Sucupira and Its Healing Potential: A Functional Medicine Toronto Perspective

If you’re on the quest to relieve pain, our Toronto functional medicine clinicians may recommend a remedy with sucupira. Derived from the genus Pterodon emarginatus, sucupira’s soothing properties include anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. 

According to Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, the seeds from this genus have been proven to support therapeutic effects. With that, “There is a growing interest in plants as new drug sources, and the genus Pterodon is attracting investigation because of its successful use in folk medicine.”

In this article, we put sucupira in the herbal spotlight! We discuss:

• What this plant medicine is and details about its origins.
• Its beneficial effects on the human body, especially for reducing aches. 
• How to tell if this botanical medicine suits your needs. 
• Details about our root-cause, systems-oriented approach to wellness. 

What is sucupira and where does it come from? 

Sucupira is historically used in indigenous medicine and folk healing. It’s native to Central and South America, mainly in Brazil but also Paraguay, Bolivia and some areas of northern Argentina. 

The fruit is oval-shaped and flat with dried bean-like seeds encased in a woody shell, and frequently sold in Brazilian markets. It’s commonly prepared for teas, tinctures, and capsules, and the seed oil can be extracted and ingested or applied topically to affected areas. 

Here’s another fun fact: Sucupira contributes to the biodiversity of Brazil’s Cerrado – one of the most biodiverse savannas in the world! The fruit and trees are valuable as food and shelter for native wildlife.

How it works

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, arthritis, and bacterial infections, sucupira may be valuable as an adjuvant treatment. Here’s how: 

• As a plant medicine, it may act as an antioxidant: Excessive free radicals in the body can lead to oxidative stress, contributing to inflammation, premature aging, and the formation of heart disease. Sucupira fruit naturally contains antioxidant chemicals that can neutralize free radicals, which may help prevent or delay chronic disease concerns. 
• It contains anti-inflammatory properties: The fruit contains polyphenols and flavonoids that are capable of inhibiting COX and LOX enzymes. These specific enzymes create prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemical messengers that can trigger pain and inflammation.
• Antimicrobial effects may be supported if you supplement with sucupira: The seed oil and extracts show promise in supporting antimicrobial effects. Sucupira may assist in degrading the protective walls of bacteria, helping to prevent them from multiplying. Scientists deem that sucupira’s terpene content, which includes β-Caryophyllene, may be responsible for damaging bacterial cell walls.
• It could also help relieve arthritic pain: Rheumatoid arthritis comes with an overactive immune system. The plant may contribute to reducing the activity of T and B cells, which may be beneficial for relieving bouts of joint pain. Terpenes from sucupira are also naturally analgesic, which is another reason why it may be included in a pain management regime. 

Is sucupira right for you? 

Depending on the patient, this plant-based medicine has the potential to foster beneficial effects. But it’s necessary to consult with a healthcare provider (i.e. functional naturopathic doctor) to ensure it matches your needs. Here’s why: 

• As sucupira contains anti-inflammatory properties, it may interact with NSAIDS (i.e. acetaminophen).
• Consuming these seeds may impact cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are a family of enzymes that affect metabolism. As a result, it could interact with the metabolic effects of some medications, including statins and antidepressants. 
• It can lower blood glucose levels, which means it might interact with medications for diabetes and increase your chances of forming hypoglycemia. 

Are you interested in integrating botanical remedies into your daily life? Then let’s discuss this for your treatment plan. Our naturopathic doctor is proficient in pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal ingredients derived from natural resources; that said, our clinic can determine if botanical medicine can be taken with your current medications, helping you to responsibly prevent drug interactions. Nutritional / botanical supplementation can come with contraindications, so it’s to your advantage to consult with a healthcare provider before taking new supplements. 

Suggested reading: Explaining the “Stone Breaker” For Your Functional Medicine Toronto Protocol

Book your personalized consultation for herbal and functional medicine

Sometimes we need a little push towards optimal functioning – and that’s okay! At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our clinicians practice integrative personalized medicine, helping to explore the ‘triggers’ of your health concerns. 

By adhering to functional medicine wisdom – which targets individualized health needs for lifelong wellness – we can help manage chronic conditions with several preventative medicine tactics. All of our therapies – including Western and naturopathic medicine, botanical remedies, health detoxification programs and hormone optimization programs – are modified with functional medicine principles. We also have an in-house and virtual dispensary to purchase nutritional and botanical supplements, as well as an IV Lounge for patients to access custom-made IV drips. When IV vitamin therapy is combined with lifestyle modifications and health interventions (i.e. allopathic/Western medicine), they can potentially support health promotion. Our IV Lounge menu contains several types of nutrients, including high-dose vitamin C, NAD+, mistletoe, selenium, glutathione, and more. 

Finally, you should know that we’re a patient-centered clinic. We embrace collaboration between patients and their healthcare providers – you can discuss organizing your treatment plan while it’s being drafted, and you’re always invited to ask questions! We help patients reach their healing potential with plenty of education and support. 

Is herbal medicine suitable for your health needs? Let’s discuss integrating plant remedies into your treatment plan! Simply click here to contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre and you’ll get a response shortly. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Barbosa Raposo, Nádia R., et al. “Biological Properties of Sucupira Branca (Pterodon Emarginatus) Seeds and Their Potential Usage in Health Treatments.” Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, 2011, pp. 1087-1095, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-375688-6.10129-X. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Bezerra, José J. L., and Antônio F. M. D. Oliveira. “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Brazilian Medicinal Plants for Anti-arthritic and Anti-osteoarthritic Applications: A Comprehensive Review.” Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, vol. 56, 2024, p. 103064, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103064. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Coelho MG, Sabino KC, Dalmau SR. Immunomodulatory effects of sucupira (Pterodon pubescens) seed infusion on collagen-induced arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2004 Mar-Apr;22(2):213-8. PMID: 15083889.

Di Miceli JFF, Andrade MER, Carvalho PLA, Santos EA, Faria Mota Oliveira AEM, Fernandes CP, Cruz RAS, Garrett R, Mosqueira VCF, Cassali GD, D’Haese C, Nysten B, Leite JIA, Cardoso VN, Araújo RS. Lecithin-based nanocapsule loading sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus) oil effects in experimental mucositis. Toxicol Rep. 2022 Jul 11;9:1537-1547. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.07.006. PMID: 36518414; PMCID: PMC9743464.

Hansen, Daiane & Haraguchi, Mitsue & Alonso, Antonio. (2010). Pharmaceutical properties of ‘sucupira’ (Pterodon spp.). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 46. 607-616. 10.1590/S1984-82502010000400002.

Hoscheid J, Cardoso ML. Sucupira as a Potential Plant for Arthritis Treatment and Other Diseases. Arthritis. 2015;2015:379459. doi: 10.1155/2015/379459. Epub 2015 Nov 3. PMID: 26613051; PMCID: PMC4646998.

Martel-Pelletier J, Lajeunesse D, Reboul P, Pelletier JP. Therapeutic role of dual inhibitors of 5-LOX and COX, selective and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003 Jun;62(6):501-9. doi: 10.1136/ard.62.6.501. PMID: 12759283; PMCID: PMC1754580.

Mendes, V. S.; Sant’Anna, J. B.; Oliveira, S. C. C.; Maldonade, I. R.; Machado, E. R.Inhibitory Effects of Pterodon emarginatus Bean Oil and Extract on Staphylococcus aureus.Pharmacognosy Research, 2017, 9(4): 348–353. doi: 10.4103/pr.pr_13_17

Mukhopadhyay N, Shukla A, Makhal PN, Kaki VR. Natural product-driven dual COX-LOX inhibitors: Overview of recent studies on the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents. Heliyon. 2023 Mar 14;9(3):e14569. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14569. PMID: 37020932; PMCID: PMC10068128.

Rudrapal M, Eltayeb WA, Rakshit G, El-Arabey AA, Khan J, Aldosari SM, Alshehri B, Abdalla M. Dual synergistic inhibition of COX and LOX by potential chemicals from Indian daily spices investigated through detailed computational studies. Sci Rep. 2023 May 27;13(1):8656. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-35161-0. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 16;14(1):16369. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-66609-6. PMID: 37244921; PMCID: PMC10224994.

Sabino K.C.C., Castro F.A., Oliveira J.C.R., Dalmau S.R., Coelho M.G.P. Successful treatment of collagen-induced arthritis in mice with hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Pterodon pubescens. Phytotherapy Research, 1999 13(7): 613–615. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199911)13:7<613::AID-PTR503>3.0.CO;2-D.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

NAD+ IV Therapy and Neuroplasticity: Exploring the Emerging Research in Toronto

Did you know that you can take steps to potentially improve brain function? Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and targeted therapies can all affect neuroplasticity – which is how adaptable your brain is at learning and building nerve cells. Another thing to consider is NAD IV therapy, and this can be prescribed at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC). 

In line with functional medicine principles, IV NAD+ therapy can act as an integrated health strategy; it may be intentionally combined with other treatments to support health outcomes. Your brain’s ability to grow, adapt, and form new neural connections depends on several factors, not just one treatment or nutritional supplement. This is why functional medicine providers might target neuroplasticity comprehensively. For cognitive support, NAD+ may be merged with other interventions, like regular exercise, good quality sleep, stress reduction approaches, omega-3 supplements, and other therapies for underlying issues. 

You may benefit from this post if you or a loved one is interested in improving/preserving brain function. And if you’re riddled with brain fog, chronic stress, or age-related memory issues, this article is for you, too! We briefly explain what neuroplasticity and NAD+ are; how NAD+ may be supportive for positive brain changes; and details about getting these treatments from the TFMC.

Quick dive into what neuroplasticity and NAD+ are

Every time you learn something new, recover from stress, develop a habit, or recuperate from getting sick or hurt, your brain is strengthening, weakening, or creating new neural connections – this is neuroplasticity. 

Neuroplasticity is critical for acquiring new knowledge, memory, emotional resilience, recovery from concussion or stroke, and healthy aging. But it relies on biological processes, such as: 

• The production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that’s nicknamed a ‘fertilizer’ for the brain. 
• The formation of new synapses (communication) between neurons.
• The growth of dendrites, which are tree-like branches that cells use to receive communication from other cells.
• Enough energy production within brain cells.
• And how low inflammation and oxidative stress are in the body. 

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme with key roles in converting nutrients into cellular energy. Aside from energy production, NAD is involved in DNA repair; how cells respond to stress; regulating inflammation; activating key proteins; and supporting mitochondrial function. Unfortunately, NAD naturally declines in the body with age; other factors that can contribute to waning levels include chronic conditions, inflammation, poor lifestyle factors (i.e. alcohol and a poor diet) and metabolic dysfunction. 

How does NAD help with neuroplasticity?

NAD+ is not a neuroplasticity molecule – but as a coenzyme, it can support several cellular processes that allow the brain to adapt, learn, and repair itself. Thus, scientists suspect that declining levels may be linked to cellular aging – and there’s a chance it may result in aging symptoms, like fatigue and drops in cognitive performance. So, here’s how NAD may support a neuroplastic-friendly brain ‘environment’: 

• It may enhance cellular energy production: Your brain needs significant amounts of energy to build new neuronal connections! NAD helps the mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like money you ‘spend’ on energy use. Adequate amounts of NAD+ can help neurons meet high energy demands linked to learning, memory, and cellular repair. 
• Shown to reduce oxidative stress: According to an Antioxidants article, “The brain is prone to oxidative damage because of its high metabolic activity and high vulnerability to ischemic damage.” Research suggests that sustaining NAD+ levels may improve antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative stress that’s known to impair brain cell communication. 
• NAD may help activate sirtuins: NAD+ activates a group of proteins called sirtuins. These help regulate gene expression, reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondria, and may impact the production of BDNF.
• May naturally encourage DNA repair: Some enzymes are tasked with detecting and repairing DNA damage, and NAD+ is pivotal in helping to stabilize these key enzymes. This is beneficial for neuroplasticity, as brain cells are continuously exposed to DNA damage from regular metabolism and oxidative stress.
• NAD may improve mitochondrial functioning: These cellular ‘powerhouses’ have a part in influencing signaling pathways that are linked to learning and memory. Research suggests that NAD+ may assist mitochondrial function, helping to create settings that allow neurons to adapt to learning.

Supplements to note

By now, you might be asking yourself, how can I boost my NAD+ levels? Supplementation is possible and at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our IV Lounge can customize this dosage for you as a complementary treatment. You can discuss these things with our Toronto functional medicine-literate naturopathic doctor: 

• Oral NAD precursors supplements: NAD precursors – which are nutrients the body uses to synthesize NAD – may be prescribed. These precursors may include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). “Supplementation with these compounds is safe, tolerable, and can increase the abundance of NAD+ and related metabolites in multiple tissues,” verifies a report from The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.
• Sublingual tablets: Sublingual NAD+ supplements are an option, too. A sublingual tablet is meant to dissolve and absorb through thin tissues under the tongue, and into nearby blood vessels. This may be suitable if you have an aversion to needles or swallowing capsules.  
• IV NAD+ therapy: NAD can be intravenously administered in our IV Lounge. This modality is suitable for patients who require high dosages. NAD IV therapy ensures optimal bioavailability because it inserts NAD into your bloodstream for immediate use. It’s made to bypass the digestive tract, which can  bypass malabsorption issues for those with IBD and other reduced nutrient absorption concerns. 

By supporting healthy NAD+ levels, IV therapy may help support cellular energy production, which is important for normal brain function. While researchers are exploring the potential relationship between NAD+ and neuroplasticity, more clinical research is needed to understand its effects in humans. If you’re experiencing new, persistent, or worsening memory changes, it’s important to seek assessment from an appropriate healthcare professional to identify any underlying causes. If you’d like to learn whether NAD+ IV therapy may be appropriate for your individual health goals, our IV Lounge is happy to provide a consultation.

Suggested reading: Menopausal Brain Fog and Burnout The Role of NAD IV Therapy in Toronto

How to get our functional medicine IV drips in Downtown Toronto

IV NAD+ therapy and other nutritional drips are dosed for your personal needs – and getting these with the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is straightforward! Here’s what you need to know: 

• An initial consultation is required to understand your candidacy for intravenous vitamin therapy. Underlying concerns may be discussed prior to your first drip, too. 
• Your IV dose may be prescribed during your first session (depending on your current condition). After you get your prescription, you can book IV therapy immediately after this consultation or on another day – it’s up to you!

NAD IV therapy can be administered as a stand-alone IV drip or combined with other vitamin drips, like vitamin C, iron, glutathione, and more. We offer an impressive menu of nutrients for varied needs, including adjunctive support for cognitive performance, sports muscle regeneration, and strengthening immune health. 

Our IV Lounge adheres to safety standards, so sessions are supervised by our Toronto-area naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. A quick reminder – IV therapy services can contribute to wellness enhancements when merged with a balanced diet, physical activity, and additional functional medicine modalities. Intravenous infusion therapy is not a substitute for daily healthy habits. 

It’s not too late to support your brain function – customize your NAD IV drip in our Toronto IV therapy lounge today! Start by clicking here to request your consult or to view a map of our Yorkville address. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Berven H, Svensen M, Eikeland H, Tvedten N, Sheard EV, Af Geijerstam SA, Søgnen M, McCann A, Arnsten L, Årseth O, Skjeie V, Hjellbrekke A, Skeie GO, Torres Cleuren YN, Nido GS, Haugarvoll K, Riemer F, Tzoulis C, Dölle C. The NAD-brain pharmacokinetic study of NAD augmentation in blood and brain using oral precursor supplementation. iScience. 2026 Jan 27;29(3):114764. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.114764. PMID: 41858901; PMCID: PMC12996706.

Cheng, Aiwu, et al. “Mitochondria and Neuroplasticity.” ASN NEURO, vol. 2, no. 5, 2010, p. e00045, https://doi.org/10.1042/AN20100019. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Cobley, James N., et al. “13 Reasons Why the Brain Is Susceptible to Oxidative Stress.” Redox Biology, vol. 15, 2018, p. 490, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2018.01.008. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Croteau, Deborah L., et al. “NAD+ in DNA Repair and Mitochondrial Maintenance.” Cell Cycle, vol. 16, no. 6, 2017, p. 491, https://doi.org/10.1080/15384101.2017.1285631. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Faraji, Jamshid, and Gerlinde A. S Metz. “Harnessing BDNF Signaling to Promote Resilience in Aging.” Aging and Disease, vol. 16, no. 4, 2024, p. 1813, https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2024.0961. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Fisher, Jennifer. “Tips to Leverage Neuroplasticity to Maintain Cognitive Fitness as You Age.” Harvard Health Publishing, 2 Apr. 2025, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-leverage-neuroplasticity-to-maintain-cognitive-fitness-as-you-age. Accessed 2 July 2026.

Freeberg KA, Udovich CC, Martens CR, Seals DR, Craighead DH. Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2023 Dec 1;78(12):2435-2448. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glad106. PMID: 37068054; PMCID: PMC10692436.

Gazerani, Parisa. “The Neuroplastic Brain: Current Breakthroughs and Emerging Frontiers.” Brain Research, vol. 1858, 2025, p. 149643, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149643. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Haag, Friedrich, et al. “Extracellular NAD and ATP: Partners in Immune Cell Modulation.” Purinergic Signalling, vol. 3, no. 1-2, 2007, p. 71, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11302-006-9038-7. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Jelinek, Matyas, et al. “Oxidative Stress in the Brain: Basic Concepts and Treatment Strategies in Stroke.” Antioxidants, vol. 10, no. 12, 2021, p. 1886, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10121886. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Lautrup S, Sinclair DA, Mattson MP, Fang EF. NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metab. 2019 Oct 1;30(4):630-655. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.09.001. PMID: 31577933; PMCID: PMC6787556.

Li W, Sauve AA. NAD⁺ content and its role in mitochondria. Methods Mol Biol. 2015;1241:39-48. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1875-1_4. PMID: 25308486.

Puderbaugh M, Emmady PD. Neuroplasticity. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/

Reiten OK, Wilvang MA, Mitchell SJ, Hu Z, Fang EF. Preclinical and clinical evidence of NAD+ precursors in health, disease, and ageing. Mech Ageing Dev. 2021 Oct;199:111567. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111567. Epub 2021 Sep 10. PMID: 34517020.

Trofin, Daniela-Marilena, et al. “Oxidative Stress in Brain Function.” Antioxidants, vol. 14, no. 3, 2025, p. 297, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14030297. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Zhao, Yao, et al. “NAD+ Improves Cognitive Function and Reduces Neuroinflammation by Ameliorating Mitochondrial Damage and Decreasing ROS Production in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Models through Sirt1/PGC-1α Pathway.” Journal of Neuroinflammation, vol. 18, 2021, p. 207, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-021-02250-8. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.