Pfaffia Glomerata
Pfaffia glomerata
A Brazilian plant whose root is popular as a tonic and aphrodisiac and for pain and inflammation. It contains beta-ecdysone, a plant steroid, and has been studied in the lab and in animals.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Pfaffia Glomerata?
- Plant family
- Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family
- Parts used
- The root
- Where it grows
- South America, mainly Brazil
- Genus
- Pfaffia
- Species
- glomerata
Also called
Brazilian Ginseng
Traditionally used for
- Tonic
- Aphrodisiac
- Inflammation
- Pain
Traditionally described as
- May help reduce inflammation (in animal studies)
- Antioxidant
Natural compounds
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
In Brazil, where it's also called Brazilian ginseng, the root is popular as a tonic and aphrodisiac, to reduce inflammation and to relieve pain.[1]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
A 2024 review of 76 studies found about 40 compounds in the plant. The main one is beta-ecdysone, a plant steroid in the roots. In lab and animal studies, the plant may help reduce inflammation and pain, and showed antidepressant, aphrodisiac, stomach-protecting and antioxidant effects.[1]Study
In male mice exposed to the plastic chemical BPA, Pfaffia glomerata reduced damage to the testes.[2]Study
Technical detail: bisphenol A-induced injury; PI3K/AKT pathway; network pharmacology.
In short
No studies in people or safety studies were found.
Sources
- [1] A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology · DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118003Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Pfaffia glomerata Ameliorates BPA-Induced Reproductive Impairments in Mice by Suppressing Apoptosis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Activation · DOI: 10.3390/ph18111614Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.