Macasure
Also known as: Maca, Peruvian ginseng, maca root, Lepidium meyenii
Overview
Maca (*Lepidium meyenii* Walp.) is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru, traditionally consumed as both a food source and for its medicinal properties. It is widely used as a dietary supplement, primarily for its purported benefits in enhancing sexual function, fertility, energy levels, mood, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Maca is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, plant sterols, and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, selenium, and calcium. While research on maca is moderately mature with several clinical trials, the overall quality and consistency of evidence remain somewhat limited. Most human studies have focused on its effects on sexual health, fertility, and hormone modulation, with fewer robust trials investigating its impact on mood, blood pressure, or cancer-related conditions. It is classified as a plant-based dietary supplement, an adaptogen, and a functional food.
Benefits
Maca has shown promising, evidence-based benefits across several areas. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reviews indicate that maca supplementation, typically at 1.5–3 g/day for 6–12 weeks, may significantly improve sexual desire and erectile function in men, and enhance sexual function in women, including those experiencing antidepressant-induced dysfunction. For fertility, some RCTs suggest an increase in sperm concentration, though effects on motility or overall fertility outcomes are inconsistent. In postmenopausal women, maca may reduce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and improve sexual functioning, possibly by modulating androgen receptors rather than directly altering hormone levels. Preliminary evidence, largely from small studies or animal models, suggests that flavonoids in maca may contribute to improved mood and reduced anxiety. Limited human data also indicate a potential reduction in diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women, though larger trials are needed to confirm this. Preclinical studies have shown maca polysaccharides may modulate immune responses and enhance chemotherapy effects in breast cancer models, but human clinical trials are lacking to confirm these anti-cancer effects.
How it works
Maca's mechanisms of action are believed to involve the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Rather than directly altering circulating hormone levels, maca appears to influence hormone receptor activity. In animal cancer models, it has been observed to regulate inflammatory cytokines and immune cell differentiation. The presence of flavonoids and plant sterols in maca may contribute to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, potentially influencing mood and vascular function. The bioavailability of maca depends on its preparation, with powdered dried root being a common form, and absorption influenced by digestive factors. Its adaptogenic properties suggest it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis.
Side effects
Maca is generally considered safe, supported by its long history of traditional dietary use in Peru and the absence of significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Rare side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or flu-like symptoms in isolated cases. However, a case report noted prolonged intermenstrual bleeding and elevated testosterone in a woman consuming maca powder daily, suggesting caution in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. While no significant drug interactions are widely documented, animal models suggest maca may potentiate antihypertensive drugs like losartan; the clinical relevance of this interaction in humans is currently unknown. Contraindications include hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, such as breast or prostate cancer, until further comprehensive safety data become available. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also exercise caution due to limited research in these populations.
Dosage
Effective dosages of maca in clinical studies typically range from 1.5 to 3 grams of dried maca root powder daily. This dosage is usually administered for a duration of 6 to 12 weeks to observe benefits, particularly for sexual function. While there is no established maximum dose for supplemental use, traditional dietary intake in Peru can be significantly higher, around 200–250 grams of fresh root daily. Timing of intake is flexible, but consistent daily supplementation is recommended for optimal effects. Maca can be taken with or without food, and no specific cofactors are required to enhance its absorption, although absorption may be improved when consumed with food. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional, especially for specific health conditions or if combining with medications.
FAQs
Is maca safe for long-term use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but long-term clinical data on continuous supplementation are limited. Most studies evaluate use for up to 12 weeks.
Does maca affect hormone levels?
Maca modulates hormone receptor activity and can affect some hormone levels in women (e.g., FSH), but it does not consistently alter serum testosterone or estrogen in men.
How soon do effects appear?
Improvements in sexual function are typically observed after 6–12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Can maca treat infertility?
Evidence is limited and inconsistent. While it may improve sperm concentration in some men, it has not conclusively been shown to treat overall infertility outcomes.
Is maca effective for mood?
Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for mood and anxiety, possibly due to its flavonoid content, but more robust research is needed to confirm these effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10910417/ – This comprehensive review summarized clinical and preclinical studies on maca, indicating its potential to improve sexual desire and erectile function in men. It also highlighted maca's ability to modulate immune responses and enhance chemotherapy effects in animal cancer models, while noting limitations such as reliance on animal data for cancer effects and variability in human study designs.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maca – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's review detailed maca's influence on hormone levels in women, specifically decreasing FSH and increasing LH, and its androgenic effects at the receptor level without altering serum testosterone in men. The review also raised safety concerns regarding rare hormonal side effects and potential interactions with antihypertensive medications.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511 – This source, along with small RCTs, discussed maca's modest benefits on sexual function, certain fertility parameters, blood pressure, and mood. It underscored the critical need for larger, well-controlled human trials to definitively confirm maca's efficacy and safety across these various applications.
Supplements Containing Macasure
Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer Natural Flavor
Sequel Vega
Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer Berry Flavor
Sequel Vega
Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer Berry Flavor
Sequel Vega
Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer Vanilla Chai Flavor
Sequel Vega