Maca Root: Health Benefits, How to Take It & Side Effects

Clinical review: Manuel Reis
Registered Nurse
January 2022

Maca root, also known as peruvian ginseng or by its scientific name lepidium meyenii, is a tuber that belongs in the same plant family as the parsnip, cabbage, and watercress. It contains medicinal properties that can naturally improve energy levels and libido.

Maca root is considered to be a super-food because it is rich in fiber and essential fatty acids. It is overall nutritious when consumed and can result in increased energy and vigor.

Maca root is relatively easy to find and can be purchased at natural health stores in pill or powder forms. Either form can be mixed with other vitamins or added to smoothies. 

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Health benefits

Maca root can be used for many things, but the scientifically-proven benefits include:

1. Increase in libido

Maca root contains stimulant, tonic and anti-depressant properties, and therefore it can be a strong aphrodisiac. It can be indicated to improve libido.

2. Decrease tiredness and fatigue

Maca root essential oils contains generous amounts of fatty acids, and therefore it is a great way to increase energy, stamina and mental alertness.

3. Improve concentration and decision-making

The fatty acids that are found in maca root essential oil can improve mental stamina, which will positively affect your concentration and decision-making.

4. Help to manage anxiety

Maca root can help to regulate hormone production and increase energy, and therefore it is great for managing anxiety and symptoms related to depression.

In addition, some studies show that maca root can help to reduce negative feelings, optimize hormone production, increase the frequency of erections, and reduce symptoms of menopause.

Maca root can also be used as a weight loss supplement. Although it does not increase metabolism or burn fat, it improves energy levels, which can encourage you to work-out more frequently and be more responsive to a diet indicated by your nutritionist.

How to take it

The daily recommended dose of maca root is 1000mg three times a day, taken with meals, for a maximum of 4 months.

Nonetheless, the dose can vary depending on the type of treatment or condition the person wishes to address. Therefore, it is always best to consult a nutritionist or naturopath before starting maca root supplementation.

Maca root can also be consumed as part of your meals or drinks, either in root form or powder form. You can add two to three teaspoons to one serving of food.

Energizing maca root and mango smoothie

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A smoothie prepared with maca root and mango is a great nutritional source. It can help to reduce tiredness, fatigue and weakness, as well as improve concentration and decision-making.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons of maca root
  • 2 mangos, chopped-up
  • 2 teaspoons of flaxseed
  • 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
  • Juice squeezed from 1 lemon
  • 4 fresh mint leaves

How to prepare

Pour all the ingredients and some mineral water into a blender and mix until all ingredients are well-combined. If necessary, add more water to dilute the mixture. This recipe contains 2 servings.

Possible side effects

Maca root is usually well-tolerated, and therefore side-effects are not very well-known. Nonetheless, some people may have an unknown maca root allergy, and therefore small doses (as indicated by a doctor or nutritionist) should be taken when consuming it for the first time.

Who should not take it

As mentioned, maca is usually well-tolerated in the majority of people. It is commonly consumed in many regions of South America. However, its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not very well-known and therefore, it should be avoided in these situations.

A scientifically-accepted consensus on the use of maca for hormone regulation has yet to be reached, and therefore maca should especially be avoided in children or estrogen-related cancers (e.g. uterine or breast cancer) without the supervision of a health care provider.

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Written by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse. Updated by Tua Saude editing team on January of 2022. Clinical review by Manuel Reis - Registered Nurse, on January of 2022.

References

  • RODRIGO, M. E.; et al. Disminución del daño oxidativo y efecto hipoglicemiante de la maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) en ratas con diabetes inducida por streptozotocina. An Fac Med. 72. 1; 7-11, 2011
  • DRUGS.COM. Maca. Available on: <https://www.drugs.com/npc/maca.html>. Access in 15 Feb 2022
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  • CISNEROS R.; et al. Relación de glutatión reducido/oxidado (GSH/GSSG) en ratas diabéticas tratadas con maca (Lepidium meyenii walp). An Fac Med. 72. 2; 107-111, 2011
  • JIVAD, N.; RABIEI, Z. A review study on medicinal plants used in the treatment of learning and memory impairments. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 4. 10; 780-789, 2014
  • STONE, M.; et al. A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 126. 3; 574-576, 2009
  • RUBIO, J.; et al. Doseresponse effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol. Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods. 21. 8; 628-34, 2011
  • ZENICO, T.; et al. 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. First International Journal of Andrology. 41. 2; 95-99, 2009
  • MELNIKOVA, I.; et al. Effect of Lepidium 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. 324369, 2015
  • GONZALES, G. F.; et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. First International Journal of Andrology. 34. 6; 367-372, 2002
  • DORDING, C. M.; et al. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015. 949036, 2015
  • BEHARRY, S.; HEINRICH, M. Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified?. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011. 126-170, 2018
  • SHIN, Byung-Cheul; et al. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 10. 44; 1-6, 2010
  • BROOKS, Nicole A.; et al. 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. Menopause: December. 15. 6; 1157-1162, 2008
  • GONZALEZ Gustavo; VILLAORDUÑAS Leonidas et al. MACA (Lepidium meyenii Walp), UNA REVISIÓN SOBRE SUS PROPIEDADES BIOLÓGICAS . Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública. 31. 1; 100-110, 2014
  • GONZALES Carla, YUPANQUI Irma et al. 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. Pharmaceuticals . 9. 3; 1-23, 2016
  • STOJANOVSKA L, LAW C et al . Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women . Climacteric Journal. 18. 1; 1-10, 2015
Clinical review:
Manuel Reis
Registered Nurse
Manuel graduated in 2013 and is licensed to practice under the Ordem dos Enfermeiros de Portugal, with license #79026. He specializes in Advanced Clinical Phytotherapy.