal support is mainly based on traditional use and the general concept of adaptogens, rather than robust scientific evidence. The rating reflects moderate traditional support but weak scientific validation for this specific application.

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