Background

• Suma is a large, shrubby, ground vine with an extensive root system. It is indigenous to the Amazon basin and other tropical parts of South America. Suma has also been called "the Russian secret," as it has been taken by Russian Olympic athletes for many years to increase muscle-building and endurance without the side effects associated with anabolic androgenic steroids, such as cardiovascular interactions, increases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and liver disease.
• Suma has been used historically as a folk remedy for various indications, such as menstrual disorders. It has also been used as a sexual enhancement and as a general tonic. Based on early research, suma may have potential as an anticancer agent. In limited animal study, suma has been shown to have hormonal effects and to increase sexual performance.
• High-quality human trials supporting the effectiveness of suma for any indication are currently lacking.

References

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