Maca as a naturopathic remedy has been advocated as one of the top ingredients for sexual health for both men and women. It is regarded as natural ‘Viagra’. It also has many other medicinal values. Its research has been centered on sexual and reproductive health in recent times. Beharry and Heinrich (2018) link its original root to the Peruvian for many years as a root vegetable. In this article, I examined the scientific perspectives of this ingredient on our health.
Peres et al. (2020) found that the Andean people have grown maca for over 2,000 years. Additionally, they found that maca is part of small eatable ingredients that can withstand the bad weather conditions above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in the Peruvian Andes.
Beharry and Heinrich (2018) explained that maca is traditionally a food by the Andean people and is normally eaten as a fermented drink or porridge. It is also used as a naturopathic remedy to treat diverse health conditions, such as respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease. In recent times, the demand for maca has surged due to the claims of promoting libido.
The demand for maca products has grown in recent years, likely because of claims that the plant can promote libido and fertility. Beharry and Heinrich (2018), also note that due to the high demand, there is huge commercialization of this product including in Yunnan province in China. The root which is the part frequently used contains fiber, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Peres et al. (2020) also found other bioactive compounds, such as macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, giving maca its medicinal aids. Today, maca is consumed primarily in powder or capsule form.
Libido, stamina, mood enhancement & Male Fertility
Maca root
Some evidence suggests that taking concentrated maca supplements may benefit those with low libido or low sexual desire. One clinical trial by Gonzales et al.(2002) which used a concentrated maca supplement found that taking maca for eight weeks increased sexual desire in men. The study involved men aged 21-56 years who received Maca in one of two doses: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg or placebo.
A similar article by Gonzales et al. (2001) also found sperm quality and motility to improve after the men used maca which support their infertility.
A recent study by Alcalde and Rabasa (2020) examined the effects of maca in 69 men diagnosed with mildly low sperm count or reduced sperm motility. Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to swim properly. The study used 2,000mg of maca per day for 12 weeks and found that maca significantly improved semen concentration juxtaposed with a placebo treatment. Also, no significant difference was found in sperm motility between the treatment and placebo groups.
Shin et al. (2010) systematic review used four randomized controlled studies with a total of 131 participants and noted that maca improved sexual desire after 6 weeks.
A Clinical trial by Stojanovska et al. (2015) conducted in 29 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women using 3, 300mg of Maca daily for 6 weeks found that maca increases energy and stamina. This can also improve one energy levels, mood, and symptoms of depression and lower blood pressure. Another study by Gonzales-Arimborgo et al. (2016) in 175 people living at either low or high altitudes found that supplementing with 3,000mg of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks improved mood and energy scores compared with a placebo.
How maca does this is unclear but hearsay evidence (Munoz, 2018) attests that it averts spikes and crashes in blood sugar and maintains adrenal health, which regulates mood and energy throughout the day. Keeping energy levels up may also help prevent weight gain as well. In improving one’s mood, there are studies affirming maca superiority. For instance, two animal studies by Rubio et al. (2011) found black maca can increase memory impairment in mice, due to its high antioxidant content.
Libido, Estrogen & Female Fertility
Interestingly, there have been extensive studies on maca and female sexual and reproductive health. For instance, one study by Dording et al.(2015) used 45 female post-menopausal women between the age of 41.5years experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. The maca dosage used in this study was 3,000 mg daily for 12 weeks and found that the women’s sexual function and libido were improved juxtaposed to placebo.
Another similar study by Dording et al. (2008) used twenty women in their late thirties for this randomized double-blind study and found that maca improves sexual function. Another similar study by Brooks et al. (2008) used Fourteen postmenopausal women in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. They received 3, 500mg daily of powered Maca for 6 weeks and a matching placebo for 6 weeks, in either order, over a total of 12 weeks. In this study, maca was able to reduce menopause-associated depression and anxiety after six weeks of treatment.
A previous study by Meissner et al. (2006) also used 34 Caucasian women in a double-blind, randomized, four months outpatient study using 2,00 mg daily per month. The study found female sex hormones balance and also improve symptoms of menopause.
For women’s health, balancing hormone levels is crucial to many aspects of reproductive health and can help reduce symptoms like infertility, weight gain, and bloating. Maca root can help balance hormone levels and control the amount of estrogen in the body as well as decrease symptoms related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as excess hair growth, weight gain, and acne. For instance, a recent case report by Ross, K (2021) found that maca alleviates menopausal symptoms. Another by Johnson and Roberts (2019) recommends an integrative approach to dealing with menopausal symptoms.
Antioxidant-Rich food
Studies found that Maca root is a natural antioxidant, which supports antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the body. Antioxidants fight harmful free radicals, fighting off chronic disease and preventing damage to cells. For instance, one test-tube study by Zha et al.(2014) found that polysaccharides taken from maca contained high antioxidant activity and were effective in fighting free radical damage.
Additionally, an animal study in the Czech Republic conducted by Vecera et al. (2007) found that giving a concentrated dose of maca to rats not only improved their antioxidant status but also significantly decreased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and reduced blood sugar, helping prevent the development of chronic disease.
This notwithstanding, Rodríguez-Huamán et al. (2017) test-tube study found that the antioxidant content of maca leaf extract could even protect against neurological damage. Researchers are still in search of how maca antioxidants support humans.
However, one study by Pham-Huy et al(2008) found that increasing antioxidant content fights conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by preventing oxidative stress and cell damage.
Maca, other research on health benefits
- cognitive function. Rodent studies Guo et al. (2016) have found maca to support cognitive function and motor coordination and this slow age-related cognitive decline.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One recent animal study by Vásquez-Velásquez et al. (2020) found that maca is likely to decrease inflammatory proteins and inhibit BPH or enlargement of the prostate.
- Dermatological health. Two studies (Gonzales-Castañeda et al.2011; Nunez et al. 2017) found maca to act as a catalyst to heal the wound and protect against UV damage when the animals were exposed to the skin.
Maca v Ginseng
They have similar health benefits, such as enhanced memory, increased energy levels, reduced menopause symptoms, and lower blood sugar. Ginseng and maca both contain antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory powers as well.
However, some distinct differences set these two root vegetables apart. First of all, there is a greater amount of research on ginseng, and it has been associated with a wider range of unique health benefits. My next article will center on Ginseng so stay tuned!
Safety and side effects
Studies show that maca is generally safe and that its use is not associated with adverse side effects. A human study by Gonzales-Arimborgo et al. (2016) in 175 years found that taking 3,000mg of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks was well tolerated and not associated with serious adverse effects.
Gonzales, G (2012) also found that using Traditional methods such as boiling and then eating, or drinking does not pose any side effects. However, studies are yet to evaluate the safety effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Maca, usage
Maca is in many forms, including capsules and powders. Studies have found the dosage of maca which is 1,500mg to 3,500mg daily. You can get maca in pharmacies, supermarkets, health shops, network marketing dealers, etc. For higher quality maca, I have found some good products on the Ghanaian markets. Let me state that I have no link with these companies or have any financial obligations with them. I can recommend them to you.
Take Home
Though researchers held the view more studies are needed on maca, there is evidence attesting to the fact taking maca supplements supports sexual health and fertility. It also decreases menopause symptoms and improves mood in some people.
ND: Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
>>>The author is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare and President of Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 0553661585(My PA)
