Quick Search
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is derived from a plant native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract plant grows at very high altitudes, and its root has been traditionally used for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is considered a superfood due to its rich nutrient content and has been used in Peruvian traditional medicine to boost energy, stamina, and fertility.
CAS Number: 847361-88-0
Molecular Formula: C25H39NO2
Molecular Weight: 385.58
Synonyms:847361-88-0, N-Benzyl-9-oxooctadec-12-enamide, Maca Root Extract, DTXSID00827496MACA Root Extract;12-Octadecenamide, 9-oxo-N-(phenylmethyl)-, (12Z)-
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract comes from the maca plant.
Also known as Peruvian ginseng and its scientific name Lepidium meyenii, maca is commonly grown in the mountains of Peru.
Comparable to the radish, maca and its root has long been used by Peruvians for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract has high nutritional value, not only rich in protein, amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals and other nutrients, but also active substances such as alkaloids, glucosinolates, macaenes, and macamides.
Relevant studies have shown that Maca extract has the effects of improving fertility, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, regulating endocrine and inhibiting tumors.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is a plant that originated in Peru.
Its root is a natural remedy that some people use to treat specific health issues, including infertility and low sex drive.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is a plant that some populations in Peru have used trusted Source for thousands of years as food and medicinally.
In the last few decades, maca has grown in popularity.
This article explains what maca root is, highlights some potential benefits, and answers whether it’s safe to add to your diet.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract, also called Ginseng Andin, Peruvian Ginseng, Lepidium meyenii, or Lepidium peruvianum, is a relative of radish and smells similar to butterscotch.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is a plant that grows on the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract's been cultivated as a root vegetable for at least 3000 years.
The root is also used to make medicine, but there isn't enough reliable information available to know how maca might work.
People take Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract by mouth for male infertility, health problems after menopause, increasing sexual desire in healthy people, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Sometimes known as Peruvian ginseng, Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract comes from the root of a plant that grows in the Andes Mountains.
The Indigenous people of Peru have used maca as both food and medicine for centuries.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract belongs to the same family of plants as turnips and broccoli.
The root contains amino acids, iron, calcium, and several compounds unique to the maca plant.
As an herbal medicine, Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract has been used to improve sexual function, fertility, and health.
Typically added to smoothies, juice, and shakes, the ground root powder can also be used as an ingredient in coffee, chocolate, or oils.
In Peru, whole Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is often added to soup and oatmeal, roasted and consumed as a vegetable, or made into a fermented beverage called "chicha de maca."
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract, known as maca or Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant of the family Brassicaceae that is native to South America in the high Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia.
It was rediscovered for commercial purposes at the Meseta de Bombón plateau close to Lake Junin in the late 1980s.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl that is fused with a taproot, which is typically dried but may also be freshly cooked as a root vegetable.
As a cash crop, it is primarily exported as a powder that may be raw or processed further as a gelatinized starch or as an extract.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract may be processed into a flour for baking or as a dietary supplement.
Its Spanish and Quechua names include maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract contains high levels of essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, B-vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
It contains several essential amino acids, which contribute to its nutritional profile.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract, such as campesterol and beta-sitosterol, are believed to support hormone balance.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extracts are thought to provide antioxidant and protective effects against certain chronic diseases.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract contains linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract comes in different colors, and each type is associated with slightly different health benefits:
The most common type, often used to boost energy and improve mood.
Believed to have the highest concentration of antioxidants and may support prostate health.
Considered the rarest, and often used to improve fertility, memory, and muscle growth.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is often referred to as "Peruvian ginseng" because it is thought to enhance endurance, stamina, and athletic performance.
Some athletes use it as a natural alternative to energy supplements.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract has been traditionally used to enhance male fertility by improving sperm count, quality, and motility.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is believed to help balance hormones, particularly during menopause, reducing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats.
One of the most popular uses of maca is its ability to increase sexual desire and improve sexual function in both men and women.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by improving overall mood and well-being.
It may influence hormone levels, including cortisol, which can contribute to better stress management.
Some studies suggest that maca, particularly black maca, may improve memory and learning ability, making it popular for cognitive enhancement.
Boiling point: 568.6±43.0 °C(Predicted)
Density: 0.965±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted)
pka: 16.39±0.46(Predicted)
The growth habit, size, and proportions of Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract are roughly similar to those of radishes and turnips, to which it is related, but it also resembles a parsnip.
The green, fragrant tops are short and lie along the ground.
The thin, frilly leaves sprout in a rosette at the soil surface, not growing more than 12–20 cm (4.7–7.9 in) in height.
The leaves show a dimorphism according to the reproductive stage.
They are more prominent in the vegetative phase and continuously renew from the center as the outer leaves die.
The off-white, self-fertile flowers are borne on a central raceme, and are followed by 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) siliculate fruits, each containing two small 2.0–2.5 mm (0.079–0.098 in) reddish-gray ovoid seeds.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract reproduces mainly through self-pollination and is an autogamous species.
The genome consists of 64 chromosomes. Maca is a short-day plant from experiments with different day lengths.
Some sources consider Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract an annual plant, as in favorable years, it can complete a lifecycle within a year.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is the only member of the genus Lepidium with a fleshy hypocotyl, which is fused with the taproot to form a rough inverted pear-shaped body.
Traditionally, native growers have acknowledged four varieties of maca based on their root color: cream-yellow, half-purple, purple, and black; varying levels of anthocyanin are primarily responsible for the color differences.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract may be gold or cream, red, purple, blue, black, or green.
Each is considered a "genetically unique variety," as the seeds of the parent plants grow to have roots of the same color.
Specific phenotypes (in maca, 'phenotype' pertains mainly to root color) have been propagated exclusively to increase commercial interest.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract ream-colored roots are the most widely grown and are favored in Peru for their enhanced sweetness and size.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is both sweet and slightly bitter.
Due to its calcium and magnesium content, maca is believed to support bone strength and health, which may be beneficial for those at risk of osteoporosis.
The polyphenols and glucosinolates in Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract may help protect the body against oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is commonly available in powder, capsule, or tablet form, marketed for its energy-boosting, fertility-enhancing, and hormone-balancing properties.
The powdered form is often mixed into smoothies, juices, or baked goods for a nutritional boost.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is sometimes found in skincare products, as it is believed to improve skin vitality and provide protection against environmental stressors.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is generally considered safe for most people when taken in moderate amounts. However, potential side effects include:
Because maca may influence hormone levels, people with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer, prostate cancer) or those taking hormone therapies should consult a healthcare professional before using it.
Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, when consuming maca root extract, especially in large amounts.
Uses:
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is often used as a natural supplement to increase energy levels, endurance, and physical stamina.
Athletes and individuals seeking a natural energy lift take it to enhance performance and reduce fatigue.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is well-known for its ability to increase sexual desire in both men and women.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is often used as a natural aphrodisiac.
Some research indicates that maca can improve sexual function, particularly in men suffering from mild erectile dysfunction.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract has been shown to improve sperm count, motility, and quality, potentially supporting male fertility.
It may help balance female hormones, thus supporting reproductive health and fertility.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is widely used by women going through menopause to help balance hormones and reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and fatigue.
It is also used to alleviate PMS symptoms, including mood changes, irritability, and cramping, by helping regulate hormones.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and normalize bodily functions.
It is often taken to reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and promote a feeling of well-being.
Many people use maca to help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract may help stabilize emotional fluctuations, particularly those related to hormonal changes, and provide an overall sense of calmness.
Certain types of maca, especially black maca, are used to improve memory, learning ability, and cognitive function.
It is sometimes recommended for students or older adults seeking to enhance brain health and mental clarity.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is used by athletes to enhance physical strength, improve muscle endurance, and speed up post-workout recovery.
Black maca, in particular, is sometimes used by bodybuilders as a natural supplement to support muscle growth and improve workout performance.
Due to its rich calcium and magnesium content, maca is used to help strengthen bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in women after menopause.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is sometimes incorporated into skincare products or consumed to improve skin vitality, boost collagen production, and protect the skin from environmental damage due to its antioxidant properties.
Maca’s high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help support the immune system, improving the body's ability to fight infections and maintain overall health.
Maca contains antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and glucosinolates, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and potentially prevent chronic diseases.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract may aid in maintaining a healthy metabolism and provide sustained energy, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage or lose weight without resorting to stimulants.
Maca supports overall endocrine health by nourishing the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which help regulate the adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas, and other hormone-producing glands in the body.
Some people use maca to promote hair growth, as it may help balance hormones that affect hair health, particularly in cases of hair thinning due to hormonal imbalances.
In its powdered form, Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is often added to smoothies, juices, coffee, or baked goods for a nutritional boost.
It has a slightly nutty, earthy flavor that complements sweet and savory dishes.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is used to support adrenal gland health, helping to regulate the body's response to stress and reducing the likelihood of adrenal fatigue caused by chronic stress or overwork.
Athletes and active individuals use maca to speed up recovery after intense physical activities by reducing muscle soreness and promoting faster tissue repair.
Due to its antioxidant content and hormone-balancing effects, maca is sometimes promoted as an anti-aging supplement that can improve vitality, energy, and overall well-being as one ages.
Safety Profile:
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract is believed to influence hormone levels, which can be problematic for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or prostate cancer.
It may exacerbate these conditions by affecting estrogen or testosterone levels.
There is limited research on the safety of maca root for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
As it may influence hormone levels, Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract’s recommended that women in these stages consult a healthcare provider before using maca.
Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract contains substances known as goitrogens, which may interfere with normal thyroid function, especially in people with existing thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism.
Goitrogens can disrupt the uptake of iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone production, leading to potential thyroid imbalance over time.
Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort when consuming maca, particularly in larger quantities or if they have a sensitive stomach.
Consuming raw Maca (lepidium meyenii) Root extract, especially in large quantities, may increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Cooking or gelatinizing maca (a process that breaks down starches) may reduce these effects and make it easier to digest.
