Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women - Clinical Pilot Study

Meissner HO, Reich-Bilinska H, Mscisz A, Kedzia B

Published in Int J Biomed Sci, Vol. 2 (2), pp. 143-59

Methodology

Four-month double-blind, randomised, crossover pilot trial in 20 perimenopausal women aged 41-50: 2 g a day of pre-gelatinised maca (two 500 mg capsules twice daily with meals) or placebo for two months, then switched. Hormones, minerals, lipids, weight and blood pressure were measured monthly and symptoms scored with the Kupperman index by a gynaecologist.

Key Findings

Two months of maca alleviated symptoms in most women (74-87%) on the Kupperman index, with increases in oestradiol, FSH, progesterone and ACTH and falls in blood pressure, body weight, triglycerides and cholesterol. There was a distinct placebo effect at the start of the study.

Conclusions

The authors suggested the preparation may be a valuable non-hormonal option for balancing hormones and relieving hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, nervousness and low mood in perimenopause.

Limitations

Pilot of 20 women, two months per treatment, a notable placebo effect, and the same research group and preparation as the other trials of this product.