What Is Maca? Other Names: Ayak Chichira, Ginseng Andin, Lepidium meyenii

What is Maca?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to the high Andes of Peru. It has been traditionally used for its supposed health benefits, particularly in enhancing fertility and sexual function. This article explores the various aspects of Maca, including its botanical characteristics, traditional uses, and scientific findings on its health benefits. Other names include: Ayak Chichira, Ayuk Willku, Ginseng Andin, Ginseng Péruvien, Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum, Maca Maca, Maca Péruvien, Maino, Maka, Peruvian Ginseng, Peruvian Maca.

Botanical Characteristics

Maca is a root vegetable that grows at altitudes between 3,800 and 4,500 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes1 2. The plant is known for its resilience in harsh climatic conditions and poor soil quality. The hypocotyl, the part of the plant that grows underground, is the most commonly used part for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Traditional Uses of Maca

In traditional Andean culture, Maca has been used for centuries as a food source and for its medicinal properties. It is believed to enhance fertility, boost energy levels, and improve sexual function. The root is often dried and powdered, then added to various foods and beverages1 7.

Scientific Findings

Effects on Reproductive Health

Several studies have investigated the effects of Maca on reproductive health. A study on adult healthy men found that Maca did not significantly affect serum reproductive hormone levels, suggesting that its aphrodisiac properties might not be linked to hormonal changes1. However, another study on breeding bulls indicated that Maca supplementation could improve sperm quantity and quality, particularly in animals with borderline sperm quality2. Additionally, Maca has been shown to increase litter size in female mice, supporting its traditional use in enhancing fertility6.

Psychological and Sexual Health

Maca has also been studied for its effects on psychological symptoms and sexual dysfunction. In postmenopausal women, Maca supplementation significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction, independent of its estrogenic and androgenic activity3. Another study found that Maca could alleviate sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in remitted depressed outpatients, with higher doses showing more significant improvements8.

Physical Performance and Endurance

Research on the effects of Maca on physical performance has shown promising results. In exercised rats, Maca supplementation increased endurance capacity and reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup5. These findings suggest that Maca may enhance physical performance by improving energy metabolism and antioxidant response.

Safety and Acceptability

The safety and acceptability of Maca have been evaluated in various studies. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that both black and red Maca were well-tolerated and did not produce serious adverse effects in adult human subjects7. However, another study noted a moderate increase in AST levels and diastolic blood pressure in volunteers using high doses of Maca, indicating the need for caution when using large amounts9.

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Adverse Effects of Maca

Increased AST Levels and Blood Pressure

Maca consumption was associated with a moderate increase in AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels and diastolic blood pressure in volunteers, particularly at higher doses1.

No Serious Adverse Effects

Studies on the safety of black and red maca extracts found no serious adverse effects in adult human subjects, indicating good overall tolerability2.

No Hormonal Changes

Maca did not affect serum reproductive hormone levels in healthy men, suggesting no significant hormonal side effects5.

No Hormonal or Immune Biological Action

In postmenopausal women, maca did not exert any hormonal or immune biological action, although it did reduce symptoms of depression and improve diastolic blood pressure6.

No Toxicity in Combination with Silymarin

When used in combination with silymarin, maca did not show any adverse effects in patients with metabolic syndrome, except for the noted increase in AST levels and diastolic blood pressure1.

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How has Maca Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Sexual Function and Well-being

Maca significantly improved erectile function and overall well-being in men with mild erectile dysfunction compared to placebo2.

Maca alleviated SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and improved libido in patients, with a dose-related effect observed5.

Reduction in Hypogonadism Symptoms

Maca significantly improved symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism, including better scores on the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale and the International Index of Erectile Function1.

Mental Health and Blood Pressure

Maca reduced symptoms of depression and lowered diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women, although it did not affect hormonal or immune parameters3.

Seminal Quality

Maca improved sperm concentration in infertile men, although it did not significantly affect semen volume, sperm motility, or morphology4.

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Maca Mechanisms of Action

Energy Metabolism and Endurance

Maca supplementation increases endurance capacity and reduces oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup during exercise by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis pathways and antioxidant responses1 4.

Maca modulates energy metabolism markers such as insulin, IRS1, leptin, and SIRT1, indicating its role in regulating fat and liver energy metabolism5.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Maca exhibits strong antioxidant properties, reducing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, which helps in scavenging free radicals produced during exhaustive exercise1.

It also shows anti-inflammatory effects by reducing NF-κB levels, which are associated with inflammation1.

Psychological and Hormonal Effects

Maca reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, potentially through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress responses2 3 6.

Despite its psychological benefits, Maca does not significantly alter serum reproductive hormone levels such as estradiol, testosterone, or luteinizing hormone3 6 8.

Sexual Function and Fertility

Maca improves sexual desire and function, as evidenced by increased self-rated sexual desire scores in athletes and reduced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women3 4.

It enhances sperm motility and count in chemically subfertile mice, although it does not reverse the effects of physical subfertility7.

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Common Complaints Associated with Maca Use

Efficacy in Treating Hypogonadism Symptoms

Maca significantly improved symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism, as measured by the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (AMS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)1.

The positive rate for Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Males (ADAM) was significantly decreased in the Maca-treated group1.

Impact on Reproductive Hormone Levels

Maca did not affect serum levels of reproductive hormones, including luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and 17-beta estradiol, in healthy men2.

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