Maca is a perennial plant that thrives in the inhospitable environment of South America's Andes Mountains. Maca root is a highly-nutritive vegetable and a food staple in that region. the Incas cultivated maca over 2,000 years ago, according to naturopath and herbalist Leslie Taylor in "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs." The plant is also employed medicinally for conditions such as poor memory, stomach cancer and anemia. Ask your physician which herbal remedies are appropriate for you.
Nutrition
The indigenous Andean people prize maca root as their most nutritive food. It is one of the few plants that grow successfully in the Andean terrain, between 8,000 and 14,500 feet in altitude. Maca is bartered with other communities and in return the Andeans receive basic foods, such as beans and rice. The maca root, roughly equivalent in size to a large radish, is an abundant source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and iron. Cooked like a sweet potato, the root is also dried and reconstituted to make pudding and a popular fermented drink called maca chica, according to Taylor.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
In Peruvian botanical medicine, maca is used to increase fertility, treat tuberculosis and support healthy menstrual cycles, according to Taylor. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, MSKCC, reports that other purported uses include amplifying strength, energy and sexual stamina. Additionally, maca is a traditional cancer treatment. The plant is part of the mustard family and is known as an adaptogen and an immunostimulant, according to naturopath Tori Hudson. Seek advice frοm a qualified health practitioner before ...sing maca.
Scientific Research
In one human clinical trial on maca root, MKSCC reports that increased libidinal response was recorded. In another human study, sperm production was improved. Moreover, maca demonstrated increased sexual performance and improved general endurance in an animal trial. Hudson cites a review of maca trials studying human sexual desire and performance. In three of the four trials, maca root had positive results on libido or erectile dysfunction. She concludes that while the evidence is minimal, maca may prove to be effective for cases of sexual dysfunction. More research is necessary before maca root can be widely recommended.
Safety
South Americans have been eating maca root for more than 3,000 years. According to Taylor, no contraindications or drug interactions have been reported, although consuming too much maca may cause intestinal gas. MSKCC reports that data for maca safety is unavailable and few scientific studies have focused on human subjects. As with any herb, talk with your physician to determine if maca root is appropriate for you.
References
- Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.: Maca
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Maca
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals"; Leslie Taylor; 2005
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