Maca
Research reviewed: up until 03/2023
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 263 participants, researched for Erectile function/Sexual desire, Menopause Symptoms.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Erectile function/Sexual desire
StrongMenopause Symptoms
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Erectile function/Sexual desire
To investigate the effects of Maca extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction. Methods of evaluation: Questionnaires for erectile function and general satisfaction To investigate the effect of 14 days maca supplementation on endurance performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. Methods of evaluation: Participants completed a 40 km cycling time trial before and after 14 days supplementation (maca or placebo). Participants were asked to rate their change in sexual desire after supplementation as either 1. diminished, 2. increased mildly, 3. increased moderately 4. Increased highly.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (pilot study)
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Maca extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction. Methods of evaluation: Questionnaires for erectile function and general satisfaction To investigate the effect of 14 days maca supplementation on endurance performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. Methods of evaluation: Participants completed a 40 km cycling time trial before and after 14 days supplementation (maca or placebo). Participants were asked to rate their change in sexual desire after supplementation as either 1. diminished, 2. increased mildly, 3. increased moderately 4. Increased highly.
Dose
2400mg of Maca dried extract or placebo 2,000 mg/day (5 capsules each containing 400mg) or a placebo
Participants
50 caucasian men 8 experienced and endurance trained male cyclists
Duration
12 weeks 12 weeks
Results
After 12 weeks of treatment, both Maca- and placebo-treated patients reported significant improvements in erectile function. However, patients taking Maca experienced a more significant increase than those taking placebo. Only maca-treated patients reported a significant improvement in physical performance-related satisfaction compared with the baseline. Conclusion: The study found a small but significant correlation between Maca supplementation and subjective sexual well-being in adult patients with erectile dysfunction. 14 days of Maca supplementation was associated with an improved 40km cycling time trial performance (57.62 min to 56.56 min) and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. Overall sexual desire increased after maca supplementation and did not change after the placebo.
To investigate whether the effects of Maca on subjective sexual desire was because of its effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Methods of evaluation: Subjective rating of sexual desire
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate whether the effects of Maca on subjective sexual desire was because of its effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Methods of evaluation: Subjective rating of sexual desire
Dose
1500 mg/day, 3000 mg/day of Maca tablets or placebo
Participants
57 men
Duration
12 weeks
Results
After 4 weeks of treatment, 24.4% of men in the Maca group reported increased sexual desire, whereas 16.6% of men (2 men) in the placebo group reported increased sexual desire After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, 40% and 42.2% of men in the maca group reported increased sexual desire, respectively. In the placebo group, none of the men reported an increase in sexual desire after 8 and 12 weeks. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca than those treated with placebo. Conclusion: Treatment with Maca tablets for 8 or 12 weeks was associated with improved sexual desire in healthy men, independent of changes in mood or serum testosterone and estradiol levels.
To to evaluate the effects of maca on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Purpose
To to evaluate the effects of maca on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men.
Dose
1.75 g/day
Participants
20 men aged 20-40
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Sperm concentration and motility showed rising trends compared to placebo even though levels of hormones did not change significantly after 12 weeks of trial. Conclusion. Our results indicate that maca possesses fertility enhancing properties in men. There were no statistically significant changes in sperm count or quality in the Maca group. There were some small increases in sperm motility and sperm concentration that weren't seen in the placebo group, but these increases weren’t statistically significant. Both groups saw similar reductions in luteinizing hormone, free thyroxine and follicle-stimulating hormone, which weren't statistically significant, no change in estradiol or testosterone, and the Maca group saw a greater reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone, though this wasn't statistically significant.
Menopause Symptoms
To investigate the effect of Maca extract containing at least 1.2% of benzylglucosinolate on the serum level of hormones and menopausal disorder of Japanese peri-menopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of Maca extract containing at least 1.2% of benzylglucosinolate on the serum level of hormones and menopausal disorder of Japanese peri-menopausal women.
Dose
300mg of Maca dried extract or placebo
Participants
42 healthy peri-menopausal Japanese women (aged 40 to 58 years)
Duration
8 weeks Methods of evaluation: Researchers evaluated the levels of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone before and after 8 weeks. A questionnaire (simplified menopausal index) was used to assess menopausal symptoms.
Results
Compared to the placebo, blood estradiol increased ~2.2-fold after maca supplementation, although it was not statistically significant. The change in estradiol was statistically significant between groups only for the participants who still had regular menstrual cycles. There were no statistically significant differences in the change in follicle-stimulating hormone or progesterone. In terms of menopausal symptoms, only insomnia showed significant improvement, and only in women with mild symptoms of menopause. Note that insomnia as one of the major symptoms of menopause.
To investigate the effect of Maca extract on the blood level of hormones and menopausal disorder of Japanese peri-menopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of Maca extract on the blood level of hormones and menopausal disorder of Japanese peri-menopausal women.
Dose
300mg of Maca dried extract or placebo
Participants
42 healthy peri-menopausal Japanese women (aged 40 to 58 years)
Duration
8 weeks Methods of evaluation: A questionnaire (simplified menopausal index) was used to assess menopausal symptoms.
Results
Compared to the placebo, the researchers observed that blood estradiol levels—an oestrogen important for regulating menstrual cycles and overall reproductive health—increased about 2.2 times after Maca supplementation, but this increase was not statistically significant. The change in estradiol was significant only for participants who still had regular menstrual cycles. There were no significant changes in progesterone levels nor in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. Regarding menopausal symptoms, only insomnia showed significant improvement, and this was only in women with mild menopause symptoms. Insomnia is a major symptom of menopause.
To investigate the effects of Maca in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause as measured by the levels of several hormones in the blood: luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen and progesterone, and as assessed by a questionnaire called Greene's Menopausal Index.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Maca in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause as measured by the levels of several hormones in the blood: luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen and progesterone, and as assessed by a questionnaire called Greene's Menopausal Index.
Dose
2 g/day of maca powder
Participants
Early-postmenopausal women: 12 participants in the 2-month trial and 8 participants in the 8-month trial
Duration
The study consisted of two trials: the frist trial was 2 months and the second trial was 8 months
Results
In both trials, follicle-stimulating hormone significantly decreased and luteinizing hormone significantly increased after maca supplementation. 8 months of maca supplementation was associated with a significant increase in progesterone and estradiol, whereas there was no notable difference in estradiol after the 2-month trial of maca. Symptoms of menopause improved far greater after 8 months of maca than after the placebo (based on questionnaire answers). Make graph with % reductions in symptoms for each score
To investigate the effects of Maca in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Maca in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause.
Dose
2 g/day of maca powder
Participants
Early-postmenopausal women: 12 participants in the 2-month trial and 8 participants in the 8-month trial
Duration
The study consisted of two trials: the first trial was 2 months and the second trial was 8 months
Results
In both trials, Maca supplementation led to a significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). Lower FSH levels are beneficial because high FSH is linked to menopause and ovarian issues, so reducing it can indicate better ovarian function. Higher LH levels help with ovulation and hormone production, balancing the reproductive system. After 8 months of taking Maca, there was a significant increase in progesterone and estradiol. Higher progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy, while increased estradiol can reduce menopausal symptoms and support bone and heart health. There was no significant change in estradiol after just 2 months of Maca, suggesting that longer use is needed for noticeable effects. Menopausal symptoms improved much more after 8 months of Maca compared to the placebo, based on questionnaire responses, indicating that Maca can significantly reduce menopausal discomfort and improve quality of life over time. Make graph with % reductions in symptoms for each score
How They Measured It
Menopausal symptoms were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire which measures the severity and impact of menopausal symptoms. The levels of several hormones in the blood were also measured: Luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation and helps regulate the menstrual cycle; follicle-stimulating hormone, which controls the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries; oestrogen, which is important for regulating menstrual cycles and overall reproductive health; progesterone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle.
To examine the estrogenic and androgenic activity of maca and its effect on the hormones and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods of evaluation: Blood samples were collected for the measurement of hormone levels. A questionnaire was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Purpose
To examine the estrogenic and androgenic activity of maca and its effect on the hormones and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods of evaluation: Blood samples were collected for the measurement of hormone levels. A questionnaire was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Dose
3.5 g/day
Participants
14 postmenopausal women
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Based on the questionnaire, maca supplementation was associated with a reduction in psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, including anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction. These effects appeared to be independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity. No differences were observed in hormone levels after maca treatment and placebo.
To examine the effect of maca on the hormones and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods of evaluation: Blood samples were collected for the measurement of hormone levels. A questionnaire was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Purpose
To examine the effect of maca on the hormones and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods of evaluation: Blood samples were collected for the measurement of hormone levels. A questionnaire was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Dose
3.5 g/day
Participants
14 postmenopausal women
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Based on the questionnaire, maca supplementation was associated with a reduction in psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, including anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction. These benefits seemed to occur without affecting oestrogen or testosterone levels. No differences were observed in hormone levels after maca treatment and placebo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maca research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Maca (Lepidium meyenii), involving 263 total participants. Research covers Erectile function/Sexual desire, Menopause Symptoms. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (9 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Maca has been researched for: Erectile function/Sexual desire, Menopause Symptoms. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 9 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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