Plant species name: Lepidium meyenii - Peruvian Maca

Other names: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian ginseng

Peruvian Maca is a herbaceous plant that grows in the highlands of Bolivia and Peru, at an altitude of 3,500-4,500 meters above sea level. The people of the central Andes region have been cultivating this plant for over 2,000 years and use it both as food and medicine. According to legend, the warriors of the Inca Empire literally ate maca roots before battles. Since the 1990s of the 20th century, interest in maca root products has grown rapidly. In the last two decades, their export from Peru has increased significantly, becoming one of the leading products in terms of export indicators. Dried maca roots are believed to have a tonic effect - they increase physical and mental performance, enhance libido. In addition, they can improve overall health, as they contain a significant amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Traditional use

• as a tonic for increasing resistance to physical and mental stress;
• to increase sexual activity and stimulate sexual function in men;
• to increase the duration or improve the quality of sleep (vivid dreams);
• to improve concentration;
• to reduce  blood pressure;
• to strengthen bone tissue;
• to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Detailed information

Peruvian Maca is one of the most famous adaptogens. The root of the plant is used as a tonic and restorative that increases physical and mental powers. It is believed that Maca improves concentration and learning ability, has a positive effect on sexual activity and even protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. For these properties, the maca root has acquired the name - Peruvian ginseng. In addition, Maca is used to increase the nutritional value of food as it contains a significant amount of nutrients.

Nutrients of Peruvian Maca

Maca is included in many supplements for athletes and people watching their weight as it is rich in various amino acids and essential nutrients. Maca contains a significant amount of protein with a biologically valuable amino acid profile (19 amino acids) 8 essential and very useful. The ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are well balanced from a nutritional point of view it has vitamin A, С, Е and group В, vitamins, a large amount of iron, calcium and magnesium, as well as selenium, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, silicon and copper. This variety of substances allows you to take maca for almost any occasion, it improves your appearance and has a positive effect on your general state of health. Due to the presence of easily digestible calcium, magnesium and silicon, maca is often recommended for strengthening bone tissue.

A recent study aimed to assess the health status of a population in the Peruvian central Andes (Carhuamayo, 4100 m) that traditionally consumes maca. The researchers compared the results with the health scores of residents of the same site who do not consume maca. Sociodemographic aspects, health status, and fracture rates were examined in men and women aged 35-75 years. Liver, kidney function and hemoglobin were also assessed. Maca consumers scored significantly higher on the general health score and were free of chronic mountain sickness symptoms on all other parameters. In addition, maca consumption is associated with a lower body mass index and lower systolic blood pressure. The graph shows the health scores of men and women living in Carhuamayo, Junin (region), at 4100 m in the Peruvian Andes. Upper line: maca-consuming population. Lower line: non-maca-consuming population. 1, 2

Maca Root as an Aphrodisiac

Over the past 20 years, interest in plants traditionally used to enhance sexual performance and fertility has grown rapidly. Most recent studies confirm that maca can have a positive effect on libido and sexual performance. 3, 4 In addition, the plant can reduce stress levels and reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause in women. 5 At the same time, the mechanism of action of the root of Peruvian maca is not fully understood. It is assumed that recently discovered compounds called macaridine, macamides and macaene, which are found only in this plant, are responsible for enhancing libido. Some studies have shown an increase in seminal fluid volume, sperm count and sperm motility in healthy men. At the same time, serum hormone levels (lutrophin, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone) were not affected. Thus, the plant does not exhibit any hormonal effects on the body.

Research Results

A recent study aimed to determine whether maca is effective as a sports supplement to increase strength and endurance in athletes, and as a natural stimulant to enhance sexual desire. The results showed significant improvements in the athletes’ subjective self-esteem and libido, and the athletes also performed better in the race than before they started taking maca. 6 In subsequent studies, the researchers concluded that maca root can improve sexual dysfunction and have a beneficial effect on libido depending on the dose. 7, 8 They also noted that maca was well tolerated. These findings support the significant effects of maca on subjective perceptions of general and sexual well-being

Directions for use and dosage

Maca root is used in the form of capsules, 2-3 capsules or traditionally in the form of dry powder dissolved in a small amount of water or milk, 0.5-1 teaspoon once or twice a day, before meals or an hour after meals, sometimes ginger, lemon, cinnamon, mint or honey can be added to taste. It should be taken in the evening to normalize your sleep. It is recommended to take courses of 20-30 days with breaks of 30-60 days. The plant is not toxic and no side effects have been observed when taking it. In some cases, the amount can be gradually increased up to 3-6 capsules of 2 teaspoons twice a day.

Contraindications

Individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation. It is believed that maca does not show any side effects during intake.In case of an upcoming surgery, it is recommended to stop taking any herbal medicines two weeks in advance

Phytochemical composition

Maca contains about 13-16% protein. Free fatty acids - linoleic, palmitic and oleic. Saturated fatty acids - 40.1%, unsaturated fatty acids - 52.7%. Amino acids - leucine (91.0 mg), arginine (99.4 mg), phenylalanine (55.3 mg), lysine (54.3 mg), glycine (68.30 mg), alanine (63.1 mg), valine (79.3 mg), isoleucine (47.4 mg), glutamic acid (156.5 mg), serine (50.4 mg) and aspartic acid (91.7 mg). Other amino acids are present in smaller proportions - histidine (21.9 mg), threonine (33.1 mg), tyrosine (30.6 mg), methionine (28.0 mg), hydroxyproline (26 mg), proline (0.5 mg) and sarcosine (0.70 mg). Minerals - iron (16.6 mg per 100 g dry matter), calcium (150 mg per 100 g dry matter), copper (5.9 mg per 100 g dry matter), zinc (3.8 mg / 100 g dry matter), and potassium (2050 mg / 100 g dry matter), iodine and others.

Maca contains several secondary metabolites. They are macaridine, macaene, macamides, and alkaloids that are found only in this plant, as well as phytosterols - beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol..

Sources of information, research and references

Please note that some studies are based on preclinical testing in biological models (in vitro). In studies involving model organisms, including humans, only isolated forms of active substances are used. Finally, some of the studies show conflicting data. Thus, extrapolation of the results to a human biological model is possible only in general terms, and sometimes is not possible at all. This information should not be used to evaluate health conditions and the products sold here are not drugs and are not intended to treat or prevent any disease.