Maca Root Extract

Maca Root Extract – Scientific Report

Overview
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian adaptogenic root traditionally used to support energy, mood, and sexual health. Modern clinical research confirms that maca helps promote hormonal balance, libido, and vitality in both men and women, without directly influencing sex hormone levels. The bioactive compounds responsible for these effects—known as macamides and macaenes—are unique to maca and contribute to its adaptogenic and energizing properties. Standardized maca root extract is typically administered at 1.5–3 grams daily over 6–12 weeks in clinical studies.

Energy and Mood Support
Maca has demonstrated benefits in improving mood, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall wellbeing. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adults taking 3 grams per day experienced increased energy and improved mood compared to placebo (Brooks et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2008). Another study found that maca supplementation led to reduced anxiety and depression scores in postmenopausal women (Meissner et al., Menopause, 2006), supporting its role in emotional balance during hormonal transition.

Sexual Function and Libido
Multiple human studies have shown that maca can enhance sexual desire and satisfaction. In a 12-week trial, men who took 1.5–3 grams of maca daily reported improved sexual desire compared to placebo, independent of changes in testosterone or estrogen levels (Gonzales et al., Andrologia, 2002). A follow-up study confirmed these findings, demonstrating that maca increased libido and sexual well-being without altering serum hormone concentrations (Gonzales et al., Journal of Endocrinology, 2003).

In women, maca has also been shown to improve sexual function and arousal. A double-blind trial on postmenopausal women reported enhanced sexual satisfaction and reduced symptoms of sexual dysfunction after 6 weeks of maca supplementation (Dording et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015).

Menopausal Support
Maca may provide natural support for women during menopause by improving mood, energy, and sexual health. Clinical research in early postmenopausal women showed that maca extract contributed to improved mood and reduced discomfort while supporting libido (Meissner et al., Climacteric, 2005). These benefits are thought to result from maca’s adaptogenic ability to support overall endocrine balance rather than directly influencing estrogen levels.

Mechanisms of Action
Maca’s effects are attributed to its unique combination of macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and plant sterols. These compounds are believed to enhance neuroendocrine function, regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and support healthy energy metabolism. Unlike phytoestrogens, maca appears to act indirectly on hormonal balance, promoting equilibrium and resilience in the body’s stress and reproductive systems (Valentová & Ulrichová, Phytotherapy Research, 2003).

Safety and Tolerability
Clinical studies report that maca is safe and well tolerated, even at doses up to 3.5 grams per day. No adverse hormonal or metabolic effects have been observed. Participants in long-term studies noted improved vitality without side effects, confirming maca’s suitability for daily use (Gonzales et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2009).

Conclusion
Maca root extract is a clinically supported adaptogen that promotes energy, mood balance, and sexual wellness in both men and women. Its natural ability to enhance libido and vitality without altering hormone levels makes it a safe and effective botanical for supporting hormonal harmony and wellbeing throughout all stages of life.

Key References

• Gonzales, G. F., et al. (2002). Andrologia, 34(6), 367–372.

• Gonzales, G. F., et al. (2003). Journal of Endocrinology, 176(1), 163–168.

• Meissner, H. O., et al. (2005). Climacteric, 8(4), 347–356.

• Meissner, H. O., et al. (2006). Menopause, 13(3), 387–394.

• Brooks, N. A., et al. (2008). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 363–372.

• Dording, C. M., et al. (2015). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 949036.

• Valentová, K., & Ulrichová, J. (2003). Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 379–384.

• Gonzales, G. F., et al. (2009). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 47(9), 2402–2409.