Uses for Maca

Maca, or Lepidium meyenii Walp, is made up of a mat-like, creeping system of stems and leaves that grow close to the land. The tuberous roots of the plant, which can be eaten or cooked, have been used traditionally for their medicinal value. The roots can also be dried and stored, and made into powders, juices, tablets and capsules. No major side effects have been reported, although it is best to talk to a doctor before using it.

Cancer

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that maca may help in the treatment of cancer, and it may also improve stamina in cancer patients. The anti-cancer activity of maca roots may be due to the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. The antioxidant phenolic compounds in maca can also protect cells from free-radical mediated damage, which can lead to cancer. However, the extent to which maca extracts can replace existing cancer medications is unclear.

Libido

Oral administration of maca extract enhances sexual function and reduces the time required for erection in rats with erectile dysfunction, reports Drugs.com. Maca extracts may also improve sexual desire in healthy men and regulate the levels of steroid sex hormones. They may also increase seminal volume and sperm count in men.

Hormones

Natural News.com notes that maca roots can regulate the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body by directly nourishing the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This may help prevent severe headaches in women over 35 years of age due to the stress associated with low progesterone levels. Maca also purportedly alleviates the symptoms of menopause.

Osteoporosis

Some animal studies, such as one published in April 2006 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," reveal that ethanol-based maca extracts can help prevent estrogen-mediated bone loss in postmenopausal rats. Maca roots are also rich in calcium and magnesium, which promote the formation of healthy bones.

Stamina

A study published in June 2008 in the "Journal of Embryo Transfer" found that maca extracts can improve physical stamina by reducing muscular damage and fatigue associated with exercise. These effects, however, have not been demonstrated in actual cases and hence, maca extracts should not be used without consulting a physician.

Prostate Health

The glucosinolates in maca extracts can reduce the size of prostate in animals, according to Drugs.com. This may help treat prostatic hyperplasia, although this effect has not been proven in human cases.