Maca's therapeutic uses
Maca, a root vegetable native to Peru, is traditionally celebrated for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in enhancing sexual function and fertility for both men and women. It is commonly marketed for male sexual dysfunction and has been proposed for a variety of other health issues, including female sexual dysfunction, infertility, menopause symptoms, and general fatigue. While maca is often associated with increased energy and mood enhancement, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited, primarily derived from animal studies and a few small human trials.
The typical therapeutic dosage ranges from 500 to 1,000 milligrams taken three times daily. Some studies suggest that maca may improve libido in men and sexual function in women taking antidepressants or those who are post-menopausal. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its efficacy for broader claims about sexual function or hormonal adjustments, such as increasing testosterone levels.
Additional proposed benefits of maca include its potential impact on managing benign prostate enlargement, stress, diabetes, and hypertension, though these claims lack robust scientific validation. Importantly, while maca appears safe in clinical settings without serious adverse effects noted, comprehensive safety testing, especially in vulnerable populations such as children or pregnant women, has yet to be fully established. As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, maca remains a subject of exploration for its potential health benefits.
Maca's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Male sexual dysfunction
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Adaptogen, benign prostate enlargement, diabetes, fatigue, female infertility, female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, male infertility, osteoarthritis, menopause symptoms, increase energy, enhance mood
Overview
Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable used as both food and medicine. It is sometimes called Peruvian ginsengnot because the plants have any botanical relationship, but because their traditional uses are similar. Traditionally, maca has been said to increase energy and stamina and to enhance both fertility and sex drive in men and women.
Therapeutic Dosages
The usual dose of maca is 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) three times a day.
Therapeutic Uses
Maca is widely marketed as improving male sexual function, female sexual function, and male and female fertility. However, there is only limited evidence that it actually provides any benefits. Much of the evidence for maca comes from animal studies. In one study on rats, maca enhanced male sexual function. Animal studies have had mixed results regarding male and female fertility.
A single research group performed two published human trials on maca. In one small twelve-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, use of maca at 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg increased male libido. While this was an interesting finding, the study did not report benefits in male sexual function, just in desire. Since the loss of sexual function (for example, impotence) is a more common problem in men than the loss of sexual desire, these results do not justify the widespread claim that maca has been shown to act like a kind of herbal Viagra.
Another small study found that four months of maca use increased sperm count and sperm function. This study failed to use a control group, so its results are essentially meaningless. There have been limited human trials on maca for female fertility or female sexual function. One study found that maca improved sexual function in women on antidepressants, and another found that maca increased sexual function in post-menopausal women. However, contrary to widespread reports, maca does not appear to increase testosterone levels or affect male hormones.
Other animal studies hint that maca might offer benefits for prostate enlargement, stress, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, this evidence is too weak to justify any claims regarding maca and these conditions. One human trial evaluated a combination of maca and cat’s claw for osteoarthritis, but because it failed to include a placebo group, its results mean little.
Maca has several other proposed uses. It may help manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Maca has also been suggested as a natural energy booster and mood stabilizer. It has also been proposed to reduce anxiety. In the twenty-first century, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have begun to confirm some of these claims.
Safety Issues
In human clinical trials, maca use has not led to any serious adverse effects. However, this herb has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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Concerto, Carmen, et al. "A Systematic Review on the Effect of Nutraceuticals on Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions: From Basic Principles to Clinical Applications." Current Issues in Molecular Biology, vol. 44, no. 8, 2022, pp. 3335-3350, doi.org/10.3390/cimb44080230. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Fei, Wenting, et al. "The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Maca on Energy Metabolism and Immunoregulation." European Journal of Natural Research, vol. 25, no. 24, 29 June 2020.
Gonzales, G. F., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Root with Aphrodisiac and Fertility-Enhancing Properties, on Serum Reproductive Hormone Levels in Adult Healthy Men." Journal of Endocrinology 176 (2003): 163-168, doi.org/10.1186/s40001-020-00420-7. Accessed 19 Dec. 2022.
Gonzales, Gustavo F., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Improved Semen Parameters in Adult Men." Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 3, no. 4, 2001, pp. 301-03.
Gonzales, Gustavo F., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on Sexual Desire and Its Absent Relationship with Serum Testosterone Levelsin Adult Healthy Men." Andrologia, vol. 34, no. 6, 2002, pp. 367-72, doi:10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Lopez-Fando, A., et al. "Lepidium peruvianum chacon Restores Homeostasis Impaired by Restraint Stress." Phytotherapy Research, vol. 18, 2004, pp. 471-474.
Mehta, K., et al. "Comparison of Glucosamine Sulfate and a Polyherbal Supplement for the Relief of Osteoarthritis of the Knee." BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 7, 2007, p. 34.
Olsen, Natalie, and Aaron Kandola. "10 Health Benefits of Maca Root." Medical News Today, 22 Dec. 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.