Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men

Abstract

This study was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with placebo. The study aimed to demonstrate if effect of Maca on subjective report of sexual desire was because of effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Men aged 21-56 years received Maca in one of two doses: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg or placebo. Self-perception on sexual desire, score for Hamilton test for depression, and Hamilton test for anxiety were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo (P:NS). Logistic regression analysis showed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and this effect is not because of changes in either Hamilton scores for depression or anxiety or serum testosterone and oestradiol levels. In conclusion, treatment with Maca improved sexual desire.

A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen

“…These findings support previous in vivo investigations into the effect of maca consumption on sexual desire in humans and rats [2,4]. However, Gonzales et al (2002) did not encounter an increase in sexual desire until 8 weeks of treatment. In this study, participants were subjectively asked to simply report if treatment diminished, did not change, increased mildly or increased moderately to highly sexual desire.…”

“…Consumption of maca has tentatively been linked with an increase in testosterone in some [8] but not all [4] studies. Pre-competition elevated hormone levels have been associated with 'the home advantage' and thus increased aggression and performance in team invasion games such as association football [13].…”

“…Maca derivatives are gaining popularity as dietary supplements consumed either to enhance sexual desire or athletic performance [4] [5]. However little data is available to describe whether or not these postulated effects are of scientific merit.…”

Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women

“…Initial research has focussed on a possible role for Maca in improving male fertility [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] with emerging evidence that Maca may improve sperm production and quality 7 . Although few studies have as yet examined the effect of Maca in women, data from oophorectomized rats, suggests that Maca can improve bone mass and restore trabecular network in the lumbar vertebrae, findings relevant to the high risk of osteoporosis many women face after menopause 15 .…”

Effect of argi+ and multi maca food supplements on sportsmen’s physical and functional capacity

“…Maca, like ginger, is a powerful adaptogene, which improves the body ability to adapt to complicated and stressful situations. Scientific studies have shown that Maca improves memory and neurotransmitter function, increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and enhances libido [5][6][7][8]. Maca alkaloids positively effect hypothalamus and adrenal glands, and this provides energy, and increases vitality [7; 9].…”