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Maca Root
(Lepidium meyenii)

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Maca root 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.

Table of Contents

Facts about Maca

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses
Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings
Dosage & How to Take It
Sample Products List

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

Below is a quick summary. For full explanations and comments on research studies, see the article entitled Benefits of Maca Root.

	Libido Enhancer/ Boost Sex Drive
	Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
	Fertility Enhancement in Males
	Increase Sperm Count
	Fertility Enhancement in Females
	Enlarged Prostate
	Diabetes
	High Cholesterol
	Memory Enhancement
	Cancer
	Depression
	Menopause Symptoms
	Osteoporosis

Facts about Maca Root

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.

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

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

There are no reported side effects with eating maca as a vegetable. As a supplement and in high doses, it might cause stomach discomfort and gas.

In theory, as it might increase testosterone levels, some researchers suspect it might worsen hair loss in certain individuals because of this. But studies in both animals and humans do not show any changes in blood levels of any male or female hormones.

Safety - It is an 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.

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.

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 Root by Nature’s Bounty, Puritan Pride
Royal Maca Powder by New World Botanicals
Maca Gold by Vegetable Life Products

Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)