Sumax - Suma Extract 60 capsules

Sumax has been shown to support powerful increases in protein production, physical endurance, and muscle mass during high-intensity training programs. Sumax is also a health promoting adaptogen, leading to lower blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, helping the liver resist damage from alcohol or hepatitis, reducing inflammatory responses, and supporting resistance to viruses and bacteria.

What is Sumax?

It is a standardized extract of Suma (Pfaffia paniculata, of the Amaranthaceae family). Suma, also known as Brazilian ginseng and Para Tudo ("for all") is one of the most highly regarded herbs from South America. It is native to the mid-Atlantic forest region of the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states. Suma is a ground covering vine with an intricate and deep root structure. It is considered to be a true adaptogen, and has been used by native people for centuries. In the past two decades a great deal has been learned about the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Suma and its constituents -- and we will present some of the most interesting research in this brochure!

Sumax is carefully wild-crafted in Brazil by specially trained workers, to ensure survival of the species. It is then extracted using 96% pure sugar cane ethanol, distilled, and spray dried. The resulting standardized powder extract maintains the natural ratios of phytosterols, saponins and other constituents -- in other words, it is a total extract.

What beneficial constituents do Sumax offer?

Among the many ingredients found in Suma, the one with the most dramatic impact is Beta Ecdysterone. This phytosterol (plant hormone) is very similar to alpha-ecdysone. an insect molting hormone. Beta Ecdysterone is what makes Sumax an effective alternative to steroids. Suma is considered to be one of the richest sources of Beta Ecdysterone. Other phytosterols found in Suma include beta-sitosterol, polypodine b, and stigmasterol.

Another group of Suma constituents is the saponins, including pfaffic acid and six unique pfaffosides, which are divided into two groups. Ptaffosides A, B, and C are classified as nortriterpene gluconisides; and ptaffosides D, E, and F are nortriterpene saponins. Saponins are a terpenoid class of non-nitrogen-containing glycosides, or sugar derivatives. Terpenoids are frequently noted for antioxidant activity and other health supporting functions.

Suma provides a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as allantoin (a cell building compound), trace amounts of germanium, and dietary fiber.

Beta Ecdysterone is the key to increased protein production, muscle mass and endurance -- safely!

How does Beta Ecdysterone increase protein production?

Beta Ecdysterone increases the rate at which transfer RNA moves amino acids to the parts of the cells called ribosomes, where they are assembled into proteins. This increases the rate of production of protein without harmful effects. By contrast, synthetic androgenic anabolic steroids increase the rate at which the cell nucleus encodes instructions on messenger RNA, which determines the sequence of amino acids that are assembled at the ribosomes. This step appears to be more sensitive to disruption, and if one has a hormonally sensitive cancer, steroids can increase the rate of cancer growth.

How are proteins created?

The process of protein formation happens in three steps, explained here in more detail (adapted from the book, Muscle Mass, Strength and Endurance). In each cell there are 3 forms of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which direct the three different activities necessary to build protein in the parts of the cells called ribosomes.

1. Ribosomal RNA instructs specific ribosomes to join into a group called a ribosomal complex. This will be the production facility for making protein.

2. Messenger RNA receives instructions (genetic code) in the nucleus for the exact sequence of the 22 different amino acids which are necessary to make a specific protein. Then it travels to the ribosomal complex and attaches to the ribosomes, ready to control the attachment of amino acids.

This process of taking instructions from the nucleus and applying them to the sequence of amino acids is called transcription. It is the step affected by synthetic steroids, and if it is disrupted (for example, by being accelerated), it can be hijacked by cancer DNA more easily, and used to create protein for cancer cells.

3. Transfer RNA moves amino acids to the ribosomes, where they are assembled into proteins following the instructions of the messenger RNA.

This process is called translation. It is the step that is accelerated by Beta Ecdysterone, so the protein can be created faster, yet safely, because this step is not particularly vulnerable to disruption.

How does Beta Ecdysterone directly increase physical endurance or work capacity?

1. It is associated with an increase in formation of glycogen, the muscles'reserve fuel.

2. It is associated with an increase in pyruvic acid, which can be converted to adenosine triposphate (ATP), or usable energy. The ATP content of the muscles does increase.

3. It is associated with a decrease in lactic acid in both heart and skeletal muscle.

4. If there is greater muscle mass due to increased protein formation, the muscle is stressed less by the same amount of work.

How much increased physical endurance or work capacity is associated with Beta Ecdysterone?

What is the best way to take it?

Animals forced to climb an endless rope in experiments kept going up to 32% longer than controls with a single dose of Beta Ecdysterone On the other hand, when the Beta Ecdysterone was divided into several doses in a day, the animals kept going 63% longer than controls.

Divided doses offered twice the adaptogenic effect of single doses in these studies. Beta Ecdysterone has a half-life in the body of about 2 hours (i.e., the amount remaining in the body decreases by half every two hours). This is why Sumax should be taken at least 3 times a day, rather than all at once. The best way is probably to take Sumax before each meal, before workouts, and possibly at bedtime.

The increase in muscle mass and endurance compares with synthetic steroids.

In people over 20 years of age, Beta Ecdysterone was shown to be comparable to the synthetic steroid Dianabol for increasing muscle mass, and it also increased physical endurance. In people 14 to 20 years old, Beta Ecdysterone complex was as potent as Dianabol for increasing muscle mass, and more potent for increasing physical endurance and stamina!

The Russians compared the effects of Beta Ecdysterone and Dianabol on mice forced to swim to exhaustion. The mice were given either Beta Ecdysterone, or nothing, and were either trained for 7 days or not trained. The results were truly impressive.

Treatment:

No training or dosing (control)

7 days training only (no dosing) 31% longer swim time than control

Beta Ecdysterone and 7 days training 90% longer swim time

Dianabol and 7 days training 63% longer swim time

Treatment:

No training (control) (control)

7 days training only (control) (no growth, relative to control)

Beta Ecdysterone and 7 days training _________________7% growth

Dianabol and 7 days training _________________________ 9% growth

The increase in the rate of energy production, measured as oxidative phosphorylation (formation of high-energy phosphate bonds), was compared for Beta Ecdysterone and Dianabol in two studies. With Beta Ecdysterone, it increased dramatically in 7 days, and tapered off somewhat by 15 days. With Dianabol, there was no significant increase for 7 days, and it matched the lower Beta Ecdysterone level by 15 days.

Time: 7 days 15 days

Treatment:

Beta Ecdysterone, study 1 21% 20%

Beta Ecdysterone, study 2 26% 23%

Dianabol, studies 1 and 2 (same results for both) 0% 20%

In conclusion, Sumax with Beta Ecdysterone is a truly powerful, yet healthy supplement for building muscle mass, strength and endurance, which can be used instead of androgenic anabolic steroids.

Suggested use for best results:

1. Training must be of high intensity and volume, with the weight lifter on a building cycle, not a cut-up cycle. It helps if the lifter (male or female) is at an advanced level so they can really push a workout to its maximum.

2. Eat ample amounts (up to one gram per pound of bodyweight daily) of high quality protein (whey digest and isolates, egg white digest, etc.), and most calories should be derived from carbohydrates and fats (so eat a lot).

3. Take 5 mg of Beta Ecdysterone (or 650 mg of Sumax per 50 pounds of bodyweight per day.

4. Since half of the Beta Ecdysterone is used up every 2 hours, divide daily consumption into three or more doses. The best way is probably to take Sumax before each meal, before workouts, and possibly at bedtime.

Why is Sumax called an adaptogen?

In addition to increasing protein formation in the cells, Beta Ecdysterone improves liver, kidney, heart and muscle function, muscle size and physical performance. Specifically, it:

1. Increases physical endurance or work capacity more than synthetic steroids;

2. Increases protein formation in the liver and kidneys;

3. Increases insulin’s effect on cells and fat without increasing insulin levels, thus increasing the transport of sugar from the blood to the cells for use as fuel, decreasing blood sugar levels, reducing the need for excess insulin, and consequently reducing blood triglyceride (fat) levels;

4. Increases both bile production and the proportion of bile acids and bilirubins, thus further lowering triglycerides and cholesterol; 75% Beta-EcdysteineTM lowered cholesterol more than Chlofibrate (Atromid) in studies to compare the two;

5. Reverses or blocks liver damage from alcohol or hepatitis;

6. Decreases inflammatory responses; large doses increase survival time in intense cold.

Sumax has a wide range of other compounds, such as the Pfaffosides, and has been associated with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune-stimulating properties. It is also called "women's ginseng", because its benefits seem to be very noticeable for women, even when they are not involved in heavy athletic training.

Safety and Toxicity

Japanese and Russian research shows that long term administration of high doses of Beta Ecdysterone result in elevated protein synthesis in the liver and kidneys, without any sign of toxicity, and few, if any side effects. In a Japanese study of mice given very large doses for two months, protein synthesis increased in the liver by as much as 46%, and in the kidneys by as much as 78%. Most Beta Ecdysterone is eliminated through the liver and colon, with the rest leaving through the kidneys.

References:

1. Hikino, H. & Takernkoto, T., 1972, Naturwissenschaften 59: 91-98

2. Olaka, T, et al., 1986, Chew. Pharm. Bull. 17:1352-55

3. Syrov, V.V., 1986, Med Zh. Uzb. 3: 67-69

4. Kurmakov ,A.G., 1988, Med Zh. Uzb. ISS 10 68-70

5. Murakami, M. & Fukami, J., 1983, Arch. Toxicol. 245-248

6. Semikin, A.V., 1991, Farmakol. Toksikol. 54, ISS 4

7. Esenbaeva, V.Z., 1989, Dokl. Akad. USSR ISS 2, 53-54

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Monday December 10, 2007