MundoAndino Home : Ecuador Guide at mundoandino
Suma root
Suma also called Brazilian ginseng is the root of a rambling ground vine found in South America used traditionally as a medicine and tonic. Nicknamed "para tudo" which means "for all," suma is an herbal medicine with adaptogenic qualities that serve to normalize and enhance body systems, increase resistance to stress, and boost overall functioning. It has been used for a variety of ailments with good efficacy, hence the name "para tudo."
Pharmacology and mode of action
Suma is said to support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer and leukemia cells, enhance immunity, increase libido, and a provide a number of normalizing and rejuvenating effects. One of the reason for its myriad effects may be its ability to increase oxygenation and energy efficiency at the cellular level. Suma contains germanium, beta-ecdysterone, allantoin, and a group of novel phytochemical saponins called pfaffosides.
References
Vieira, Roberto F. (1999) Conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in Brazil. p. 152159. In: J. Janick (ed.), Perspectives on new crops and new uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA.
See also
List of plants of Cerrado vegetation of Brazil
Need more information for your travel research or homework?
Ask your questions at the forum about Flora of Ecuador or help others to find answers.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article Suma root
