Pfaffia (Pfaffia paniculata)

Pfaffia (Pfaffia paniculata) is a member of the Araliaceae family, native to Brazil, South America, and Amazon Basin. Traditionally, its leaves, roots, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, african traditional medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Pfaffia (Pfaffia paniculata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Pfaffia (Pfaffia paniculata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Pfaffia
Scientific Name	Pfaffia paniculata
Plant Family	Araliaceae
Genus	Pfaffia
Species	paniculata
Native Range	Brazil, South America, Amazon Basin
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Roots, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Pfaffia paniculata
Common Name: Pfaffia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cape Gooseberry, Guaraúna, Guarana
Plant Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Pfaffia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface green and lower surface pale green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of branched clusters bearing small yellow flowers with five petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and distinct white veins on the corolla lobes.
Stems: Elongated, herbaceous stems with opposite branching, smooth surface, and nodes bearing adventitious roots.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Commonly referenced as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a cooling stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Saponin: A chemical class frequently identified in herbaceous and woody plants.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.