Brassicaceae
Maca
Lepidium meyenii
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Andes mountains, Peru (3500–4500m)
Also known as: Peruvian Ginseng, Ayak Chichira, Maino
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Sexual dysfunction (libido — multiple RCTs for both sexes), infertility (sperm quality), menopausal symptoms (without estrogenic mechanism), fatigue, altitude sickness, bone health, mild cognitive enhancement.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, aphrodisiac, fertility enhancer, hormonal modulator (non-estrogenic), endurance enhancer
Active Constituents
Glucosinolates (glucotropaeolin, benzyl glucosinolate), benzylisothiocyanate, macamides, macaenes, alkaloids (lepidiline), minerals (iodine, iron, zinc)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tbsp maca powder in smoothie or warm (not hot) drink, 1x daily |
| Tincture | Standard: 1500–3000mg dried root daily. Gelatinized form better tolerated. |
| Notes | Heat destroys active macamides — raw or gelatinized (pre-cooked) forms. Gelatinized (broken down starch) better digested. Black maca best for male fertility; red maca for bone health; yellow for general use. Effects 6–12 weeks. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical concern — not estrogenic but affects hormonal milieu). Iodine content — caution in thyroid disease.
Side Effects: GI discomfort with ungelatinized form. Insomnia if taken late. Thyroid effects (iodine). Generally very well tolerated.