Maca Root

Inside Body
Inside: Harmless

Maca root is a Peruvian plant traditionally used to enhance libido, improve fertility, and boost mood.

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Maca root is a Peruvian plant traditionally used to enhance libido, improve fertility, and boost mood.

Maca root is a Peruvian plant with a history of traditional use for various purported health benefits, including enhancing libido, improving male fertility, boosting mood, increasing energy, and relieving menopausal symptoms. While preliminary and moderate evidence supports some of these claims, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its efficacy and fully elucidate its mechanisms of action. Side effects are generally mild, but caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those taking medications that may interact with hormonal pathways. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting maca supplementation.

Key Information

Inside Body Harmful Score

Harmless

Common Dosage

1.5-3g daily

Source Type

natural

Production Process

Maca root is harvested from the Maca plant (Lepidium meyenii) grown in the high Andes mountains of Peru. The roots are dried, then typically ground into a powder for consumption or further processed into extracts.

Use Type

Inside Body

Potential Benefits

Mood Support enhances emotional well-being by modulating neurotransmitters, reducing stress hormones, and promoting a positive outlook. It aims to alleviate mild mood disturbances and improve resilience.

3/5

This benefit enhances physical vitality and mental alertness by improving energy levels, reducing fatigue, and improving cognitive function. It contributes to overall health, productivity, and the ability to perform daily tasks effectively.

3/5

Enhances or supports sexual desire and drive, aiming to improve various aspects related to sexual function and satisfaction. This may address low libido caused by factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or medication side effects.

3/5

Mood enhancement improves emotional well-being by reducing negative feelings and increasing positive ones. It aims to stabilize and elevate mood, fostering a positive outlook and improved emotional resilience.

2/5

Tongkat Ali is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac to boost libido, primarily by increasing free testosterone levels and reducing cortisol. This can result in heightened sexual desire and function, especially in men.

3/5

Maca may enhance male fertility by improving sperm quality and motility. This effect may be due to maca's hormonal and antioxidant properties.

3/5

The 'Energy and Stamina' benefit seeks to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue. While Maca is often associated with this benefit, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is mixed.

2/5

Maca may reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. More research is needed to confirm these benefits and understand the mechanism.

3/5

ALCAR boosts energy by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. This can result in increased physical energy and reduced fatigue.

2/5

Possible Side Effects

Digestive Issues

Digestive issues include a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, stemming from causes such as medication, food, or underlying conditions. Persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.

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Hormonal Effects

Maca may affect hormone levels, potentially causing imbalances. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution.

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Interference with Medications

Maca can interact with medications like blood thinners and hormone therapies, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking medications.

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Scientific Evidence

Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas GI, Farabaugh A, Sonawalla S, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the treatment of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall;14(3):182-91. Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44.

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