Macabido Female Complex
Also known as: Maca, Peruvian ginseng, Macabido Female Complex, Lepidium meyenii Walp.
Overview
Lepidium meyenii Walp., commonly known as Maca, is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the high-altitude Peruvian Andes. Traditionally used for its fertility-enhancing and sexual health benefits, Maca is now widely recognized as an adaptogen and phytohormonal modulator. It is often marketed in proprietary blends, such as "Macabido Female Complex," specifically formulated to address female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and menopausal symptoms. Maca contains unique bioactive metabolites, including macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and N-benzylhexadecanamide (NBH), which are believed to influence hormonal axes and neurotransmitter systems. Research indicates its potential to alleviate symptoms of FSD, modulate hormones, and improve mood. While the overall evidence for maca root is moderate with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, specific independent studies on proprietary blends like Macabido Female Complex are limited. However, the foundational ingredient, maca, shows promising results in improving sexual function and managing menopausal discomfort.
Benefits
Maca root offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for women's health. A double-blind randomized controlled trial demonstrated that maca significantly improved antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women, showing statistically significant enhancements in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction scores compared to placebo (p<0.05). A systematic review of 15 RCTs further identified maca as an effective intervention for improving sexual function scores in women with FSD. Beyond sexual health, maca modulates hormonal profiles by increasing estradiol and testosterone precursors while reducing FSH, LH, cortisol, and ACTH, which contributes to menopausal symptom relief and potentially improved bone density. These benefits are particularly relevant for premenopausal and postmenopausal women experiencing sexual dysfunction or menopausal symptoms. Moderate effect sizes have been reported, with improvements typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Maca's mechanism of action primarily involves the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes, along with activation of serotonergic pathways. Its active constituents, such as N-benzylhexadecanamide (NBH), are believed to inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme, which can enhance the availability of testosterone precursors. Maca also appears to increase estradiol production, suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and modulate cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, contributing to its adaptogenic and hormone-balancing effects. These interactions with the body's endocrine and nervous systems collectively contribute to its observed benefits on sexual function, mood, and menopausal symptoms. Macamides and macaenes, being lipid-soluble, have moderate bioavailability, though their exact pharmacokinetics require further study.
Side effects
Maca is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is the most commonly reported side effect, though it is rare. No other uncommon or serious adverse events have been consistently documented in randomized controlled trials. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, especially with hormone-sensitive medications, due to maca's hormonal modulating properties. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding, as safety in these populations has not been well established. Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before use. Limited data exist for its use in adolescents and elderly individuals with comorbidities, warranting careful consideration in these special populations. Overall, maca has a favorable safety profile, but awareness of potential interactions and contraindications is important.
Dosage
Clinical trials on maca root have utilized doses ranging from 1.5 to 3 grams daily. The optimal dosage for general use is typically within this range, specifically 1.5–3 grams per day of dried maca root powder or an equivalent extract standardized to macamides. Some short-term studies have reported doses up to 5 grams daily without significant adverse effects, suggesting this as a potential maximum safe dose. For best absorption, daily dosing with food is recommended, particularly with fat-containing meals, which may enhance the absorption of lipid-soluble macamides. Benefits are generally observed after approximately 4 weeks of consistent supplementation. Maca is available in various forms, including powdered root, capsules, or standardized extracts. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Macabido Female Complex safe for long-term use?
While long-term data are limited, maca root has been traditionally used and studied in trials up to 12 weeks without significant safety concerns. Consult a healthcare provider for extended use.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Improvements in sexual function and other benefits typically become noticeable within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Can it be combined with hormone replacement therapy?
Caution is advised due to potential hormonal interactions. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before combining maca with hormone replacement therapy.
Does it increase testosterone?
Maca may increase testosterone precursors and estradiol, but it does not typically lead to supraphysiological hormone levels. Its effect is more modulatory than direct elevation.
Is it effective for menopausal symptoms?
Yes, evidence supports maca's effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms, including improvements in mood and potentially bone density, through its hormone-modulating effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4411442/ – This double-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of maca root on antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. The study found that maca significantly improved sexual function scores and remission rates compared to placebo, indicating its potential as a natural intervention for this condition. The findings suggest a moderate quality study with appropriate controls.
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=99789 – This systematic review analyzed 15 randomized controlled trials on natural therapies for female sexual dysfunction. The review identified maca as one of the effective interventions for improving sexual function scores, despite heterogeneity among the included studies. It provides a comprehensive overview of various natural approaches, supporting maca's role in FSD management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10910417/ – This comprehensive review synthesizes preclinical and clinical data on maca, detailing its mechanisms of hormonal modulation and serotonergic effects. It highlights evidence of estradiol increase and modulation of the hormone axis, providing a high-quality synthesis of recent research on maca's biological activities and potential therapeutic applications.
