Maca1
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an herbaceous plant of the Brassicaceae family whose roots have traditionally been used as food and medicine.3 Maca is a plant native to Peru that has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Maca grows abundantly in the central Andes at elevations between 4,000 and 4,500 meters. Traditionally, Maca has been used for centuries as a nutritional supplement, to enhance fertility, as a stimulant, and to boost energy, stamina, and libido.6
Morphology of Maca
The maca plant consists of an above-ground and an underground part. The above-ground part is small and flat. The main and edible part of the plant is a radish-like tuber formed by the hypocotyl and the plant’s roots. This hypocotyl-root axis is 10–14 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, with colors ranging from pale yellow to purple and black.
Maca Active Compounds
Contains active compounds such as macamides and macanes, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat fatigue and low stamina.2
Health Benefits of Maca
Maca extract may help boost energy metabolism by regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as the breakdown of amino acids involved in cellular energy production.2 Additionally, Maca may support male hormonal health and help improve sperm quality.4
Literary Studies Stamina:
- Subjects: 47 men aged 18 - 53 years
- Research dose: 2.1 g Maca powder/day
- Duration: 28 days
- Results: Men who consumed Maca for 28 days had significantly higher handgrip strength scores (measuring wrist muscle strength) compared to the placebo group. Maca supplementation can reduce fatigue, increase strength, and improve sexual function in healthy men.3
Literature Study on Sperm Quality:
- Subjects: 20 healthy men, aged 20–40 years
- Research dose: 1.75 grams of Maca per day
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Results: Maca may improve semen quality in healthy men, as there was an upward trend in sperm concentration and sperm motility (movement), although changes in hormones such as testosterone were not significant.4
Safety
Maca is generally safe, with rare side effects, supported by preclinical studies showing low toxicity and good tolerability in humans. Results from several human studies indicate that oral administration of 2 to 3 grams of Maca powder capsules daily, as well as 3 grams of Maca extract for up to 12 weeks, does not cause serious side effects.5
Keywords: Lepidium meyenii; Maca; Boosting Stamina; Improving Sperm Quality; Male Fertility; Increasing Energy
Footer References
- References
- Image: www.istockphoto.com
- Zhu H, Wang R, Hua H, Qian H, Du P. Deciphering the potential role of Maca compounds prescription influencing gut microbiota in the management of exercise-induced fatigue by integrative genomic analysis. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1004174. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1004174.
- Lia M., Jiannine & Jose Antonio. The Effects of Lepidium Meyenii on Grip Strength, Fatigue, and Sexual Behavior. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition. 2019; 2 (1).
- Melnikova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect ofLepidium 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.
- Ulloa dCN, Alvarado CD, Quiñones LDM, et al. Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability ofLepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024; 15: 1360422. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1360422.
