Maca or Lepidium meyenii is a Peruvian plant that has been used for centuries both as a food and for its medicinal value. It has been used by herbalists as a means to increase energy and stamina and is reputed to possess potent aphrodasiacal properties. This is why it is also known as the “Peruvian ginseng”. Maca is also used for enhancing fertility in both men and women.
It is also a rich source of amino acids, biologically active isothiocyanates, iodine and iron and its effect on the water absorption index of starch make it a potentially useful as an additive in the food industry.
Today, maca is being aggressively marketed as an aphrodisiac and as an aid to increase fertility in both men and women.
Maca contains high levels of arginine and lysine, amino acids that play a role in sexual function. Male reproductive cells contain large amounts of lysine, and any deficiency in this amino acid may affect sexual function. The high lysine content in maca helps to plug the deficiency in these cells and helps restore sexual function. Lysine is also reputed to help women suffering from both fertility and menopausal issues.
Much research has been conducted on the aphrodisiacal and fertility enhancing properties of maca. One study demonstrated the effect maca had on improving sexual function in rats and mice. It showed a definite increase in the number of sexual intercourses as well as the number of females that were sperm positive. One study on male rats demonstrated that oral administration of an aqueous extract of maca root resulted in an increase in the weights of the testis and the epididymis. Another study showed that maca can help to increase sperm motility and sperm count in adult men as well as increase sexual desire after several weeks of treatment. However, this study was performed without a control group so its conclusions are suspect.
However, most of these studies have been performed on laboratory animals. The studies have resulted in mixed results with regard to an increase in male and female fertility. Very few studies have been performed on humans. The results of the studies on humans have remained inconclusive and do not justify the reputation that maca enjoys as a fertility enhancer and an aphrodisiac. There is also no evidence to prove that maca can increase testosterone levels in men or has any impact on any male hormones.
Chemical analysis has revealed that maca is rich in several essential nutrients and is similar to cereal grains in this regard. The nutrients in maca include:
Apart from this, maca is said to be rich in amino acids such as lysine and arginine, isothiocyanates such as p-methoxy isothiocyanate (suspected of having aphrodisiacal properties) and minerals such as iodine and iron. The benefits and uses of maca include:
Laboratory studies on animals suggest that maca may also have a beneficial impact on individuals suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, hypertension and stress related disorders. It may also be useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
The normal dosage for maca supplements is 500 mg to 1,000 mg thrice a day. While there have been no reports of adverse effects after taking maca, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or fertility specialist before taking maca. Pregnant and nursing women, young children or individuals with liver or kidney disease should not take maca in any form unless advised to do so by their doctor.
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