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Brazilian Suma – Botanical Powder, Pfaffia paniculata
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€37.95
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This Brazilian suma powder comes in a 500 g kraft pouch from Maya Herbs, whose label names the plant Pfaffia paniculata. It is the only size listed. Botanists now accept the name Hebanthe erianthos for this member of the amaranth family.See also: Smart Seeds & Herbs
- Accepted name: Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen, 2000
- Label name: Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze, a synonym
- Plant family: Amaranthaceae
Smart Seeds & Herbs · 500 g
A 500 g pouch of Brazilian suma powder
This is the bulk format among the shop’s suma products: 500 g of greyish-beige powder from Brazil. Suma belongs to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and is still sold under the name Pfaffia paniculata. The kraft bag carries a Maya Herbs label reading Suma, Pfaffia paniculata and Powder, plus a Made in Brazil seal. No other size is listed for this item.
- 500 g
- Powder
- Brazil
- Accepted name
- Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen, 2000
- Label name
- Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze, a synonym
- Plant family
- Amaranthaceae
- Common names
- Suma; Portuguese fáfia, picão-de-tropeiro
- Form
- Powder
- Origin
- Brazil (label: Made in Brazil)
Traditional use
Suma is the root of Hebanthe erianthos, a plant of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) of South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, north-eastern Argentina, according to the Kew checklist), sold under the old name Pfaffia paniculata. In Brazil it is called Brazilian ginseng, a name under which several species of Pfaffia and Hebanthe are sold (Rodrigues et al. 2013).
In Brazilian folk medicine the root is reputed to be an aphrodisiac (Rodrigues et al. 2013). Its saponins, the pfaffosides, derive from pfaffic acid, which serves as a marker compound of the species; β-ecdysterone is also described in it (Miranda et al. 2024).
| Known compounds | Triterpenoid saponins (pfaffosides A to F) derived from pfaffic acid, β-ecdysterone and sterols (Miranda et al. 2024). |
|---|---|
| Traditional use | Root of Brazilian folk medicine, reputed to be an aphrodisiac; sold as “Brazilian ginseng”. |
| State of research | Laboratory studies on extracts (cells, animals); no clinical study found. No health claim is authorised in the EU for this plant. |
Name and range of the plant
On this label the plant appears as Pfaffia paniculata. Current checklists regard that name as a synonym: WCVP and GBIF accept Hebanthe erianthos, a name dating from 2000. The species is native to five South American countries: Argentina (north-east), Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Peru. Brazilian sources give it the Portuguese names fáfia, picão-de-tropeiro and solidonia. The supplier names the product form and the country but does not state the plant part, so none is given here.
How the powder looks
The close-up photo shows a slightly fibrous powder in greyish beige. For a smaller pack, the shop lists powdered suma root under the Maya Superfoods label; suma is also available as capsules from Brazil.
Storing your botanicals
Keep dried plants in their tightly closed pouch or in an airtight jar, away from light, moisture and heat. Powders absorb moisture easily, so close them again straight away. For extracts, tinctures and capsules, follow the instructions on the label and the printed date.
Before using a plant
- Keep plants out of the reach of children and pets.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking any medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist first: many plants interact with medicines.
- Stop immediately if you have an allergic reaction or feel unwell.
- The information on this page describes the product; it does not replace medical advice.
Specifications
| Accepted name | Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Label name | Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze, a synonym |
| Plant family | Amaranthaceae |
| Common names | Suma; Portuguese fáfia, picão-de-tropeiro |
| Form | Powder |
| Origin | Brazil (label: Made in Brazil) |
| Pack size | 500 g |
| Reference | 4643 |
| Sold as | Collectible or souvenir item; do not consume |
Discreet delivery
Orders are packed on working days and leave in plain outer packaging that does not describe the contents. Once your order has shipped, we email you the tracking link when one is available. Estimated delivery times, right of withdrawal and exceptions: Delivery, tracking and returns.
Sources: Rodrigues et al. 2013, J Pharm Biomed Anal 77:76-82; Miranda et al. 2024, Microorganisms 12(6); Kew, World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Hebanthe erianthos; IPNI, Hebanthe erianthos Pedersen, Bonplandia 2000; supplier information; Plants of the World Online (Kew); GBIF. Updated 3 October 2026 by the Mycotrop team.
Frequently asked questions
Why is suma called “Brazilian ginseng”?
It is a trade name: in Brazil, several species of Pfaffia and Hebanthe are sold under it (Rodrigues et al. 2013). Suma belongs to the Amaranthaceae and is not related to Asian ginseng (Panax, Araliaceae).
Are Hebanthe erianthos and Pfaffia paniculata the same plant?
Yes. Pfaffia paniculata is a synonym of Hebanthe erianthos (Poir.) Pedersen, a name published in 2000 and accepted by the Kew checklist (WCVP).
Which plant part is the powder made from?
The supplier does not state it for this pouch. For the smaller pouch of suma powder, by contrast, the supplier gives the root.
Is Pfaffia paniculata the same as Hebanthe erianthos?
Yes. Pfaffia paniculata is a synonym; Hebanthe erianthos is the accepted name.
Can I order a smaller size?
This product is listed only in 500 g. The smaller pouch of powdered suma root is a separate product.
4643-500
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