Research
Maca Root
31 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Effects of Maca (Walp.) on Physical Performance in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of maca (LmW) supplementation on physical performance in animals and humans. The analysis included 21 studies in the systematic review and 16 in the meta-analysis, showing a large effect size for various physical performance outcomes, with a greater effect at higher doses.
Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT evaluating the effects of Lepidium meyenii (yellow maca) on semen quality and serum hormone levels in 50 infertile patients over 16 weeks. Maca improved sperm concentration by 40%, but results were statistically non-significant. No significant change in hormone levels except a decrease in free testosterone.
Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?
This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial assessed the effect of maca on seminal parameters in 69 infertile adult men with mild asthenozoospermia and/or mild oligozoospermia. Patients treated with 2 g of maca for 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in sperm concentration compared to placebo, but no significant differences in semen volume, sperm motility, or morphology.
The use of maca (Lepidium meyenii) to improve semen quality: A systematic review.
Systematic review assessing the effectiveness of maca (Lepidium meyenii) in improving semen quality. Five studies, including 3 RCTs and 2 UOSs, suggested favorable effects of maca on semen quality parameters in both infertile and healthy men. However, the limited number of trials and potential bias prevent firm conclusions.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review.
Systematic review assessing the effectiveness of maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treating menopausal symptoms. Four RCTs showed favorable effects of maca on menopausal symptoms using the Kupperman Menopausal Index and the Greene Climacteric Score, but the evidence is limited due to the small number of trials and sample sizes.
Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.
Systematic review of RCTs assessing maca for sexual dysfunction. Two RCTs showed positive effects on sexual function in menopausal women and adult men, while another showed no effect in cyclists. A further RCT showed significant effects in patients with erectile dysfunction. Limited evidence suggests maca may improve sexual function, but more rigorous studies are needed.
Enhancement of Interferon-γ Secretion byExtract Supplementation After Exhaustive Endurance Exercise in Healthy Men: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of 12-week maca supplementation on immune responses after exhaustive endurance exercise in 20 healthy men. The maca group showed significantly higher interferon-γ levels from peripheral blood mononuclear cells immediately and 24 hours after exercise compared to the placebo group, indicating positive effects on immune modulation.
The Impact of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) Supplementation on Basketball-related Performance and Antifatigue Ability: A Double-blind Crossover Study.
A double-blind crossover study evaluated the effects of 2000 mg/day MACA supplementation on basketball-specific performance in 10 well-trained male college basketball players. The study found no significant differences between MACA and placebo in jump height, shooting accuracy, sprint performance, fatigue index, or blood lactate clearance rate.
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
RCT of 175 adults comparing 3g daily of black or red maca extract to placebo over 12 weeks. Both maca extracts improved mood, energy, and health-related quality of life, with red maca showing better effects on mood and energy. Black maca reduced blood glucose levels and hemoglobin in highlanders with high hemoglobin levels. Both extracts were well tolerated and safe.
Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well‐being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double‐blind clinical trial
Double-blind clinical trial on 50 Caucasian men with mild erectile dysfunction, comparing 2400 mg Maca dry extract to placebo over 12 weeks. Maca group showed a more significant increase in IIEF-5 score and improvements in physical and social performance-related SAT-P scores compared to placebo.
Comparison of glucosamine sulfate and a polyherbal supplement for the relief of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN25438351].
RCT comparing glucosamine sulfate and reparagen, a polyherbal supplement, in 95 subjects with osteoarthritis. Both treatments showed significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and function, with reparagen requiring less rescue medication. Safety profiles were excellent.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in combination with silymarin as food supplements: in vivo safety assessment.
Randomized placebo-controlled 90-day study evaluating the effects of yacon and maca in combination with silymarin on plasma and lipoprotein lipids, serum glucose, and safety parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome. No adverse effects were found with silymarin, silymarin+yacon, and silymarin+maca. A moderate AST level and diastolic blood pressure increase was found with maca alone.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men.
This 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial tested the effect of Maca on serum reproductive hormone levels in healthy men. The study found that Maca had no effect on serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and 17-beta estradiol compared to placebo.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.
This 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial compared different doses of Maca Gelatinizada with placebo in men aged 21-56 years. The study found that Maca improved sexual desire independently of mood or serum testosterone levels, with effects observed at 8 and 12 weeks.
Network Pharmacology Exploration Reveals Gut Microbiota Modulation as a Common Therapeutic Mechanism for Anti-Fatigue Effect Treated with Maca Compounds Prescription
The study explores the anti-fatigue effects of Maca compounds prescription (MCP) using network pharmacology and gut microbiota analysis. MCP was found to beneficially regulate gut microbiota in mice, suggesting its anti-fatigue mechanism is linked to its prebiotic effects on intestinal bacteria.
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women
A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of maca root (3.0 g/day) in 45 female outpatients with SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The study found higher remission rates for sexual dysfunction in the maca group compared to placebo, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 29 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women evaluated the effects of 3.3 g/day of Maca over 12 weeks. Maca significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure and symptoms of depression, though it did not affect hormonal or immune markers.
A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study comparing low-dose (1.5 g/day) to high-dose (3.0 g/day) maca in 20 remitted depressed outpatients with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Significant improvements in sexual dysfunction scores were observed in the high-dose group, suggesting maca may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and improve libido.
Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content.
RCT with 14 postmenopausal women examining the effects of 3.5 g/day Maca on hormonal profile and menopausal symptoms. Maca significantly reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and improved sexual dysfunction, independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
Use of Maca Powder (Lepidium meyenii) as Feed Additive in Diets of Laying Quails at Different Ages: Its Effect on Performance, Eggshell Quality, Serum, Ileum, and Bone Properties
The study investigated the effects of adding Maca powder to the diets of young and old laying quails. Adding 1 g/kg Maca powder improved eggshell, ileum, and bone traits without affecting performance, while 2 g/kg reduced serum cholesterol levels. Maca powder could mitigate aging effects in quails.
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Roots: UPLC-HRMS, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics
The study investigated the antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) roots using various in vitro assays. The methanolic extract showed the best renin and ACE inhibitory activities and the highest antioxidant activity. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations identified compounds with high affinity for ACE and renin, suggesting Maca roots as a promising antihypertensive candidate.
N-Benzyl-linoleamide, a Constituent of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Is an Orally Bioavailable Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor That Alleviates Inflammatory Pain.
The study investigates N-benzyl-linoleamide, a macamide from Lepidium meyenii (maca), as a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor. It shows that this compound, when orally administered to rats, reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory pain, suggesting a mechanism for maca's beneficial effects.
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of methanol extract from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) leaves and roots
The study investigates the antioxidant properties and chemical compositions of methanol extracts from maca leaves and roots. It aims to promote maca's food and pharmaceutical applications by characterizing its bioactive compounds using modern techniques.
Phytochemical Evaluation of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica, and Their Potential Effect on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Adult Wistar Rats
The study evaluated the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica, and their effects on MSG-induced male reproductive dysfunction in Wistar rats. Lepidium meyenii improved sperm motility and hormone levels, suggesting potential benefits for reproductive health.
Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca
This narrative review explores the chemical and pharmacological variability of Maca (Lepidium meyenii), focusing on its bioactive metabolites and pharmacological properties. Maca is generally safe and has shown potential benefits in neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, immunoregulation, antioxidant effects, fertility enhancement, fatigue reduction, and more. Clinical studies indicate improved sexual health and physical performance, as well as alleviation of menopausal symptoms.
The benefits of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract administration for male rabbits affected by environmental heat stress.
The study explored the protective role of Maca extract in alleviating heat stress effects on rabbits. Maca administration improved growth performance, feed intake, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, and semen quality. The MAC4 group showed significant improvements in sperm motility, survival, and libido, with reduced abnormal sperm compared to controls.
A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca)
This narrative review summarizes the active components and pharmacological value of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), including alkaloids, glucosinolates, polysaccharides, and sterols. It discusses the analytical progress using mass spectrometry and the pharmacological effects such as improvement of reproductive function, anti-stress response, anti-osteoporosis, and antitumor activity.
Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review.
This review documents the composition of Peruvian maca and recent findings on its medicinal effects, including regulation of sexual dysfunction, neuroprotective effects, memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and skin protection.
Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii).
This review details the chemical composition of maca, including major and minor constituents, and summarizes its diverse health effects such as enhanced reproductive health, antifatigue, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and improving skin and digestive health. It notes a lack of clinical studies to support these claimed effects.
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) in male reproduction
Narrative review summarizing the properties of Maca on male reproduction, focusing on its effects on semen quality and quantity, sexual behavior, and male genital tract disorders. The review highlights the need for further research to clarify Maca's mechanisms of action.
Hypospermia Improvement in Dogs Fed on a Nutraceutical Diet
Clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical diet enriched with Lepidium meyenii, Tribulus terrestris, L-carnitine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and folic acid in 28 male dogs with infertility associated with hypospermia. The diet significantly increased motility percentage, semen volume and concentration, and total number of sperms per ejaculation without adverse effects.