Amazon Adrenal Support is a combination of rainforest plants which have been traditionally used to support adrenal function.* For more information on the individual ingredients in Amazon Adrenal Support, follow the links provided below to the plant database files in the Tropical Plant Database.

Ingredients: A herbal blend of chuchuhuasi, erva tostão, tayuya, maca, jatoba, espinheira santa, and suma. To prepare this natural remedy yourself: use 2 parts chuchuhuasi, 2 parts erva tostão, 2 parts tayuya, and one part each of maca, jatoba, espinheira santa, and suma. To make a small amount... "1 part" could be one tablespoon (you'd have 10 tablespoon of the blended herbal formula). For larger amounts, use "1 part" as one ounce or one cup or one pound. Combine all the herbs together well. The herbal mixture can then be stuffed into capsules or brewed into tea, stirred into juice or other liquid, or taken however you'd like.
Suggested Use: Take 2-3 capsules/1-2 grams by weight (or about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon by volume) twice daily or as directed by a health professional.
Contraindications:
Not to be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Do not use in estrogen-positive cancers.
Drug Interactions: None known.

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Third-Party Published Research*

This actual rainforest formula has not been the subject of any clinical research. A partial listing of third-party published research on each herbal ingredient in the formula is shown below. Please refer to the plant database files by clicking on the plant names below to see all available documentation and research on each plant ingredient.


Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii, laevis, ebenfolia)
Chuchuhuasi is traditionally used as a muscle relaxant, aphrodisiac, and analgesic; for adrenal support, as an immune stimulant, and for menstrual balance and regulation. In Peruvian herbal medicine systems, chuchuhuasi is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, adrenal disorders, menstrual irregularities, and pain. Research has reported that chuchuhuasi has aldose reductase inhibitor, analgesic, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumorous, immune stimulant, and protein kinase C inhibitor actions.*
Veloso, C., et al. "Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to cannabinoid receptors activation in mice." Inflammopharmacology. 2018 Feb; 26(1): 227-233.
de Carvalho Veloso, C., et al. "Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to NO/cGMP and ATP-sensitive K(+) channels pathway activation in mice." Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2015 May 15; 755:1-5.
Veloso Cde, C., et al. "Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to opioidergic activation." Planta Med. 2014 Nov; 80(17): 1615-21.
Sosa, S., et al. "Anti-inflammatory activity of Maytenus senegalensis root extracts and of maytenoic acid." Phytomedicine. 2007; 14(2-3): 109-14.
Honda, T., et al. "Partial synthesis of krukovines A and B, triterpene ketones isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant Maytenus krukovii." J. Nat. Prod. 1997; 60(11): 1174-77.
Morita, H., et al. "Triterpenes from Brazilian medicinal plant "chuchuhuasi" (Maytenus krukovii)." J. Nat. Prod. 1996; 59(11): 1072-75.
Sekar K. V., et al. "Mayteine and 6-benzoyl-6-deacetyl-mayteine from Maytenus krukovii." Planta Med. 1995; 61: 390.
Bradshaw, D., et al. "Therapeutic potential of protein kinase C inhibitors." Agents and Actions 1993; 38: 135-47.
Itokawa, H., et al. "Isolation, structural elucidation and conformational analysis of sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids from Maytenus ebenifolia Reiss. X-ray molecular structure of ebenifoline W-1." J. Chem. Soc. Perkin. Trans. I 1993; 11: 1247-54.
Itokawa, H., et al. "Oligo-nicotinated sesquiterpene polyesters from Maytenus ilicifolia." J. Nat. Prod. 1993; 56: 1479-85.
Gonzalez, J. G., et al. "Chuchuhuasha—a drug used in folk medicine in the Amazonian and Andean areas. A chemical study of Maytenus laevis." J. Ethnopharm. 1982; 5: 73-7
Moya, S., et al. "Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the antiarthritics of plant origin." Rev. Colomb. Cienc. Quim. Farm. 1977; 3(2): 5.
Nakagawa, H., et al. "Chemical constituents from the Colombian medicinal plant Maytenus laevis." J. Nat. Prod. 2004; 67(11): 1919-24.
Moreira, R. R., et al. "Release of intermediate reactive hydrogen peroxide by macrophage cells activated by natural products." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2001; 24(2): 201-4.
Flemming, K. "Increase of phagocytosis activity by Maytenus laevis leaves and Scholler-Tornesch lignine (Porlisan)." Naturwissenschaften. 1965 Jun; 52(12):3 46-7.
Dicarlo F. J., et al. "Protection of mice against gram-positive bacteria with Maytenus laevis and other RES stimulants." Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1964 May; 116:195-7.
DiCarlo, F. J., et al. "Reticuloendothelial system stimulants of botanical origin." Journal of the Reticuloendothelial Society 1964: 224-32.
Bruni, R., et al. "Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii bark." Fitoterapia. 2006 Dec; 77(7-8): 538-45.

Erva Tostão (Boerhaavia difusa)
Erva tostão contains novel alkaloids which have been documented with immunomodulating effects. In one study, the alkaloid extract evidenced a dramatic effect in reducing an elevation of cortisol levels under stressful conditions. Simultaneously, the alkaloids (and a whole root extract) also prevented a drop in immune system performance indicating an adaptogenic immune modulation activity, which might suggest it could be helpful in preventing adrenal exhaustion.*
Yahaya, E., et al. "Attenuation of oxidative stress and artificial wound closure in C2C12 myoblasts induced by sequential extracts of Boerhavia diffusa." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2018 Jan; 70(1): 111-123.
Bajpai, V., et al. "Attenuation of inflammatory responses by (+)-syringaresinol via MAP-Kinase-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling in vitro and in vivo." Sci Rep. 2018 Jun; 8(1): 9216.
Hara, K., et al. "Antioxidant activities of traditional plants in Sri Lanka by DPPH free radical-scavenging assay." Data Brief. 2018 Feb; 17: 870-875.
Kaushik, A., et al. "Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of swaras and hima extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa in Swiss albino Mice." Pharmacogn. Mag. 2017 Oct; (Suppl 3): S658-S662.
Karwasra, R., et al. "Corrigendum to "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." [Regul. Toxicol. and Pharmacol. 81 (2016) 341-352]. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2017 Aug; 88: 367-368.
Karwasra, R., et al. "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2016 Nov; 81: 341-352.
Giresha, A., et al. "Neutralization of inflammation by inhibiting in vitro and in vivo secretory phospholipase A(2) by ethanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L." Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Apr-Jun; 9(2): 174-181.
Ayyappan, P., et al. "Attenuation of oxidative damage by Boerhaavia diffusa L. against different neurotoxic agents in rat brain homogenate." J. Diet. Suppl. 2016; 13(3): 300-12.
Yang, L., et al. "Protective role of liriodendrin in sepsis-induced acute lung injury." Inflammation. 2016 Oct; 39(5): 1805-13.
Sawardekar, S., et al. "Evaluation of the effect of Boerhavia diffusa on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats." J. Ayurveda Integr. Med. 2015 Apr-Jun; 6(2): 95-103.
Bairwa, K., et al. "Anti-inflammatory potential of a lipid-based formulation of a rotenoid-rich fraction prepared from Boerhavia diffusa." Pharm. Biol. 2015 Aug; 53(8): 1231-8.
Tacchini, M., et al. "Phytochemical profile and bioactivity of traditional ayurvedic decoctions and hydro-alcoholic macerations of Boerhaavia diffusa L. and Curculigo orchioides Gaertn." Nat. Prod. Res. 2015; 29(22): 2071-9.
Nagarani, G., et al. "Effect of hydrothermal processing on total polyphenolics and antioxidant potential of underutilized leafy vegetables, Boerhaavia diffusa and Portulaca oleracea." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2014 May; 4(Suppl 1): S468-77.
Prathapan, A., et al. "Protective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. against mitochondrial dysfunction in angiotensin II induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells." PLoS One. 2014 Apr; 9(4): e96220.
Mukherjee, P., et al. "Immunomodulatory leads from medicinal plants." Ind. J. Trad. Knowl. 2014; 13(2): 235-256.
Bairwa, K.,et al. "Rotenoids from Boerhaavia diffusa as potential anti-inflammatory agents." J. Nat. Prod. 2013 Aug; 76(8): 1393-8.
Aher, V., et al. "Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the alkaloid punarnavine from Boerhaavia diffusa." Planta Med. 2013 Jul; 79(11): 939-45.
Prathapan, A., et al, "Boerhaavia diffusa L. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1." Br. J. Nutr. 2013 Oct; 110(7): 1201-10.
Vineetha, V., et al. "Arsenic trioxide toxicity in H9c2 myoblasts-damage to cell organelles and possible amelioration with Boerhavia diffusa." Cardiovasc. Toxicol. 2013 Jun; 13(2): 123-37.
Apu, A., et al. "Phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivities of the extracts of aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012 Sep; 2(9): 673-8.
Gulati, V., et al. "Enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plants: Potential application in the management of hyperglycemia." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2012 Jun; 12:77.
Pareta, S., et al. "Aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root ameliorates ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal injury in rat kidney." Pharm. Biol. 2011 Dec; 49(12): 1224-33.
Aviello, G., et al. "Potent antioxidant and genoprotective effects of boeravinone G, a rotenoid isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa." PLoS One. 2011; 6(5): e19628.
Olaleye, M., et al. "Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective property of leaf extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010 Aug-Sep; 48(8-9): 2200-5.
Asadulla, S. "Anti-inflammatory activities of Boerhavia diffusa roots in Albino rats." Arch. Pharma. Sci. Res. 2010; 2: 267–270.
Rachh, P., et al. "In-vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.)" Int. J. Pharm. Res. 2009;1:36–40.
Sathyapriya, K., et al. "Antioxidant status in polycystic end-staged renal diseased patients and antihemolytic effect of Boerhaavia diffusa." Ind. J. Biochem. Biophys. 2009; 46(3): 269–272.
Manu, K., et al. "Immunomodulatory activities of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa." Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 2009; 31(3): 377-87.
Priyadarsini, T., et al. "In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic analysis of Boerhavia diffusa L." Ethnobotanical Leaflets. 2009; 13: 263–268.
Manu, K., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa stimulates cell-mediated immune response by upregulating IL-2 and downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines and GM-CSF in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma bearing mice." J. Exp. Ther. Oncol. 2008; 7(1): 17-29.
Sangameswaran, B., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity of leaves of Boerhavia diffusa L." Pharmacog. Mag. 2008: S65.
Manu, K., et al. "Effect of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa, on cell-mediated immune responses and TIMP-1 in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma-bearing mice." Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 2007; 29(3-4): 569-86.
Sumanth, M., et al. "Antistress, adoptogenic and immunopotentiating activity roots of Boerhaavia diffusa in mice." Int. J. Pharmacol. 2007; 3(5): 416–420.
Manu, K., et al. "Studies on the protective effects of Boerhaavia diffusa L. against gamma radiation induced damage in mice." Integr. Cancer Ther. 2007 Dec; 6(4): 381-8.
Ahmed-Belkacem, A., et al. "Nonprenylated rotenoids, a new class of potent breast cancer resistance protein inhibitors." J. Med. Chem. 2007 Apr; 50(8): 1933-8.
Gacche, R., et al. "Antioxidant and possible anti-inflammatory potential of selected medicinal plants prescribed in the Indian traditional system of medicine." Pharm. Bio. 2006; 44(5): 389–395.
Aladesanmi, A., "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of some Nigerian medicinal plants." Afr. J. Tradit. Complement. Altern. Med. 2006 Nov; 4(2): 173-84.
Pandey, R., et al. "Immunosuppressive properties of flavonoids isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2005; 5(3): 541-53.
Devaki, T., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa on tissue anti-oxidant defense system during ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats." J. Nat. Rem. 2005; 5(2): 102–107.
Jagetia, G., et al. "The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain Indian medicinal plants in vitro: A preliminary study." J. Med. Food. 2004 Fall; 7(3): 343-8.
Satheesh, M., et al. "Antioxidant effect of Boerhavia diffusa L. in tissues of alloxan induced diabetic rats." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2004; 42(10): 989-92.
Jung, H., et al, "In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of liriodendrin isolated from the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus." Planta Med. 2003 Jul; 69(7): 610-6.
Mehrotra, S., et al. "Immunomodulation by ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2002; 7: 987-96.
Mehrotra, S., et al. "Antilymphoproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." Exp. Mol. Pathol. 2002 Jun; 72(3): 236-42.
Mungantiwarn, A., et al. "Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Boerhaavia diffusa alkaloidal fraction." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999 May; 65(2): 125-31.
Muntgantiwar, A., et al. "Effect of stress on plasma and adrenal cortisol levels and immune responsiveness in rats: modulation by alkaloidal fraction of Boerhaavia diffusa." Fitoterapia. 1997; 68(6): 498–500.
Mungantiwar, A., et al. "Adaptogenic activity of aqueous extract of the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Indian Drugs. 1997; 34(4): 184–189.
Suri, O., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa, a new source of phytoecdysones." Planta Medica. 1982; 44(3): 180–181.

Tayuya (Cayaponia tayuya)
Tayuya contains a cucurbitacin chemical (cucurbitacin R) which has been studied extensively in Russia. There it is cited as a powerful adaptogen, preventing stress-induced alterations in the body, as well as supporting adrenal function. It was found to have an effect on the production of corticosteroids and the biosynthesis of eicosanoids in the adrenal cortex, isolated adrenocortical cells, blood plasma, and leukocytes under stress and stress-free conditions in vitro and in vivo. Researchers reported it stimulated the adrenal cortex to adapt organisms to stress by moderately increasing corticosteroid secretion and protected the defense system from becoming hyperactive.*
Panossian, A., et al. "On the mechanism of action of plant adaptogens with particular reference to cucurbitacin R diglucoside." Phytomedicine. 1999 Jul; 6(3): 147-55.
Panosian, A., et al. "Action of adaptogens: cucurbitacin R diglucoside as a stimulator of arachidonic acid metabolism in the rat adrenal gland." Probl. Endokrinol. 1989 Mar-Apr; 35(2): 70-4.
Panosian, A., et al. "Effect of stress and the adaptogen cucurbitacin R diglycoside on arachidonic acid metabolism." Probl. Endokrinol. 1989 Jan-Feb; 35(1): 58-61.
Panosian, A., et al. "Cucurbitacin R glycoside—a regulator of steroidogenesis and of the formation of prostaglandin E2—a specific modulator of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal cortex system." Biull. Eksp. Biol. Med. 1987; 104(10): 456-7.
Dadaian, M., et al. "Prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid levels in the blood of immobilized rats: effect of dihydrocucurbitacin D diglucoside." Vopr. Med. Protective. Khim. 1985 Nov-Dec; 31(6): 98-100.
Venturini, C., et al. "Vitexin inhibits inflammation in murine ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018 Jan; 97: 143-151.
He, M., et al. "A review on the pharmacological effects of vitexin and isovitexin." Fitoterapia. 2016 Dec; 115: 74-85.
Ragone, M., et al. "The spasmolytic effect of Aloysia citriodora, Palau (South American cedrón) is partially due to its vitexin but not isovitexin on rat duodenums." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Sep; 113(2): 258-66.
Borghi, S., et al. "Vitexin inhibits inflammatory pain in mice by targeting TRPV1, oxidative stress, and cytokines." J. Nat. Prod. 2013 Jun; 76(6): 1141-9.
Escandell, J., et al. "Bcl-2 is a negative regulator of interleukin-1beta secretion in murine macrophages in pharmacological-induced apoptosis." Br. J. Pharmacol. 2010 Aug; 160(7): 1844-56.
Escandell, J., et al. "Inhibition of delayed-type hypersensitivity by Cucurbitacin R through the curbing of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression by means of nuclear factor AT translocation to the nucleus." J. Pharmacol Exp. Ther. 2010 Feb; 332(2): 352-63.
Aquila, S., et al. "Anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from Cayaponia tayuya roots." J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jan 21; 121(2): 333-7.
Escandell, J., et al. "Dihydrocucurbitacin B inhibits delayed type hypersensitivity reactions by suppressing lymphocyte proliferation." J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2007 Sep; 322(3): 1261-8.
Rosa, A., "Vitexin reduces neutrophil migration to inflammatory focus by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators via inhibition of p38, ERK1/2 and JNK pathway." Phytomedicine. 2016 Jan; 23(1): 9-17. Escandell, J., et al. "Bcl-2 is a negative regulator of interleukin-1beta secretion in murine macrophages in pharmacological-induced apoptosis." Br. J. Pharmacol. 2010 Aug; 160(7): 1844-56.
Siqueira, J., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of a triterpenoid isolated from Wilbrandia ebracteata Cogn." Life Sci. 2007 Mar; 80(15): 1382-7. Escandell, J., et al. "Dihydrocucurbitacin B inhibits delayed type hypersensitivity reactions by suppressing lymphocyte proliferation." J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2007 Sep ;322(3): 1261-8.
Escandell, J., et al. "Cucurbitacin R reduces the inflammation and bone damage associated with adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats by suppression of TNF-{alpha} in T lymphocytes and macrophages." J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2007 Feb; 320(2): 581-90.
Recio, M., et al. "Anti-inflammatory activity of two cucurbitacins isolated from Cayaponia tayuya roots." Planta Med. 2004; 70(5): 414-20.
Himeno, E., et al. "Structures of cayaponosides A, B, C and D, glucosides of new nor-cucurbitacins in the roots of Cayaponia tayuya." Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo) 1992; 40(10): 2885-87.
Ruppelt, B., et al. "Pharmacological screening of plants recommended by folk medicine as anti-snake venom—I. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities." Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz 1991; 86 (Suppl. 2): 203-5.
Rios, J., et al. "A study of the anti-inflammatory activity of Cayaponia tayuya root." Fitoterapia 1990; 61(3): 275-78.
Faria, M. and E. Schenkel. ["Characterization of cucurbitacins in plant species popularly known as taiuiá."] Portuguese. Ciencia e Cultura (São Paulo) 1987; 39: 970-73.
Bauer, R., et al. "Cucurbitacins and flavone C-glycosides from Cayaponia tayuya." Phytochemisty. 1984: 1587-91.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is widely used for its tonic and adaptogenic qualities and thought to nutritionally support adrenal function.* Maca is a rich source of amino acids which are the building blocks needed to naturally support the endocrine system and adrenals.*
Wan, W., et al. "Aqueous extract of black maca prevents metabolism disorder via regulating the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-TCA cycle and PPARα signaling activation in golden Hamsters fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet." Front. Pharmacol. 2018 Apr; 9: 333.
Zhang, Y., et al. "Effect of ethanolic extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp on serum hormone levels in ovariectomized rats." Indian J. Pharmacol. 2014 Jul-Aug; 46(4): 416-9.
Gonzales, G., et al. "A mixture of extracts from Peruvian plants (black maca and yacon) improves sperm count and reduced glycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2013 Sep; 23(7): 509-18.
Zhang, Y., et al. "Effect of ethanol extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr; 105(1-2): 274-9.
Lopez-Fando, A., et al. "Lepidium peruvianum Chacon restores homeostasis impaired by restraint stress." Phytother. Res. 2004; 18(6): 471-4.
Vecera, R., et al. "The influence of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on antioxidant status, lipid and glucose metabolism in rat." Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2007 Jun; 62(2): 59-63.
Tang, Y., et al. "Structure analysis and anti-fatigue activity of a polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii Walp." Nat. Prod. Res. 2018 Mar 16: 1-10.
Qureshi M., et al. "Phytochemical and biological assessments on Lipidium meyenii (maca) and Epimidium sagittatum (horny goat weed)." Pak. J. Pharm. Sci. 2017 Jan; 30(1): 29-36.
Tang, W., et al. "Structural characterization and antifatigue effect in vivo of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) polysaccharide." J. Food Sci. 2017 Mar; 82(3): 757-764.
Li J., et al. "Anti-fatigue activity of polysaccharide fractions from Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca)." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Feb; 95: 1305-1311.
Zevallos-Concha, A., et al. "Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp)." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2016; 26(1): 67-73.
Yang, Q., et al. "Effects of macamides on endurance capacity and anti-fatigue property in prolonged swimming mice." Pharm. Biol. 2016; 54(5): 827-34.
Stone, M., et al. "A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Dec; 126(3): 574-6.

Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)
Jatoba is highly regarded in Brazil as an energy tonic and traditionally used to combat adrenal fatigue. It does not contain any caffeine, xanthenes, or other overt stimulants to over-tax the adrenals.*
Jatobá’s documented antioxidant actions are thought to be related to its content of astilbin, fisetin, taxifolin, and other known antioxidant chemicals called procyanidins.
do Rosário, M., et al. "Degalactosylation of xyloglucans modify their pro-inflammatory properties on murine peritoneal macrophages." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Dec; 105(Pt 1): 533-540.
Boniface, P., et al. "Current state of knowledge on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Hymenaea." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Jul; 206: 193-223.
Zhu, Y., et al. "Neuroprotective effects of Astilbin on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice: Glial reaction, α-synuclein expression and oxidative stress." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2019 Jan; 66: 19-27.
Zhang, H., et al. "Nrf2 ARE signaling acts as master pathway for the cellular antioxidant activity of fisetin." Molecules. 2019 Feb; 24(4).
Althunibat, O., et al. "Fisetin ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy." Life Sci. 2019 Feb 8
Xie, X., et al. "Taxifolin protects RPE cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis." Mol. Vis. 2017 Jul; 23: 520-528.
Wang, M., et al. "Astilbin improves potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia and kidney injury through regulating oxidative stress and inflammation response in mice." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2016 Oct; 83: 975-988.
Topal, F., et al. "Antioxidant activity of taxifolin: an activity-structure relationship." J. Enzyme Inhib. Med. Chem. 2016 Aug; 31(4): 674-83.
Bezerra, G., et al. "Phytochemical study guided by the myorelaxant activity of the crude extract, fractions and constituent from stem bark of Hymenaea courbaril L." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Aug; 149(1): 62-9.
Sasaki, K., et al. "High-performance liquid chromatographic purification of oligomeric procyanidins, trimers up to nonamers, derived from the bark of Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)." Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2009 Jun; 73(6): 1274-9.
Closa, D., et al. "Prostanoids and free radicals in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: effect of astilbin." Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. Fatty Acids. 1997; 56(4): 331-34.
Lopez, J. A. "Isolation of astilbin and sitosterol from Hymenaea courbaril." Phytochemistry 1976; 15: 2027F.

Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia)
Espinheira santa is traditionally used to support adrenal, kidney, and digestive functions, as well as, for ulcers, as an antacid, laxative, colic remedy, detoxifier, and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. Independent research indicates that espinheira santa has antacid, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antileukemic, and antitumorous actions.*
Veloso, C., et al. "Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to cannabinoid receptors activation in mice." Inflammopharmacology. 2018 Feb; 26(1): 227-233.
El-Agamy, D., et al. "Pristimerin protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and fibrosis through modulation of Nrf2 and MAPK/NF-kB signaling pathways." Cancer Manag. Res. 2018 Dec; 11: 47-61.
El-Agamy, D., et al. "Pristimerin as a novel hepatoprotective agent against experimental autoimmune hepatitis." Front. Pharmacol. 2018 Mar; 9: 292.
Shaaban, A., et al. "Protective effect of pristimerin against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2018 Jun; 59: 31-39.
Yousef, B., et al. "Pristimerin exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities through inhibition of nuclear factor-кB signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells." Phytomedicine. 2018 Feb; 40: 140-147.
Hui, B., et al. "Pristimerin inhibits LPS-triggered neurotoxicity in BV-2 microglia cells through modulating IRAK1/TRAF6/TAK1-mediated NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways in vitro." Neurotox. Res. 2018 Feb; 33(2): 268-283.
Cansian, R., et al. "Antioxidant and genotoxic properties of Maytenus dasyclada: a comparative study in relation to Maytenus reference species." Braz. J. Biol. 2015 May; 75(2): 471-6.
Baggio, C., et al. "In vivo/in vitro studies of the effects of the type II arabinogalactan isolated from Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek on the gastrointestinal tract of rats." Z. Naturforsch C. 2012 Jul-Aug; 67(7-8): 405-10.
dos Santos, V., et al. "Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and synergistic associations of quinonemethide triterpenes and phenolic substances from Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae)." Molecules. 2010 Oct; 15(10): 6956-73.
Vellosa, J., et al. "Antioxidant activity of Maytenus ilicifolia root bark." Fitoterapia. 2006 Apr; 77(3): 243-4.
Soares, L., et al. "Development and validation of a LC-method for determination of catechin and epicatechin in aqueous extractives from leaves of Maytenus ilicifolia." J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2004 Nov; 36(4): 787-90.
Corsino, J., et al. "Antioxidant flavan-3-ols and flavonol glycosides from Maytenus aquifolium." Phytother. Res. 2003 Sep; 17(8) :913-6.

Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Suma is used in North American herbal medicine as an adaptogenic and regenerative tonic regulating many systems of the body, for adrenal exhaustion and chronic fatigue, as an immunostimulant; and as a natural remedy for impotence, arthritis, anemia, diabetes, cancer, tumors, mononucleosis, high blood pressure, PMS, menopause, hormonal disorders, and many types of stress.*
Costa, C., et al. "Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract modulates Mapk and mucin pathways in intestinal inflammation." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Mar; 213: 21-25.
Lian, L., et al. "Two new triterpenes from the roots of Pfaffia glomerata." J. Asian Nat. Prod. Res. 2018 Apr: 1-7.
Costa, C., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata) on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation: Experimental evidence." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2015 Sep; 28(1): 459-69.
Fernandes, N., et al. "Supplementation with Pfaffia glomerata (Sprengel) Pedersen does not affect androgenic-anabolic parameters in male rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Feb; 161: 46-52.
Zhang, X., et al. "β-Ecdysterone suppresses interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat chondrocytes via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway." Drug Dev. Res. 2014 May; 75(3): 195-201.
Huan, T., et al, "20-Hydroxyecdysone attenuates TGF-β1-induced renal cellular fibrosis in proximal tubule cells." J. Diabetes Complications. 2012 Nov-Dec; 26(6): 463-9.
Calgaroto, N., et al. "Antioxidant system activation by mercury in Pfaffia glomerata plantlets." Biometals. 2010 Apr; 23(2): 295-305.
Mendes, F. R., et al. "Brazilian plants as possible adaptogens: An ethnopharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Feb; 109(3): 493-500.
Pinello, K.C., et al. "Effects of Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng) extract on macrophage activity." Life Sci. 2006 Feb; 78(12): 1287-92.
Freitas, C. S., et al. "Involvement of nitric oxide in the gastroprotective effects of an aqueous extract of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, in rats." Life Sci. 2004 Jan; 74(9): 1167-79.

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