The use of Maca
The Maca root has grown in the Andes Mountains for thousands of years. The root crop of Maca is related to potatoe and Wild Mexican yam. Native peruvians have used Maca in traditional folk medicine for centuries. Maca has been used for increasing fertility, for increasing sexual desire, and as a stimulant. In ethnomedicinal use, maca has also been used as an anti-depressant remedy and as a wound-healing plant. Maca has often been reported to have a soothing effect on arthritis, respiratory problems, and constipation.
Nutritional value
The maca root is a common constituent in the diet in the Andes Mountains and has a high nutritional value compared with potatoes, carrots, and beets.
The composition of the dried root is: 59% carbohydrates, 10.4% water, 10.2% proteins, 8.5% fibres, 4.9% ashes, and 2.2% lipids. The mineral contents are: calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc. Moreover, various alkaloids have been identified which are important because of their effect on flavour which can probably explain the common use of maca in ethnomedicine. The maca root also contains isothiocyanates, especially benzyl isothiocyanate and p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate in relatively small amounts. The fertility-enhancing effect of maca can be attributed to these aromatic isothiocyanates.
Scientific research
A clinical trial with 9 men consisted of giving them tablets with maca root for 4 months. 6 of these men were given 1500 mg. of root per day and 3 men were given 3000 mg. of root per day. The study showed an improvement in sperm quality which was not due to a modification of the hormone level (measurements were made at serum level of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, and oestradiol). There was, however, a significant improvement in the sperm volume, total sperm count, and sperm motility. The article also reveals unpublished results from studies on women indicating that maca can improve the response to the follicle stimulating hormone and thereby promote ovulation.
A type of maca extract seemed to increase the sexual function in mice and rats. The animals were given different concentrations of maca extract orally for 22 days while the control group where not given anything. The various dosages of maca were 45 mg./kg., 180 mg./kg., and 1800 mg./kg. In the groups of mice which had been given maca, an increased number of matings were observed. Moreover, consumption of maca in male mice with erective dysfunction was related to a shorter latent period for erection.
Similar results were obtained in another study. In this study, 60 male rats were given pulverized maca root - either 15 or 75 mg./kg. daily - or pure saline. Both dosages resulted in a significantly increased number of matings. The conclusion to this study was that maca improves the sexual capability in male rats.
Dosage
Dried root: 1000 mg. twice a day for 2 weeks. After this, some people will not require more than half this dose.
Side effects
There are no known side effects.
Warning
Maca should not be used by children or during pregnancy.
Also see the article on "Aphrodisiacs".
