Maca Root
A cruciferous root vegetable (Lepidium meyenii) grown at high altitude in the Peruvian Andes, used for over 2,000 years for energy, stamina, and libido. Maca does not directly modulate hormones — instead it acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary to normalize endocrine function. It improves energy and mood without stimulation, making it a true adaptogen. Different colors (red, black, yellow) have different properties.
Dosage
Standard: 1500-3000 mg daily of extract (or 5-10 grams of raw powder). Red maca: best for prostate health and bone density. Black maca: best for cognition, endurance, and sperm quality. Yellow maca: most common, general adaptogen. Gelatinized maca is easier to digest. Take in the morning. Effects build over 2-6 weeks.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder). Gelatinized for better digestion. Take in the morning.
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Mechanism of Action
Macamides (N-benzyl fatty acid amides like macamide N-benzylhexadecanamide) and macaenes are unique compounds that inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), increasing anandamide levels and modulating the endocannabinoid system — providing mood and stress resilience without CB1/CB2 direct activation. Maca improves endocrine signaling through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes, normalizing CRH, ACTH, and gonadotropin release without directly altering hormone levels. Glucosinolates (glucotropaeolin) support antioxidant defense via Nrf2. The cognitive effects of black maca are attributed to improved cerebral blood flow (possibly via eNOS), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition increasing acetylcholine, and reduced oxidative stress. The energy effects may involve improved mitochondrial function (Complex I), glucose metabolism (GLUT4, hexokinase), and dopaminergic tone.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement and food. Available OTC worldwide. Traditional Peruvian food staple.
Risks & Safety
Common
GI discomfort with raw powder (gelatinized form is gentler), insomnia if taken late.
Serious
May be contraindicated with hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical, no direct hormonal activity proven).
Rare
Headache, mood changes. Goitrogen concerns at very high doses.
Compare Maca Root With
Research Papers
10Published: February 9, 2024
AI Summary
The search strategy for two ingredients did not yield any eligible studies, leaving studies for 16 ingredients that were extracted and summarized by reported significantly improved outcomes for cognition, mood and perceived feelings, and sleep assessments.
Published: February 8, 2022
AI Summary
Standardized maca root powdered extract showed significant cytotoxic activity in both MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells, and the IC50s were 2000 μg/ml and 3000 μg/ml, respectively. MMP-1 showed substantially increase mRNA expression in MDA-MB-231 by 86-fold and in Hs578T by 5-fold.
Published: November 4, 2021
AI Summary
Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract.
Published: May 29, 2021
AI Summary
Sample analysis revealed a consistent correlation of glucotropaeolin: glucolimnanthin (1: 0.19) across all products with a correlation coefficient of 0.994. The correlation in combination with total GL contents for each product could be used for authentication and GL content determination.
Published: February 11, 2025
AI Summary
In the in vitro adipogenesis experiment, it was found that the rate of lipid droplet formation increased on day 4 of differentiation for both doses, while decreased lipid droplet formation was observed on day 8 for 5 mg/mL of maca extract.
Published: August 30, 2022
AI Summary
The most important results of the study can be summarized as follows: the recorded data showed significant superiority (P≤0.05) for the first, third, fourth, and fifth treatments in the average live body weight in the fifth week and the total weight gain compared to the second treatment.
Published: May 9, 2023
AI Summary
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is an industrial plant whose root is the usable part. Maca has valuable medicinal effects such as sexual enhancement and reproductive power, infertility treatment, improved sperm count and quality, anti-stress, osteoporosis prevention and more.
Published: February 8, 2005
AI Summary
Their structures were established by spectrometric and spectroscopic methods including ESI-HRMS, EI-MS, (1)H, (13)C, and 2D NMR, as well as (1)H-(15)N 2D HMBC experiments. These compounds have been found from only L. meyenii and could be used as markers for authentication and standardization.
Published: May 23, 2022
AI Summary
Molecular dynamics simulations and MMPBSA were also carried out and confirmed the docking results. Ultimately, our findings revealed that Maca roots could be considered a promising candidate as an antihypertensive drug.
Published: February 29, 2024
AI Summary
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a Peruvian plant of the Brassicaceae family. Maca roots are popular food supplements used to treat a variety of ailments described traditionally as enhancing metabolic and health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maca Root used for?
A cruciferous root vegetable (Lepidium meyenii) grown at high altitude in the Peruvian Andes, used for over 2,000 years for energy, stamina, and libido. Maca does not directly modulate hormones — instead it acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary to normalize endocrine function. It improves energy and mood without stimulation, making it a true adaptogen. Different colors (red, black, yellow) have different properties.
What are the side effects of Maca Root?
Common: GI discomfort with raw powder (gelatinized form is gentler), insomnia if taken late. Serious: May be contraindicated with hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical, no direct hormonal activity proven). Rare: Headache, mood changes. Goitrogen concerns at very high doses.
How is Maca Root administered?
Maca Root is administered via oral (capsules, powder). gelatinized for better digestion. take in the morning..
What is the half-life of Maca Root?
The half-life of Maca Root is Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use.
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