Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as maca, is a plant native to the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. Maca is available in liquid, capsule, tablet and powder form. Studies have shown that maca may be beneficial for certain health conditions such as sperm health, however maca may have some side effects, particularly for people suffering from thyroid conditions. A doctor should always be consulted before taking a maca supplement.
Sexual Desire
In a study published in a 2002 issue of "Andrologia," researchers studied the effect of maca on sexual desire in men aged between 21 and 56 years old. The team wanted to find out if the reported benefits of maca increasing sexual desire where due to an effect on mood or testosterone levels. The authors found that 1.5 to 3 g of maca daily for 12 weeks independently increased sexual desire in healthy men and that this effect was not due to mood or hormonal levels.
Sperm Health
In a study published in a 2001 issue of the "Asian Journal of Andrology," researchers studied the effect of maca on semen in men aged between 24 and 44 years old. The team found that 1,500 or 3,000 mg of maca daily for 4 months increased sperm volume, count and the ability of sperm to move spontaneously and actively commonly called motility.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants help to protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells. Free radicals are caused by bodily functions such as digestion and by environment factors such as tobacco smoke and pollution. According to Medline Plus, free radicals can play a role in certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease. In a study published in a 2006 issue of "Cell Biology and Toxicology," researchers found that maca has antioxidant properties.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, as there is a lack of safety and efficacy data for maca during pregnancy and lactation and therefore it should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Patients with a thyroid condition such as hypothyrodism or hyperthyroidism should consult a doctor before taking maca. Maca contains compounds called glucosinolates, which if taken in excess combined with a low iodine diet may cause a swelling of the thyroid gland known as a goiter. Symptoms of a goiter include' difficulty swallowing, coughing, difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the throat and a visible swelling at the base of the neck.
References
- "Andrologia": Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men: Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al: 2002
- "Asian Journal of Andrology": Lepidium meyenii (maca) improved semen parameters in adult men: Gonzales GF , Cordova A , Gonzales C, et al: 2001
- Medline Plus: Antioxidants
- "Cell Biology and Toxicology": The in vitro biological activity of Lepidium meyenii extracts: Valentová K, Buckiová D, Kren V: 2006
- Drugs.com: Maca
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