Peruvian maca has been used for thousands of years by native Andeans as a food and as a medicinal herb, especially for its aphrodisiac and fertility-boosting effects. In ancient times, it was only available to the elite class of the Incas and given as a reward to warriors. Peruvian maca is now used for a wide variety of ailments, but little is known about how it works in the body and its efficacy. Therefore, consultation with a health care provider is advisable before using Peruvian maca for medicinal purposes.
Identification and Dosing
Common names for Peruvian maca include maca, ayak chichira, Peruvian ginseng, maino and ayuk willku. It is related to the radish and has a scent like butterscotch. A typical dose of Peruvian maca is 450 mg in pill form taken three times a day with food. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, or NMCD, 1,500 to 3,000 mg are taken daily in three divided doses for enhancing sexual desire in men.
Uses
Peruvian maca is used for infertility, arousing sexual desire and treating erectile dysfunction. Women use Peruvian maca for treating menstrual problems, hormonal imbalance and menopause. It is also used for red blood cell deficiency, or anemia; depression; chronic fatigue syndrome; and to enhance the immune system. Some use Peruvian maca to boost energy, enhance athletic performance and improve memory. Other uses include osteoporosis, stomach cancer, leukemia, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Effectiveness
According to NMCD, Peruvian maca is considered possibly effective for increasing sexual desire in men. There is not enough reliable scientific information to rate the effectiveness of Peruvian maca for any other medicinal use, notes NMCD.
Considerations
NMCD reports that Peruvian maca is generally safe when taken in food amounts and is possibly safe when taken in doses up to 3,000 mg for up to three months. There are no reported side effects to Peruvian maca. However, Peruvian maca should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
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