Maca Powder Uses

Lepidium meyenii, commonly referred to as maca, is a plant native to the Andes mountains in Peru. People consume it as a vegetable and it has high nutritional value. The dried and powdered roots of maca are available as herbal supplements for a variety of health promoting purposes. As with any herbal product, you should talk to your health care practitioner before taking maca.

Nutritional Profile

Maca is rich in amino acids and it contains fiber and fatty acids. It also contains significant amounts of minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and phosphorus; as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12, C and E. In addition, it contains a variety of phytonutrients including tannins, beta-sitosterol, saponins, glucosinolates and stigmasterol. Phytonutrients are antioxidant compounds that scavenge free radicals and help to prevent and treat disease in humans. According to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database," maca appears to demonstrate both immune-boosting and central nervous system stimulating activity.

Uses

Herbal medicine practitioners use maca to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and to enhance energy, stamina, athletic performance and memory. People also use maca to boost adrenal function and help treat anemia, osteoporosis, depression, stomach cancer, hypothyroidism, leukemia, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. These uses are based on anecdotal reports, however, and not solid scientific evidence.

Aphrodisiac

Peruvians use maca as an aphrodisiac, to enhance fertility, treat impotence and increase sexual performance, as well as to help treat a variety of other sexual disorders. A 12-week placebo controlled study cited in the December 2002 edition of "Andrologia" journal examined the effects of maca root on male sexual desire. The men were given 1,500 mg to 3,000 mg of maca daily and after eight weeks of treatment the men reported a notable increase in sexual desire.

Female Related Disorders

People also use maca in herbal medicine to balance female hormones and help treat a variety of female related disorders. According to Dr. Viana Muller, maca may help to reduce menopausal hot flashes, enhance fertility, regulate menstruation and treat menstrual cramps. More research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of maca for these purposes, however.

Dosage

Maca is available in powder, liquid and capsule form; powdered maca is considered the most economical form. The recommended dose is 1,500 to 3,000 mg, taken in three divided doses. No adverse reactions or drug interactions have been noted from maca. Pregnant and lactating women should not take maca, however, due to insufficient evidence regarding its safety in these circumstances.