Maca is a root that looks like a radish. It thrives in the high altitudes of the Andes mountains in South America. Maca root has often been used in traditional medicines as an aphrodisiac and to promote fertility. Maca root may be useful for treating conditions related to reproductive health. However, seek the advice of a medical professional before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with maca root.
Neuroprotection
Maco root herb may protect neurons from damage. A study published in June 2010 in the "Annals of the New York Academy of Science" found that cutting off the supply of oxygen provided by the cerebral artery was less damaging to rats fed maca root. They were given the supplementation prior to and during the procedure and displayed less neuronal, or brain cell, damage.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Maca root may help perimenopausal women. Perimenopause is when the female body prepares for transition into menopause and is accompanied by irregular periods, hot flashes and mood swings. In a study published in June 2006 in the "International Journal of Biomedical Science," maca root was found to tone the reproductive system of women. Specifically, the maca root treatment reduced hot flashes, nervousness, depression and sleep interruptions, marking an improvement in hormone functioning.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Maca root may help prevent bone loss experienced by postmenopausal women. The reduction in estrogen during menopause contributes to bone loss. A study published in 2006 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that postmenopausal rats given maca root extract displayed bone-protective effects. In particular, the rats showed higher bone mineral density and improved biomarkers of bone health.
Sexual Dysfunction
SSRIs are a class of drugs typically used to treat depression. However, one of the side effects of SSRIs is sexual dysfunction. Patients with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction who took 3 g of maca root per day showed signs of improvement, according to the findings of a study published in August 2008 in "CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics." Specifically, the participants had higher self-ratings on an assessment of sexual experience used to measure sexual dysfunction. A dosage of 1.5 g, however, was found to be ineffective.
References
- "Annals of the New York Academy of Science"; Neuroprotective Effects of Lepidium Meyenii (Maca); Alejandro Pino-Figueroa, et al.; June 2010
- "International Journal of Biomedical Science"; Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) Used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women: Clinical Pilot Study; H.O. Meissner, et al.; June 15, 2006
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of Ethanol Extract of Lepidium Meyenii Walp. on Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rat; Zhang Yongzhong, et al.; 2006
- "CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics"; A Double-Blind, Randomized, Pilot Dose-Finding Study of Maca Root (L. Meyenii) for the Management of SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction; Christina M. Dording, et al.; August 2008
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