Maca
(Lepidium meyenii)

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.

Table of Contents

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf rating system)

	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.
	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.
	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."
	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.
	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.
	Enlarged Prostate Research studies show that it significantly shrinks enlarged prostate in rats.
	Diabetes Studies in rats show that it significantly improves glucose tolerance (which leads to diabetes) and reduces the amount of glucose in the blood.
	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).
	Memory Enhancement In a study done in rats by J. Rubio in 2007 showed that it improves memory functions.
	Cancer Treatment Research studies show that it seems to inhibit and slow down cancer cells growth in animal studies.
	Depression Studies showed that it has can significantly reduce feelings of depression in experimental rats.
	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.
	Osteoporosis In animal studies, it was able to prevent bone loss due to the lack of estrogen (such as found in women past menopause).

Facts about Maca

Is it effective for increasing libido?

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

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

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.

Dosage & How to Take It

Sample Products List

• 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