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Maca
(Lepidium meyenii)


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maca root plant lepidium meyeniiMaca for sexual health issues? What are the health benefits? Many people are looking for a natural and safe alternative to prescription products like Viagra (sildenafil); It seems to be an good choice based on research studies done in both animals and humans subjects.

Anecdotal reports and scientific studies support the believe that this herb has the ability to boost fertility and help treat sexual function in both men and women.

Sold as a sexual enhancement herbal supplement, it is often combined with other herbs such as horny goat weed (epimedium), arginine, panax ginseng and/or ginkgo. Peruvians consider it to be an alternative to using ginseng and Viagra for managing sexual dysfunction.


At least safety is not an issue here as it is a common food item eaten in Peru and other parts of the world. It is definitely worth giving this herb a try to see if it can boost the libido and cure erection problems.

Click here
to get a list of natural remedies for erectile dysfunction.

Click here to get a list of natural remedies to treat low sex drive.

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Table of Contents

 
 

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Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Libido Enhancer/ Sexual Stimulant

Several quality research studies in male and females show that it increases libido.

In one research study done on human subjects on 2008 by C.M. Dording CM et al., the researchers concluded that the herb "may also have a beneficial effect on libido.”

In another study by G.F. Gonzales et al. in 2002, his research team came to the conclusion that this libido enhancement effect is not associated with any increase in testosterone levels in human subject. It "has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment".

For other natural remedies that are used to increase sex drive, click here.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Research studies show that it improves erectile function in rats.

In double-blinded research study done by C.M. Dording et al (2008), the researchers found that, "maca was well tolerated. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect."

There is a number of clinical studies that show it works to treat erectile dysfunction.

For other natural remedies that are used to treat or cure ED, click here.
 
Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Fertility Enhancement in Males

In one study done on rats by J. Rubio et al. in 2006, it prevented the effect of the toxin lead on damaging and reducing sperm production. It concluded that it may become “a potential treatment of male infertility associated with lead exposure.”

In a 4 month study in human male subjects conducted by G.F. Gonzales in 2001 "resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculum, motile sperm count, and sperm motility."

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Increase Sperm Count

Many research studies showed that it increases the sperm count significantly in rats. This would lead to increase fertility in animals with lower sperm counts.

One research study in rats done by M. Gasco in 2007 revealed that “it seems to act as a modulator of sperm count at the reproductive tract level.” The effect on sperm count appeared as quickly as in one day.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Fertility Enhancement in Females

In one study by A.C. Ruiz-Luna in 2005, it significantly increased the uterine weight and the number mice produced by pregnant rats. We have no studies in humans to confirm this.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Enlarged Prostate

Research studies show that it significantly shrinks enlarged prostate in rats.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Diabetes

Studies in rats show that it significantly improves glucose tolerance (which leads to diabetes) and reduces the amount of glucose in the blood.   

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects High Cholesterol

Studies in rats show that it significantly lowers total cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol (LDL or low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins, a type of fat).   

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Memory Enhancement

In a study done in rats by J. Rubio in 2007 showed that it improves memory functions.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Cancer Treatment

Research studies show that it seems to inhibit and slow down cancer cells growth in animal studies.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Depression

Studies showed that it has can significantly reduce feelings of depression in experimental rats.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Menopause Symptoms

It is suggested that it might be beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms as it can have a positive effect on female and male hormone levels. Research studies does not show this effect so expert suspects that it works through another unknown mechanism.

Leaf Natural Remedies Herbal Review Benefits Side Effects Osteoporosis

In animal studies, it was able to prevent bone loss due to the lack of estrogen (such as found in women past menopause).


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Facts about Maca

What is maca? Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, It is a vegetable crop and the root is the only part used. It is grown in the very high altitude of 4,000 to 4,500 meters of the Andes mountains in Peru. It contains over 30 different minerals along with amino acids, alkaloids, sterols and antioxidants.

It is also sold on the European market as a functional food and dietary supplements. Two active ingredients extract macaene and macamide appears to increase sexual activity and to improve erectile dysfunction (ED) in rats. How it does this is currently unknown.

A study done in men, showed that it does not change the concentration the hormones testosterone (male hormone), estradiol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (both are female hormones).

A paper published by C. Gonzales in 2006 found that of the three ecotypes, Red, Yellow and Black), it was the Black ecotype that appeared to have more beneficial effect on sperm counts and motility.
 

Is it effective for increasing libido?

In our reviews, almost all studies in animals supports the positive health benefits of taking it to treat a variety of sexual dysfunctions.

This is reassuring as to the potential effectiveness for human use. Testimonials from people taking it suggest that it is effective.


What about the process of gelatinization? Is it better absorbed?

Gelatinization of maca enhances absorption and potency and is the suggested formulation to use for maximum benefit. Research studies done in humans used the gelatinized formulation.

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Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses

  • anti-cancer
  • aphrodisiac
  • chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • depression
  • diabetes
  • enlarged prostate
  • fertility enhancement (in males)
  • fertility enhancement (in females)
  • high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
  • HIV / AIDS
  • immune enhancement
  • impotence
  • increase testosterone
  • involuntary ejaculation
  • libido enhancer
  • memory loss
  • menopause
  • osteoarthritis
  • osteoporosis
  • sexual stimulant
  • sperm count enhancement
  • sperm motility enhancement

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Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

There are no reported side effects.

In theory, as it might increase testosterone levels, some researchers suspect it might worsen hair loss in certain individuals. This has not be confirmed in any research studies.

Safety - It is a the edible root of a vegetable crop consumed by people living in Peru. It is safe when eaten in moderate amounts.

Pregnancy / Pre-Pregnancy - Safety is unknown. Research studies clearly show that it has significant beneficial improvements in fertility in both males and females rats. It is a vegetable crop so we can only advise consuming normal amount as a food item.

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Dosage & How to Take It

It is available in capsules, tablets, tea bags and powdered formulations.

Research studies in humans have used doses of 500 to 1000 mg (0.5 - 1.5 grams) three times daily to increase libido.

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Sample Products List

Marketed as an aphrodisiac and for treating erectile dysfunction, many products contain multiple ingredients such as yohimbe (yohimbine), catuaba, horny goat weed (epimedium), ginkgo, L-arginine, ginseng, damiana, muira puama, tribulus terrestris, DHEA and vitamins and minerals.
  • Maca Man caps by GNC
  • Maca by Nature’s Way, ProLab, TwinLab, Sundown Naturals, GNC
  • MacaSure by Sequel Naturals
  • Maca Magic by Herbs America
  • Maca Spirit by EcoTrends Ecologics
  • Horny Goat Weed with Pure Maca by Nature’s Bounty, Puritan Pride
  • Royal Maca Powder by New World Botanicals
  • Maca Gold by Vegetable Life Products
 

Related topics

What is sex drive and how do you boost it?

Erectile dysfunction and natural cures


Selected References for Maca
Updated: March 1, 2010
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