Suma
Suma

Background

Suma is a plant. It is sometimes called Brazilian ginseng, but it's not related to ginseng. The root of suma is used to make medicine.

Suma is most commonly used as an "adaptogen." An adaptogen is thought to boosts the body's ability to resist "stressors" such as bacteria, toxins, or mental stress. Suma is also used for cancer, diabetes, male sexual performance problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Suma is considered POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when it is taken by mouth for a short period of time.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if suma is safe to apply to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if suma is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Improving the immune system.
  • Cancer and tumors.
  • Diabetes.
  • Wounds.
  • Skin problems.
  • Sexual problems.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of suma for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of suma depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for suma. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Suma interacts with any medicines. Before taking Suma, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Some researchers think that the chemicals in suma may stop some cancers from developing, decrease swelling, and relieve pain.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 29/06/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 21/12/2012 19:59:32. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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