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Maca

Uses

Botanical names:
Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum

Parts Used & Where Grown

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable in the mustard family, related to radishes and turnips. Used as food and medicine in the Andes Mountains of Peru, it is not known to occur naturally anywhere else in the world. The four major cultivars of maca are red, black, cream, and purple; none has been definitely proven to be medicinally superior to any other.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Low Libido
1,500 mg or 3,000 mg per day for 8 weeks
In a double-blind study, treatment with maca increased sexual desire in young and middle-aged men. 
In a double-blind study, treatment with maca in the amount of 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg per day for 8 weeks increased sexual desire in young and middle-aged men. The mechanism of action of maca was not clear; it did not appear to be due to an increase in testosterone levels or to an improvement in mood.
2 Stars
Male Infertility
1,500 to 3,000 mg daily
A small clinical trial found that healthy men who took dried maca powder had increased sperm counts and enhanced sperm motility.

A small clinical trial found that healthy men who took dried powder had increased sperm counts and enhanced sperm motility.

2 Stars
Menopause
2.5 to 3 grams per day for 6 to 12 weeks
Traditionally used for balancing female hormones, maca appears to be beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been used traditionally for balancing female hormones. A review of randomized controlled trials concluded that maca appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The amount used in these studies was 2.5 to 3 grams per day for 6 to 12 weeks.
1 Star
Stress
Refer to label instructions
Studies have shown that maca can reduce the negative effects of stress.

The herbs discussed here are considered members of a controversial category known as adaptogens, which are thought to increase the body's resistance to stress, and to generally enhance physical and mental functioning. Many animal studies have shown that various herbal adaptogens have protective effects against physically stressful experiences, but whether these findings are relevant to human stress experiences is debatable.

Animal studies have shown that can reduce the negative effects of stress; however, whether maca is effective in humans is unknown.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Maca root has been an important food for the native people in the Andes of Peru, including the Incas, for at least 2,000 years.1 It is eaten baked, dried, mixed with milk, or in a variety of other forms and dishes. It is also traditionally believed to enhance strength, endurance, libido, and fertility.2

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