Maca
Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian Maca)
Peruvian root vegetable traditionally used for energy, libido, and hormonal balance without directly affecting hormone levels.
Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable grown in the Peruvian Andes. It's been used for centuries to enhance energy, libido, and fertility. Unlike some supplements, maca doesn't appear to directly affect hormone levels but may influence how the body perceives and responds to hormonal signals. Different colors (yellow, red, black) may have slightly different effects.
Mechanisms of Action
Adaptogenic Effects
Helps body adapt to stress
Nutrient Dense
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Recommended Dose
1500-3000mg
Optimal Timing
- Morning or early afternoon
- With food
Take with food
Best Form
Gelatinized maca powder (easier to digest)
Alternatives: Raw maca powder, Capsules, Extract
Gelatinization removes starch, improving digestibility. Different colors may have different effects: black for energy/memory, red for prostate/mood, yellow most studied.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Traditional use suggests cycling. Try 3 months on, 1 month off, or take weekends off.
Note: Taking with food may reduce potential GI effects. Some prefer morning dosing for energy benefits.
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Increased Energy
More sustained energy and reduced fatigue
Improved Libido
Enhanced sexual desire in both men and women
Mood Improvement
Better mood and reduced anxiety
Traditional food in Peru, but supplements not well-studied; consult doctor
Use with caution due to goitrogen content
Who Should NOT Take This
- Thyroid conditions (contains goitrogens)
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (as precaution)
Drug Interactions
Contains goitrogens; may affect thyroid function
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Use gelatinized form; take with food
Tip: Take earlier in the day
Tip: Reduce dose
Warnings
- Contains goitrogens — may affect thyroid in susceptible individuals
- Quality varies — choose reputable Peruvian sources
Ashwagandha
complementaryBoth are adaptogens with different profiles
Comprehensive adaptogenic and energy support
Tongkat Ali
complementaryDifferent mechanisms for hormonal support
Enhanced energy and libido support
Tribulus
complementaryBoth support libido through different mechanisms
Enhanced libido and sexual function
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
de Aquino ACQ et al. • Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) (2025)
“Bupropion SR 150 mg/b.i.d. is the most effective pharmacological treatment for AISD in women, though the evidence quality is low.”
Key Findings:
- Bupropion SR 150 mg/b.i.d. showed improvements in three sexual function domains: desire (1.74 [1.03, 2.44], p = 0.00001), arousal (1.30 [1.16, 1.43], p = 0.00001), and orgasm (1.90 [1.78, 2.02], p = 0.00001) compared to placebo.
- However, it did not improve depressive symptoms (0.46 [-0.71, 1.63], p = 0.44).
- Bupropion SR 150 mg/b.i.d. is the most effective pharmacological treatment for AISD in women, though the evidence quality is low.
- Further clinical trials focusing on women with rigorous methodologies are needed to strengthen these findings.
Huerta Ojeda Á et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“The phytochemical compounds of LmW, mainly macamides, increase physical performance, showing a greater effect at higher doses (dose-response effect).”
Key Findings:
- They revealed a large effect for all outcomes (SMD: FST = 2.26, RRT = 6.26, GST = 5.23, LA = -1.01, and BLA = -1.70).
- The phytochemical compounds of LmW, mainly macamides, increase physical performance, showing a greater effect at higher doses (dose-response effect).
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Chen R et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)
“Nevertheless, due to individual differences and limitations of the subjects, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of the plant.© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources.
- We reviewed the study in the visible distribution of amino acids, amide alkaloids, imidazolium alkaloids, and saccharides in Maca by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS).
- We also reviewed the pharmacology value associated with improvement of reproductive function, anti-stress response, anti-osteoporosis, antitumor activity, clinical research and toxicity of Maca, and so forth.
- Nevertheless, due to individual differences and limitations of the subjects, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of the plant.© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Raffa N et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2019)
“Considering that the host uses copper as a microbial toxin and copper availability fluctuates in various environmental niches, understanding how A. fumigatus maintains copper homeostasis will give insights into mechanisms that facilitate the development of invasive aspergillosis and its survival in nature.”
Key Findings:
- Copper-responsive transcription factors, AceA and MacA, coordinate a complex network responsible for responding to copper in the environment and determining which response is necessary to maintain homeostasis.
- For example, A. fumigatus uses copper exporters to mitigate the toxic effects of copper while simultaneously encoding copper importers and small molecules to ensure proper supply of the metal for copper-dependent processes such a nitrogen acquisition and respiration.
- Small molecules called isocyanides recently found to be produced by A. fumigatus may bind copper and partake in copper homeostasis similarly to isocyanide copper chelators in bacteria.
Saric S et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2016)
“However, current studies are limited and further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential side effects of various forms and concentrations of polyphenols.”
Key Findings:
- Polyphenol sources included the following plant origins: green tea, white tea, cocoa, Romanian propolis (RP), Calluna vulgaris (Cv), grape seeds, honeybush, and Lepidium meyenii (maca).
- Eight studies examined green tea.
- Overall, based on the studies, there is evidence that polyphenols in both oral and topical form may provide protection from UV damage and sunburn, and thus are beneficial to skin health.
- However, current studies are limited and further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential side effects of various forms and concentrations of polyphenols.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.