Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageInteractionsFood Sources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Interactions
Food Sources
Maca(Lepidium meyenii)is the root of a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru. Maca root is also known as “Peruvian ginseng,” even though it doesn’t belong to the same botanical family asginseng.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Supplement Facts
Benefits of Maca Root
Research on the potential health benefits is limited. While maca root has been studied in lab and animal studies for certain health conditions, there isNOTenough evidence to 100% support its use for any of these conditions due to a lack of human clinical research and small sample sizes. More research is needed.
Here is a look at findings from available human research.
Erectile Dysfunction
Maca root supplementation has been reported to improve sexual function. However, evidence is limited and reports are mostly subjective.
After 12 weeks, both groups had reduced ED. However, the group given the maca showed a higher increase in erectile function than the placebo group. Still, the effects were minor overall.
In another report, researchers analyzed four previous clinical trials. Some of the studies found that maca had positive effects on improving sexual function in men and women. However, the number of trials, the number of participants, and the quality of the studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions.
Overall, evidence of maca root’s ability to boost sexual function is sparse. There is also not enough data to determine the appropriate dosage needed.
Low Libido
Maca root supplementation has been reported to improve lowlibido(low sexual desire). However, evidence is weak and reports are mostly subjective.
Maca root has been studied for its use in alleviating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Certain antidepressants cause side effects like low libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty reaching orgasm.
A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 45 women who took either maca root (3 grams per day) or a placebo while also taking antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
At the end of the 12-week study, those taking maca had lower rates ofsexual dysfunction(ongoing difficulty engaging in sexual activities). Researchers encouraged more extensive studies and fewer self-reported results.
It is important to remember that these findings were subjective and based on individual experiences. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential ways to mitigate these antidepressant-related side effects.
Can Supplements Help Balance Your Hormones?
Fertility
Several studies have measured the effects of maca on male fertility.
In a 12-week study, men treated with 2 grams of maca daily showed a significant improvement in semen concentration compared with men treated with a placebo. However, there were no significant differences in semen volume, sperm mobility, or sperm morphology (size and shape) between the two groups.
Another 12-week study evaluated the effects of maca on semen quality and hormone levels in 20 men given 1.75 grams of maca daily or a placebo. After 12 weeks sperm concentration and motility (how well sperm move) improved slightly in the maca group, but there were no changes in hormone levels.
Overall, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned about semen quality and fertility.
Energy Level
Limited evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy levels.
In a 2022 study, 60 participants were given maca extract or a placebo for four weeks. Both groups showed reduced measures of fatigue. However, people younger than 45 years showed significantly lower fatigue measures in the maca group. The study authors concluded maca extract may have anti-fatigue effects in young adult women.
Another study measured the effects of taking 3 grams of red or black maca or placebo daily in people living at low and high altitudes. Researchers reported that after 12 weeks energy scores improved the most in those taking red maca and that both red and black maca were well tolerated and showed no serious adverse effects.
That being said, these studies are small and there’s not enough evidence to draw firm conclusions on the effect of maca on energy levels.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural process when menstrual periods stop. During this phase, many people experience symptoms such as hot flashes, lower energy, sleep disruptions, and emotional symptoms.
Side Effects of Maca Root
Consuming a supplement like maca root may have potential side effects. These side effects may be mild or severe. Little is known about the safety and risks of short-term or long-term use of maca.
Side effects of maca root are generally uncommon and mild and may include gastrointestinal symptoms or headaches.
There have been subjective (based on personal feelings) reports of altered menstrual cycles, moodiness, cramps, gastritis, and insomnia.
Maca’s effect on hormone levels is poorly understood. For instance, some studies have found no effect on sex hormones, while animal studies have reported higher levels ofluteinizinghormone, progesterone, and testosterone.
As with many other supplements, maca hasn’t been tested for safety in children or people who are pregnant or lactating. Due to this lack of information, it should not be used in these groups.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking maca root if you are pregnant or are on any hormone treatments.
How to Take Maca Root Supplements
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
As a supplement, maca root is available in different preparations, such as tablets, capsules, liquid, and powder.There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of maca in any form.
There is insufficient evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of maca root.
Studies investigating maca root have used varying amounts. However, research participants are generally under medical supervision. More research is needed on an appropriate dosage for specific health needs and populations.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the most appropriate dosage for you.
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking maca root, especially if you have scheduled tests or are taking hormone replacement therapy.
There is one case report where maca interfered with a testosterone immunoassay (a way of measuring testosterone levels). It may be important to discontinue taking maca root for a period of time before your test to ensure your results are accurate.
Food Sources of Maca Root
Maca is sold in several different forms, including as a powder, a gelatin, and a tincture. It can be found in health food stores. It is also sometimes added to foods. Its nutty, earthy flavor pairs well with cinnamon.
Before consuming maca, Peruvians naturally dry it and then boil it in water so that it becomes a soft product. It is often consumed as a juice or prepared as a vegetable dish.
The ground root powder can also be used as an ingredient in coffee, chocolate, or oils or added to smoothies, juices, or shakes.
Summary
Maca root is a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru. It can be prepared as a food additive or taken in supplement form through tablets, capsules, or powder. Reports have suggested that maca root improves sexual function, libido, and sperm quality. However, the evidence is limited and largely subjective. More large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these health claims.
Little is known about the short- and long-term side effects of taking maca root. If you are concerned about sexual function, libido, or fertility, talk to your healthcare provider before trying maca to understand your options for addressing these issues.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Maca.Esparza E, Hadzich A, Kofer W, et al.Bioactive maca (Lepidium meyenii) alkamides are a result of traditional Andean postharvest drying practices.Phytochemistry.2015;116:138-148. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.030Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E.Subjective effects ofLepidium meyenii(Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.Andrologia.2009;41(2):95-99. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.xShin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E.Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44Beharry S, Heinrich M.Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) justified?J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;211:126-170. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al.A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036Alcalde AM, Rabasa J.Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?Andrologia. 2020 Nov;52(10):e13755. doi: 10.1111/and.13755Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L.Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369Honma A, Fujiwara Y, Takei S, et al.The improvement of daily fatigue in women following the intake of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract containing benzyl glucosinolate. FFHD. 2022;12(4):175. doi: 10.31989/ffhd.v12i4.912Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al.Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016 Aug 18;9(3):49. doi: 10.3390/ph9030049Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G.Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Dec;24:2515690X19829380. doi: 10.1177/2515690X19829380LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Updated 2019.Maca.Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al.Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba.Biomed Res Int.2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S.Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice.J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-1146. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145Srikugan L, Sankaralingam A, McGowan B.First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). BMJ Case Rep.2011;2011:bcr0120113781. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3781Gonzales GF.Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian highlands.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. doi:10.1155/2012/193496Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al.Peruvian maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) phytochemical and genetic differences in three maca phenotypes.Int J Biomed Sci. 2015;11(3):131-145
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Maca.Esparza E, Hadzich A, Kofer W, et al.Bioactive maca (Lepidium meyenii) alkamides are a result of traditional Andean postharvest drying practices.Phytochemistry.2015;116:138-148. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.030Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E.Subjective effects ofLepidium meyenii(Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.Andrologia.2009;41(2):95-99. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.xShin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E.Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44Beharry S, Heinrich M.Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) justified?J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;211:126-170. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al.A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036Alcalde AM, Rabasa J.Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?Andrologia. 2020 Nov;52(10):e13755. doi: 10.1111/and.13755Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L.Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369Honma A, Fujiwara Y, Takei S, et al.The improvement of daily fatigue in women following the intake of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract containing benzyl glucosinolate. FFHD. 2022;12(4):175. doi: 10.31989/ffhd.v12i4.912Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al.Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016 Aug 18;9(3):49. doi: 10.3390/ph9030049Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G.Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Dec;24:2515690X19829380. doi: 10.1177/2515690X19829380LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Updated 2019.Maca.Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al.Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba.Biomed Res Int.2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S.Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice.J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-1146. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145Srikugan L, Sankaralingam A, McGowan B.First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). BMJ Case Rep.2011;2011:bcr0120113781. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3781Gonzales GF.Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian highlands.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. doi:10.1155/2012/193496Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al.Peruvian maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) phytochemical and genetic differences in three maca phenotypes.Int J Biomed Sci. 2015;11(3):131-145
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Maca.Esparza E, Hadzich A, Kofer W, et al.Bioactive maca (Lepidium meyenii) alkamides are a result of traditional Andean postharvest drying practices.Phytochemistry.2015;116:138-148. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.030Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E.Subjective effects ofLepidium meyenii(Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.Andrologia.2009;41(2):95-99. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.xShin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E.Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44Beharry S, Heinrich M.Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) justified?J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;211:126-170. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al.A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036Alcalde AM, Rabasa J.Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?Andrologia. 2020 Nov;52(10):e13755. doi: 10.1111/and.13755Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L.Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369Honma A, Fujiwara Y, Takei S, et al.The improvement of daily fatigue in women following the intake of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract containing benzyl glucosinolate. FFHD. 2022;12(4):175. doi: 10.31989/ffhd.v12i4.912Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al.Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016 Aug 18;9(3):49. doi: 10.3390/ph9030049Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G.Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Dec;24:2515690X19829380. doi: 10.1177/2515690X19829380LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Updated 2019.Maca.Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al.Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba.Biomed Res Int.2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S.Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice.J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-1146. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145Srikugan L, Sankaralingam A, McGowan B.First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). BMJ Case Rep.2011;2011:bcr0120113781. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3781Gonzales GF.Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian highlands.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. doi:10.1155/2012/193496Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al.Peruvian maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) phytochemical and genetic differences in three maca phenotypes.Int J Biomed Sci. 2015;11(3):131-145
MedlinePlus.Maca.
Esparza E, Hadzich A, Kofer W, et al.Bioactive maca (Lepidium meyenii) alkamides are a result of traditional Andean postharvest drying practices.Phytochemistry.2015;116:138-148. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.030
Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E.Subjective effects ofLepidium meyenii(Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.Andrologia.2009;41(2):95-99. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x
Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E.Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44
Beharry S, Heinrich M.Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyeniiWalp.) justified?J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;211:126-170. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003
Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al.A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036
Alcalde AM, Rabasa J.Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?Andrologia. 2020 Nov;52(10):e13755. doi: 10.1111/and.13755
Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L.Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369
Honma A, Fujiwara Y, Takei S, et al.The improvement of daily fatigue in women following the intake of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract containing benzyl glucosinolate. FFHD. 2022;12(4):175. doi: 10.31989/ffhd.v12i4.912
Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al.Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016 Aug 18;9(3):49. doi: 10.3390/ph9030049
Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G.Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Dec;24:2515690X19829380. doi: 10.1177/2515690X19829380
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Updated 2019.Maca.
Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al.Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba.Biomed Res Int.2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798
Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S.Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice.J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-1146. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145
Srikugan L, Sankaralingam A, McGowan B.First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). BMJ Case Rep.2011;2011:bcr0120113781. doi:10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3781
Gonzales GF.Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian highlands.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. doi:10.1155/2012/193496
Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al.Peruvian maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) phytochemical and genetic differences in three maca phenotypes.Int J Biomed Sci. 2015;11(3):131-145
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