/uk/assets/nutritional-supplement/maca/how-it-works

health guides

Maca

Also indexed as:Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum
Maca: Main Image© Chris Kilham

Related Topics

  1. What Are Depletions & Interactions?
  2. Find Nutritious Recipes
Botanical names:
Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

How It Works

Maca contains substantial quantities of protein, fat, fibre, and minerals including iron, which also contribute to its nutritional value. It also contains glucosinolates,3 the strong-smelling compounds that are responsible for the pungent smell and taste of mustard family plants. Neither these nor any other constituents in maca have definitively been shown to contribute to its actions.

Preliminary studies have shown that maca can increase libido in healthy men.4 It does this without influencing levels of testosterone or any other sex hormones.5 Healthy men who take maca have also been shown to have increased semen volume, increased sperm counts, and enhanced sperm motility.6

Numerous animal studies show that maca extracts can increase sex drive and improve fertility.7, 8, 9 Other studies support that it can relieve the negative effects of stress reactions.10 The red cultivar, though not the black or cream, also reduced enlarged prostates in rats.11

How to Use It

The amount used successfully in studies so far has been 500 to 1,000 mg three times per day of dried root powder in capsules.12

References

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.