Maca Root
Lepidium meyenii
TL;DR
Maca has consistent small-trial evidence for improving sexual desire and for easing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction — and, unusually for a libido supplement, it does this without changing testosterone or any other sex hormone.
Ideal For
- Low sexual desire without a hormonal cause
- SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
- Postmenopausal psychological symptoms
- Male fertility support, using black maca
Avoid If
- Expecting testosterone to rise — it will not
- Thyroid dysfunction, if consuming large amounts raw
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Hormone-sensitive conditions, as a precaution despite the non-hormonal data
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Maca is unusual among libido supplements in that the trials largely agree with each other and disagree with the marketing. Randomised placebo-controlled studies at 1.5-3 g/day report increased self-reported sexual desire in men after around eight weeks, improvement in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in both men and women at the higher 3 g dose, and reduced psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women. What these trials also show, consistently, is that serum testosterone, oestradiol, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone do not change. Whatever maca does, it is not hormonal, which contradicts most of the way it is sold and also means the usual hormone-related cautions do not straightforwardly apply. The mechanism remains poorly characterised; macamides and macaenes are the leading candidates, with proposed activity on fatty acid amide hydrolase and the endocannabinoid system. The evidence base is genuinely limited: small samples, short durations, several trials from the same Peruvian group, and self-reported outcomes that are especially placebo-sensitive in this domain. Colour matters somewhat — black maca has the better data for sperm parameters and memory, red for prostate volume in animal models, yellow is the common commodity form. Gelatinised maca is heat-treated to remove starch and is easier to digest.
How It Works
- No change in testosterone, oestradiol, LH or FSH in trials
- Macamides may inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase, raising endocannabinoid tone
- Possible dopaminergic contribution to desire
- Not a hormonal supplement despite how it is marketed
Quick Facts
- Improves reported desire without changing any sex hormone
- 3 g/day helped SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in trial
- Takes around 8 weeks
- Black for sperm and memory, red for prostate, yellow general
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Supporting Research7 studies
Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review
Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ +2 more
The total number of trials, the total sample size and the average methodological quality of the primary studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men
Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K
Maca improved self-reported sexual desire without changing serum testosterone or oestradiol.
A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G
Maca showed a trend toward improved SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, reaching significance only at the higher dose.
Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Borrelli F, Colalto C, Delfino DV +2 more
P. pinaster and L. meyenii showed very preliminary positive results
Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women
Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B
Maca reduced depression scores and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women without changing sex hormones.
A pilot study on the effect of maca on menopausal symptoms: no hormonal changes observed
Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H
Standardised maca reduced menopausal symptom scores versus placebo in early-postmenopausal women.
Effect of maca supplementation on physical performance and mood in trained cyclists
Stone M, Ibarra A, Roller M
Maca extract improved 40 km cycling time trial performance and self-rated sexual desire in trained cyclists.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Generally well tolerated. Bloating and gas, particularly with raw maca. Insomnia if taken late. Occasional jitteriness at higher doses.
Contraindications
Caution in thyroid disease with large raw intakes, since maca is a brassica containing glucosinolates. Insufficient data in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
- SSRIs — used alongside for sexual dysfunction; no adverse interaction reported
- Thyroid medication — theoretical goitrogen effect with large raw doses
- Hormone therapies — no measured hormonal interaction, but data are limited
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: insufficient_data
Breastfeeding: insufficient_data
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
1500-3000 mg
Best Time to Take
Split into two doses with meals
Best Form
Gelatinised maca powder or extract, colour matched to purpose
Bioavailability
Macamides are lipophilic and absorbed with dietary fat; gelatinisation improves digestibility of the starch-heavy root.
Forms Compared
Gelatinised maca
Black maca
Red maca
Yellow maca
Food & Timing
With meals; raw maca is high in starch and can cause bloating.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.