Suma Root Extract Powder

Suma root extract starts from the root of Pfaffia paniculata, a South American climbing shrub of the amaranth family. Water extraction concentrates the soluble root fraction, and the liquor is dried to a light brown powder that disperses in water.

The extract is supplied at a 10:1 ratio with no marker percentage and is milled to 80 mesh. No other suma form is listed for this botanical, so this ratio extract is the single entry for buyers who need Pfaffia paniculata root in a water-dispersible powder.

SKU: BOT-BEX-0584 Category: Botanical Extracts Tags: Bars & Bakery, Plant Extracts, Root & Rhizome, Sports Nutrition, Water Dispersible, Water Extracted

Pfaffia paniculata Root Identity & Plant Part

The botanical entity is Pfaffia paniculata (Mart.) Kuntze, suma, a perennial climbing shrub of the Amaranthaceae from the Amazon basin and neighboring regions. The part used is the root. Stems, leaves and flowers are not part of this ingredient. The botanical name is regarded by some databases as a synonym of Hebanthe erianthos, which is why listings differ on the species.

Suma should not be confused with Pfaffia glomerata and other Pfaffia species traded under the same common name. The root carries triterpenoid saponins called pfaffosides, phytoecdysteroids, allantoin and starch, named as families only. Despite occasional marketing as a ginseng, suma has no botanical relationship to Panax.

What 10:1 Means for Suma Root

The 10:1 ratio states how much dried suma root is concentrated into the extract. It is not a pfaffoside or ecdysteroid figure, and suma root extract carries no marker percentage on this entry. Because no powder or graded sibling is listed, the ratio extract is the only way to specify suma root here. Buyers who see suma sold as a root powder with a starch bulk should note that the water extract is a different material with less fiber and starch. Species and part are the two points a specification should fix.

Typical Specifications

Specification Item	Product Information
Latin Name	Pfaffia paniculata
Plant Part	Root & Rhizome
Processing	Water Extraction
Common Name	Suma Root
Ingredient Type	Ratio Extract
Extract Ratio	10:1
Appearance	Light brown powder
Solubility / Dispersibility	Water Dispersible
Quality Parameters
Moisture (LOD)	≤5.0%
Total Ash	≤5.0%
Particle Size	80 mesh
Heavy Metals	Lead ≤2 ppm · Arsenic ≤1 ppm · Cadmium ≤1 ppm · Mercury ≤0.1 ppm
Microbiology	TPC ≤1,000 cfu/g · Yeast & Mold ≤100 cfu/g · E. coli Negative · Salmonella Negative/25 g
Shelf Life	24 months in unopened original packaging, cool and dry storage

Application Areas

Capsule Fills for Suma Root

Two-piece capsules take suma extract as a free-flowing light brown powder once a small amount of flow aid is added. The mild earthy, slightly bitter taste stays inside the shell. Fill-weight control and a disintegration test close each lot.

Earthy Powder Stick Packs

Stick packs blend the extract with cocoa, cinnamon or maca-style root flavors that match its earthy profile. The cup is a hazy, tan-brown drink. A dry carrier keeps the dose even, and sieving removes lumps before the stick is filled.

Root Extract Tablet Blends

Tablets compress suma extract with cellulose filler and a disintegrant, and the saponin fraction can make the powder sticky on tooling. A lubricant and dry granulation keep the press running, while a film coat hides the tan tone and root taste.

Roasted-Flavor Instant Mixes

Instant mixes combine the extract with roasted chicory, barley or date flavors for a coffee-alternative profile. It dissolves well in hot water with a faint foam from the saponins. The mix is sealed fast, because moisture gives clumps.

Nut and Seed Bar Layers

Bars use the extract in the dry fraction with nuts, seeds and cocoa. The slight bitterness is covered by date paste, and the powder is premixed with the dry blend before binder is added so that clumps do not form in the syrup.

Formulation Notes

Suma root extract is a light brown powder with a mild earthy aroma and a faintly bitter, slightly sweet taste. In water it disperses to a hazy tan liquid and may foam lightly when stirred, because of its saponin fraction. The powder takes up moisture at a moderate rate and clumps if left open. The saponin fraction also lets the extract wet slowly, so adding it to liquids gradually avoids floating clumps.

Dry-room weighing and a flow-agent premix keep capsule and stick filling smooth. Add liquid to powder slowly and stir gently to keep foam down. After opening, reseal the pack tightly and keep it in a closed container away from heat and direct light.

Packaging & Commercial Supply

Essencefield supports product evaluation, formulation trials, commercial orders, and ongoing ingredient supply. Packaging, storage, and shipping arrangements are determined by product characteristics, order quantity, stability requirements, and destination-market needs.

Supply Item	General Information
Sample	Available upon request for formulation, testing, and supplier evaluation
Order Quantities	100 g · 1 kg · 5 kg · 25 kg · 100 kg · 500 kg · Bulk
Sample Lead Time	Typically 5–7 days after sample confirmation
Production Lead Time	Typically 15–30 days after order and specification confirmation
Packaging	Suitable protective inner packaging with bags, cartons, drums, or other appropriate outer packaging
Storage	Store in tightly sealed, suitable protective packaging in a cool, dry environment. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Specific storage conditions follow the approved product specification.
Documentation	COA · Product Specification · TDS · SDS · Applicable declarations (as applicable)

Final order quantities, lead times, packaging, documentation, and shipping arrangements are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial requirements.