Maca

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Maca
- Peruvian Ginseng
- Maca Root
- Peruvian Maca

Latin Name: Lepidium meyenii (syn. Lepidium peruvianum)

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Energy and stamina enhancement - Andean cultures, pre-Incan era to present
• Sexual vitality and fertility - Peruvian traditional medicine, thousands of years
• Nutritive food staple - High-altitude Andean communities

Modern Uses

• Sexual Function and Libido - Enhances sexual desire in men and women | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Multiple clinical studies show improvement in sexual desire for men and sexual function for women; approximately half of trials demonstrate positive results. Research suggests maca may work through central (brain) mechanisms rather than by altering hormone levels.

• Source citations: The Supplement Handbook (Moyad); The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies

• Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction - Helps restore libido in those taking SSRIs | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: A pilot study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that 3,000 mg per day may increase sex drive in women taking SSRIs.

• Source citations: The Supplement Handbook (Moyad); The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies

• Menopausal Symptoms - Supports hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Several studies support use for menopausal issues including sexual dysfunction, though not specifically for hot flashes.

• Source citations: 500 Time-Tested Home Remedies; The Supplement Handbook (Moyad)

• Energy and Stamina - Acts as an adaptogenic tonic for fatigue and stress | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Traditional and modern use supports its role as a rejuvenating tonic; may help maintain steady blood glucose levels and improve mood.
• Source citations: The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies; TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Steroid glycosides (macamides and macaenes) - Compounds with hormone-modulating activity responsible for tonic and reproductive-enhancing properties
- Glucosinolates - Sulfur-containing compounds common to cruciferous vegetables that support detoxification
- Amino acids - High protein content including essential amino acids
- Vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, and E - Support energy metabolism and antioxidant function
- Minerals (zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, iodine) - Essential for reproductive health and thyroid function

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Powder or capsule
- Amount: 1,500–3,000 mg per day
- Frequency: Once or twice daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Powder or capsule
- Amount: 3,000 mg per day
- Purpose: Sexual dysfunction, particularly SSRI-induced
- Duration: Clinical studies typically ran 8–12 weeks

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Studies have used up to 3,000 mg with comparable efficacy to 1,500 mg
- Warning threshold: Not well established; traditional use as a food suggests safety at moderate doses

Bioavailability Notes:
- Gelatinized (pre-cooked) maca may be easier to digest than raw powder
- No specific research on whether food affects absorption

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best taken in the morning or early afternoon due to potential energizing effects
- Can be taken with or without food
- Powder can be added to smoothies, beverages, or food

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Ashwagandha - Both are adaptogens | Combined effect supports stress resilience and hormone balance
2. Tribulus - Both traditionally used for libido | Combined effect enhances reproductive vitality
3. Rhodiola - Fellow adaptogen | Combined effect supports energy and endurance

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. None well-documented - Maca has not been shown to have significant interactions with other supplements

Drug Interactions:
1. Thyroid medications - Theoretical concern due to iodine content and potential thyroid effects | May require monitoring | Severity level: Mild
2. Hormone therapies (estrogen, testosterone) - Theoretical interaction given hormone-modulating activity | Consult healthcare provider | Severity level: Mild

Food Interactions:
- None documented

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Estrogen-sensitive conditions (breast, uterine, or ovarian issues) - use with caution
- Thyroid disorders, particularly with concurrent iodine deficiency
- Pregnancy and lactation - insufficient safety data

Side Effects:
- Generally well-tolerated
- Rare reports of digestive upset
- Some individuals may experience increased energy that affects sleep if taken late in the day

Long-Term Use:
- Considered safe for extended use given its long history as a food staple in Peru
- No serious adverse effects reported in clinical studies lasting up to 12 weeks
- Some practitioners recommend cycling (e.g., 3 months on, 1 month off)

Special Precautions:
- Women with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use
- Those with thyroid conditions should monitor thyroid function
- Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery (general precaution for supplements)

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Libido enhancement, sexual dysfunction, energy support, menopausal symptoms

Secondary: Fertility support, mood improvement, stamina and endurance

Sources

Local Library:
- Moyad, Mark - The Supplement Handbook
- Moline, Peg - The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies
- Duke, James A. - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
- Lust, John - The Natural Remedy Bible
- Easley, Thomas - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
- Pursell, J.J. - The Woman's Herbal Apothecary
- Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Connors, Martha - The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies
- White, Linda B. - 500 Time-Tested Home Remedies
- Griggs, Barbara - Herbal Remedies A-Z

General Knowledge:
- Anthropic training data (botanical classification, traditional uses)