Lepidium peruvianum, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a nutritious root vegetable commonly called maca. This vegetable is native to the Andes mountains of Peru, and people use it for both food and as an herbal remedy. Classified botanically in the Brassicaceae family, maca is related to cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, but some important differences in chemical compounds may explain maca's beneficial effects. Consult a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Fertility and Sexual Performance
Maca has a traditional role in increasing fertility and sexual performance in men and women. Research with humans is scant, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, but one study showed increased sex drive, and another indicated enhanced sperm production and movement. Animal studies indicate increased sexual function associated with maca, says the MSKCC. Additionally, a study published in the fall 2008 issue of CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics analyzed 16 participants, mostly women, experiencing sexual problems due to their medication--selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants. Participants reported significant improvements after taking maca root supplements.
How It Works
Fertility-enhancing effects of maca are due to glucosinolates in the vegetable, and maca root contains much greater amounts of these chemical compounds than other Brassicaceae plants do. Researchers are not sure why maca influences sexual performance because it does not affect serum hormone levels, according to the MSKCC. Maca may act on hormone receptors rather than increasing the amount of hormones.
Additional Benefits
Some women use maca to regulate the menstrual cycle and to relieve unpleasant effects of menopause. Additionally, maca has antioxidant effects and can neutralize free radicals, waste products in the body that cause cell damage and lead to disease. Certain chemical compounds in maca show anticancer activity in laboratory research, according to Drugs.com. Also, animal research indicates maca reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, notes Drugs.com, and it decreases levels of triglycerides, which are other fats in the blood. Maca seems to reduce blood sugar levels as well. Nutritionally, maca root contains amino acids, protein, vitamins, trace minerals and fiber.
Types
Maca root as an herbal remedy is available commercially in liquid extract, and dried extract in powder, tablets and capsules. A standard dose of maca is 450 mg dried extract taken three times daily. The MSKCC cautions that dried maca has a lower content of some beneficial components than fresh maca root does.
Lack of Side Effects
Maca provides these benefits without the side effects associated with many medications and even with other herbal remedies, according to Drugs.com. Individuals with thyroid conditions should not take this supplement because of the glucosinolate content, which can cause a goiter if consumed in large amounts when eating a low-iodine diet. "The Physicians' Desktop Reference" notes that maca might cause an allergic reaction in some people, with symptoms of breathing problems, tightness in the throat or chest, chest pain, hives, a rash, itchy skin or swelling.
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