Suma is called "Brazilian Ginseng" because it is a near panacea in Brazil. Although it is not a true ginseng from the Panax plant family, like Ginseng, it has both adaptogenic and immune enhancing properties. Some researchers report that it has the ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce tumors. Other researchers have found that Suma acts primarily as a regulator of the endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal and digestive systems without stimulatory or inhibitory effects, thus classifying it as a true adaptogen. An important ingredient in Suma is the saponin nortriterpenoid. Six different pfaffic acid sugar compounds have been isolated from nortriterpenoid. Five of these six pfaffic acid derivatives inhibit cuItured tumor cell melanomas and some of them have been reported to regulate blood sugar levels. Two plant hormones, sitosterol and stigmasterol, also occur naturally in Suma.