While Pfaffia glomerata is the accepted scientific name for this herb, some sources refer to it by other botanical names, including Gomphrena paniculata, Hebanthe paniculata and Hebanthe eriantha.
In South America, the plant is known as Para Toda, which means “does all things,” a reference to the plant’s historical use as a restorative, adaptogen and immunostimulant. Due to the herb’s adaptogenic qualities, suma is also known as Brazilian ginseng.
Suma root is a good source of beta-sitosterol, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K, iron, magnesium, zinc and nearly two dozen amino acids. The root also contains a significant amount of saponins, most notably a novel group called pfaffosides.
