Maca has been reported to have a low degree of acute oral toxicity in animals and low cellular toxicity in vitro. Stage VIII is associated with the release of spermatozoa to the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. You’ll find out if this South American superfood can pack on the pounds in just a bit…. L. sativum contains many glucosinolates, and in vitro assays document tumorigenesis inhibition and bactericidal, antiviral, and fungicidal activity.15, 16 An alkaloid, lepidine, has been isolated from the seeds of L. sativum.17 Evomonoside, a cardiac glycoside, has been isolated in substantial yield from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum, a Korean species.18 Several flavones and flavonoid glycosides have also been isolated from the genus Lepidium.19, Numerous animal and human studies on the aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties of maca are found in the scientific literature. The hypocotyl can be a variety of colors, such as red, purple, cream, yellow, or black, and is 10 to 14 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide; a cold climate seems to be critical for its formation or growth. Maca is a herbaceous plant of the Cruciferae family, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, sometimes reffered to as Peruvian ginseng. Numerous studies on the aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties of maca are documented in scientific literature. Patients with thyroid conditions should avoid maca because glucosinolates taken in excess and combined with a low-iodine diet can cause goiter. Maca is available commercially in several dosage forms including powder, liquid, tablets, and capsules. When it comes to reproductive benefits, the most commonly claimed are libido boosting, fertility, overcoming erectile dysfunction, and prostate health. Stages IX through XI are associated with the first mitosis of spermatogonia A.29 A similar study by the same author found that oral administration of an aqueous maca extract to normal adult male rats for 14 days increased spermatogenesis, acting on stages IX through XI.30, One study examined the effect on spermatogenesis in rats after short-term (7 days) and long-term (42 days) treatment with red, yellow, and black ecotypes of maca. Maca is a relative of the radish and has an odor similar to butterscotch. Maca Root Benefits: Is Having a Bigger Booty Worth It? Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Three capsules contain: Maca: 1,500mg: Macamides may inhibit cannabinoids and act as competitive ligands.1, 13, 14, Other species of Lepidium have been analyzed. Maca may also act via an androgen-independent mechanism because the weight of the seminal vesicle was not influenced by maca.33 A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel study of 56 healthy men (21 to 56 years of age) administered gelatinized maca root 1,500 or 3,000 mg/day had similar results.34, A small study in postmenopausal women (n=14) reported no effect of maca (3.5 g/day for 6 weeks) on serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or sex hormone-binding globulin.26 Similar findings were reported in a study in a Chinese population (n=29), which additionally reported no effect of maca on lipid profiles and serum cytokines but there was a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.27, Maca protects cells from oxidative stress and is capable of scavenging free radicals.14, 35 Maca decreased the levels of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL); low density lipoproteins; total cholesterol; and the level of triacylglycerols in the plasma, VLDL, and liver in rats. Can Help In Bodybuilding. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates have anticancer activity and may be responsible for some of the activity in the plant species. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. Flour may be added to the roots to prepare bread and cookies. turmeric, saw palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, garlic. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. There is no evidence of adverse reactions with maca. No significant changes were found for somatic or vasomotor scores.26 Similar findings on depression were reported in a study in a Chinese population (n=29).27, Blood levels of progesterone in female mice and blood levels of testosterone in male mice were increased during administration of maca. This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. Our maca vitamin is concentrated for guaranteed levels of active herbal components. ; Amazingly, research shows that the 1500 mg helping (about 3 teaspoons) displays similar results as the 3000 mg helping. * Modern scientific research suggests that maca may help to support a healthy reproductive life for both men and women. This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. Because of its claimed anabolic and aphrodisiac effects, maca is often referred to as the "ginseng of the Andes" or "Peruvian ginseng. Maca, an ancient herb used by Peruvian natives for sexual support, is now available worldwide. Maca Benefits for Hypothyroidism by Mary Shomon Patient Advocate. There is no evidence of adverse reactions with maca. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Its long-time use as a food product suggests low potential for toxicity.