Efficacy and Safety of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Patients with Symptoms of Late-Onset Hypogonadism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca

“…This study applied the oral administration of approximately 5 g/day of gelatinized maca for 12 weeks, presenting a significant decrease in symptoms of androgen deficiency, erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract, compared to baseline and placebo. As in the studies already mentioned, there were also no significant differences between T and fT levels, and other parameters such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglicerides ( Shin et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Mild gastrointestinal disturbances were also reported with the administration of approximately 5 g of gelatinized maca daily for 30 days ( Shin et al, 2023 ), while another study reported a moderate increase in a liver transaminase (AST) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with the administration of 0.6 g/kg/day of maca powder for 90 days ( Valentová et al, 2008 ). Similarly, a study evaluating maca glucosinolates as part of an herbal supplement at doses of 3.3 g daily reported no adverse effects or immediate or late toxicity ( Villar-López et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The effects on sexual health and fertility of males with some underlying impairment, have been evaluated in four studies, including mild erectile dysfunction ( Zenico et al, 2009 ), male infertility ( Alcalde et al, 2020 ; Melnikovova et al, 2021 ), and late-presenting hypogonadism ( Shin et al, 2023 ). The studies in question used oral administration of maca powder in tablets of 1,000 mg ( Alcalde et al, 2020 ) and 1,200 mg ( Zenico et al, 2009 ), and gelatinized maca in capsules of 400 mg ( Melnikovova et al, 2021 ) and 833 mg ( Shin et al, 2023 ); with daily doses between 2 g ( Alcalde et al, 2020 ) and 2.4 g ( Zenico et al, 2009 ) of maca powder, and 2.8 g ( Melnikovova et al, 2021 ) and approximately 5 g ( Shin et al, 2023 ) of gelatinized maca, for 12 ( Zenico et al, 2009 ; Alcalde et al, 2020 ; Shin et al, 2023 ) to 16 weeks ( Melnikovova et al, 2021 ).…”

Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses

“…12-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trial [46] at two hospitals in Korea with 80 men over 40 years old with Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) score >/=27; three subjects stopped the trial. Species: Lepidium meyenii Product: Not stated Location/Cultivation: Not stated Form: Gelatinized powder Dose and Route: 1000 mg, two tablets *, three times daily, total of ~5 g per day, taken before food; each 1000 mg capsule contained 833 mg of maca (* The authors describe the maca as being given in tablet and capsule form.)…”

“…As of November 7, 2023, using the search terms “maca,” “maca” [in title], “maca” [in title/abstract], “Lepidium meyenii” [in title/abstract], and “Lepidium peruvianum” [in title/abstract], results in 843, 256, 528, 292, and 17 findings, respectively [ 21 ]. Beginning with the early 2000s until the present day (2023), preclinical and clinical research has provided data that would expand maca’s use into other areas of health such as menstrual cycle regulation [ 22 , 23 ], menopausal symptoms [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], osteoporosis [ 28 ], sperm quality [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], memory [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], mood [ 36 , 40 ], prostate health [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], and fitness optimization (e.g., reducing inflammation and increasing strength) [ 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Even though maca has broader applications, there has been historical research emphasis on its ability to modify the endocrine system, pioneered by the work of Gonzales et al on males [ 29 , 31 , 33 , 42 , 50 , 51 ] and Meissner et al on pre- and post-menopausal women [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”