Pfaffia
Also known as: Pfaffia glomerata, Brazilian ginseng, Suma root, Para toda, Pfaffia paniculata
Overview
Pfaffia is a genus of plants native to South America, with Pfaffia paniculata and Pfaffia glomerata being the most studied species. It is traditionally recognized as an adaptogen and has been used for its purported anti-inflammatory, sexual health, and antimicrobial properties. The root extracts are the primary form used in supplements. While research is still emerging and primarily consists of preclinical studies or small clinical trials, Pfaffia is commonly explored for its potential to improve sexual function, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and act as an antimicrobial agent. It is categorized as an herbal supplement and traditional medicinal plant, but comprehensive systematic reviews are currently lacking, indicating a low maturity level of evidence.
Benefits
Pfaffia has shown several potential benefits, although the evidence base is still developing: - **Sexual function:** Preclinical animal studies suggest that Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) may improve male sexual function by increasing testosterone levels, enhancing testicular histology, and modulating erectile signaling pathways (NO/cGMP). This indicates a potential role in ameliorating conditions like paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in mice, providing mechanistic plausibility for human benefit. - **Menopausal symptoms:** A randomized controlled trial involving postmenopausal women demonstrated that a combination of Pfaffia paniculata (150 mg) and Lepidium meyenii (Maca, 200 mg) significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes over three months compared to a placebo. While the effect sizes were modest, they were statistically significant, suggesting a benefit for menopausal symptom management. - **Antimicrobial activity:** In vitro studies have indicated that Pfaffia paniculata extracts possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. These extracts have shown efficacy against various oral pathogens and Candida species, with measurable minimum inhibitory concentrations, suggesting a potential for therapeutic use as an antimicrobial agent. However, clinical relevance in humans is yet to be established.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for Pfaffia are not fully elucidated but are thought to involve several pathways. Pfaffia contains triterpenoid saponins, such as oleanolic acid derivatives, which are believed to inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). This inhibition can lead to enhanced nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling, a crucial pathway for erectile function. Its antimicrobial effects are likely due to direct inhibition of microbial growth and metabolic activity. While hormonal modulation is suggested, particularly an increase in sex hormone levels in animal models, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Bioavailability data for oral extracts, the common administration route, are currently sparse.
Side effects
Pfaffia appears to be generally well tolerated at the studied dosages. In a randomized controlled trial involving menopausal women, no significant adverse effects were reported with a daily dose of 150 mg of Pfaffia paniculata. While comprehensive human safety data, especially for long-term use, are limited, toxicological data from related South American herbs suggest a low toxicity profile. Currently, there are no major drug interactions or contraindications documented in the reviewed studies. However, due to the limited clinical research, particularly regarding long-term safety and interactions with medications, caution is advised. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Based on the available human clinical research, a dosage of 150 mg of Pfaffia paniculata, often in combination with 200 mg of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), has been used daily for three months in postmenopausal women. Animal studies have utilized variable doses, but these are not directly translatable to human equivalent doses without further research. Due to the limited clinical data, there are no formally established maximum safe doses or comprehensive dosing guidelines for Pfaffia when used alone. Users should adhere to dosages used in clinical trials or recommended by healthcare professionals, especially given the lack of long-term safety data and established upper limits.
FAQs
Is Pfaffia effective alone or only in combination?
The primary human study on menopausal symptoms combined Pfaffia with Maca, so the isolated effects of Pfaffia alone are not yet clear. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy as a standalone supplement.
How soon do benefits appear?
In the menopausal study, significant improvement in hot flash frequency and severity was observed after 3 months of consistent use. Individual responses may vary.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for Pfaffia are currently lacking. Short-term use, as observed in clinical trials, appears to be safe and well-tolerated, but extended use requires more research.
Can Pfaffia replace hormone therapy?
The current evidence is insufficient to recommend Pfaffia as a substitute for hormone therapy. It should not be used as an alternative without consulting a healthcare professional.
Research Sources
- https://juniperpublishers.com/jgwh/JGWH.MS.ID.555896.php – This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a combination supplement containing Pfaffia paniculata (150 mg) and Lepidium meyenii (Maca, 200 mg) on menopausal symptoms in 60 postmenopausal women over 3 months. The study found a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to placebo, suggesting a potential benefit for menopausal symptom management. The study was of moderate quality with proper randomization and controls, but its small sample size and combined supplement approach limit the ability to isolate Pfaffia's individual effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10486411/ – This preclinical animal study explored the effects of Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice. The findings indicated that PGE improved sexual function, increased testosterone levels, and modulated the NO/cGMP pathway, suggesting a potential mechanism for enhancing erectile function. While providing strong preclinical evidence for a mechanism of action, the relevance of these findings to human sexual dysfunction requires further clinical investigation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1585438/full – This in vitro laboratory study investigated the antimicrobial properties of Pfaffia paniculata extracts. The research demonstrated that these extracts inhibited the growth of various Candida species and oral bacteria, with defined minimum inhibitory concentrations. This provides preliminary evidence for the antimicrobial potential of Pfaffia, though its clinical relevance and efficacy in human infections remain to be determined through further research.
