Supplements Herbal Supplements What Is Maca Root? By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 05, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor practicing in Santa Monica, California. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Potential Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is the root of a vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru. It is known as "Peruvian ginseng," even though it doesn't belong to the same botanical family as ginseng. Maca is consumed as a food and is said to boost energy and libido. 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 root is often added to soup and oatmeal, roasted and consumed as a vegetable, or made into a fermented beverage known as "maca de chicha." This article will discuss its claimed health benefits, side effects, dosages, drug interactions, and more. Uses Proponents claim that maca may be helpful for the following conditions: Depression Erectile dysfunction Hair loss Hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause Low libido As a cruciferous vegetable, like cabbage, broccoli, and kale, maca contains glucosinolates. These are plant compounds that are being studied for their role in cancer prevention. In Peruvian folk medicine, maca is sometimes used to raise energy levels. Potential Health Benefits Few scientific studies have examined the effectiveness of maca. Here's a look at several findings from the available research: Sexual Function and Libido In a report published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers analyzed four previously published clinical trials on the use of maca for improving sexual function. While some of the studies found that maca may have positive effects on issues like low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, the researchers concluded that the total number of trials, the total number of patients, and the quality of the studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions. They also noted that there is insufficient knowledge of the risks of maca intake. An earlier study found maca may improve libido in men. Researchers gave subjects either 1,500 milligrams (mg) or 3,000 mg of maca or placebo (an inactive pill) for 12 weeks. They found both doses of maca increased sexual desire better than placebo, and did not increase testosterone or estrogen levels. Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Maca may alleviate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women, according to a 2015 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Certain antidepressants are known to cause problems such as low libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty reaching orgasm. For the study, women who were taking antidepressant medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) took either maca root or a placebo. At the end of the 12-week study, those taking maca had lower rates of sexual dysfunction. Fertility In a small study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2015, semen quality and hormone levels were measured after men were given maca or a placebo. After the 12-week study period, there were no significant changes in sperm counts, motility (how well sperm move), and hormone levels, though sperm concentration and motility showed some improvement. Depression Maca may help to improve mood in depression, according to a study published in Climacteric in 2015. For the study, postmenopausal women were given maca for six weeks. Compared to those taking a placebo, researchers found significant decreases in depression. Possible Side Effects Little is known about the safety and risks of short-term or long-term use of maca. Since it is a natural food, it is generally believed to be safe in large doses. Maca's effect on hormone levels is poorly understood. For instance, some studies have found no effect on sex hormones, while animal studies have reported higher levels of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and testosterone. Because of these possible hormonal effects, if you have one of the following conditions, you should not take maca without consulting your healthcare provider: Breast, uterine, or ovarian cancerEndometriosisUterine fibroidsThyroid disease As with many other supplements, maca hasn't been tested for safety in pregnant people, nursing mothers, children, those with medical conditions, or those who are taking medications. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Dosage and Preparation Maca is sold as a powder, in capsules, as gelatin, and as a tincture. It is also sometimes added to foods. Its nutty, earthy flavor pairs well with cinnamon. There is no standard dosage guideline for maca root. Alternative medicine practitioners recommend starting with 3 grams (1 tablespoon of powder) and working your way up to 9 grams per day. What to Look For The maca plant is native to the Andes mountain range. For the best quality product, look for organic maca grown in Peru. When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by one of the following: Consumer LabsNSF InternationalThe U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention Summary Maca root is added to food to boost libido and energy. It has also been studied as a remedy for sexual dysfunction, depression, hair loss, hot flashes, and fertility, yet more studies are still needed to prove these health benefits. Little is known about the short- and long-term side effects of maca, so you should consult your healthcare provider before trying the supplement. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with hormone-sensitive conditions should be especially careful. Frequently Asked Questions Can maca root help with chronic fatigue syndrome? While some alternative health proponents claim maca root can treat chronic fatigue syndrome, no clinical evidence supports this. However, it is used in Peruvian medicine to boost energy. Anecdotal evidence also suggests its nutrient-rich profile may help with general fatigue. Is maca a stimulant? While maca is believed to boost energy, it is not a stimulant. Maca does not have the same side effects as short-acting stimulants, such as ephedra, that provide a quick jolt of energy. It takes two to three weeks to feel any energizing effects. Can maca improve your sex life? Possibly. Maca has traditionally been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac. A handful of studies suggest maca may have sexual health benefits for some people. Maca may relieve antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. In men, maca may promote stronger erections, increase libido, and improve sperm quality. However, research is limited, and study results have been mixed. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ley BM. Maca! Adaptogen and Hormonal Regulator. Minneapolis, MN: BL Publications National Cancer Institute. Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. 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. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44 Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002;34(6):367-372. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036 Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369 Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B, et al. Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):69-78. doi:10.3109/13697137.2014.929649 Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S. Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice. J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-6. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145 Loria, K. How to choose supplements wisely. Consumer Reports.