Overview:

Suma is a rambling shrubby ground vine with an extensive root system. It is native to the Amazon basin, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. It has been used for 300 years in the Amazon for a variety of ailments. Para todo as it is called there can be translated to mean “for all things”.

Active ingredients:

Nutritional

• 19 amino acids
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Other trace minerals

• Beta-ecdysterone
• Saponins
• Pfaffic acid
• Glycosides
• nortriterpenes

• A general tonic
• Aphrodisiac
• Increasing stamina and endurance
• The treatment of ulcers
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Skin conditions

Clinical uses:

Suma has been used in South America for 300 years, but it is little is known outside of its native habitat. Suma is not approved as a medication by the Food and Drug Administration, but a number of beneficial effects are beginning to be reported.

• Russian athletes use suma to enhance their performance
• It is showing promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers and anxiety.

Recommended Dosage:

Adult

• Decoction (a strong tea): boil 10rams of the dried root in a quart of water. This should be divided and taken throughout the day.
• Powdered extract (capsules): take 2-4grams of herb divided into 3 doses and take throughout the day.

• Suma contains a significant amount of plant sterols. These steroids may have estrogenic properties. Women who have estrogen positive cancers should avoid taken suma.
• There have been reports of allergic reactions to the powder if inhaled
• Suma is reported to cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using suma.

Drug interactions:

None reported

Web References:

1. Answers.com
2. Rain Tree.com

Printed Reference Material:

1. Foster, Steven and Varro E. Tyler. Tyler's Honest Herbal. Binghampton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.