There is no doubt that Maca sounds exotic-like a mysterious aphrodisiac or a secret adaptogenic anti-stress formula that has been hidden with generations by the Peruvian Indians.
It is true that Maca extract has some confirmed positive effects, but with the current level of research, I can boldly say that they are greatly overvalued and are somehow mysteriously multiplied by word of mouth.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a perennial plant that grows high in the mountain forests of Peru and Bolivia (Andes). It is popular with the names maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and others.
Maca increases libido, without affecting the hormone - it has been observed, but the mechanism is unknown. The Maca plant contains a group of sterols, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, which are said to have a synergistic effect.
Most often, you can find the Maca extract as part of complex herbal supplements for libido-enhancing, toning, different anti-stress herbal adaptogens, or formulas for stimulating hormones. Maca improves fertility by increasing sperm quality.
Top 5 Best Selling Maca Supplements
| Product | Buy on iHerb | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California Gold Nutrition Peruvian Maca | ||
| #2 Now Foods Maca | ||
| #3 MRM Raw Organic Maca Root | ||
| #4 Natrol Maca | ||
| #5 Sunfood Raw Organic Black Maca Powder |
What Is Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a perennial plant that grows high in the mountain forests of Peru and Bolivia (Andes). It is popular with the names maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and others.
The name South American ginseng is popular, but it is really not correct. Both plants are far apart in the world of plant evolution.
Maca is a plant with edible parts - people and animals use it for food to make drinks, flour mixes, and even beer.
What Do You Need to Know About Maca Extract
The Maca plant contains a group of sterols, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, which are said to have a synergistic effect. The most interesting discovery, however, is the isolation of chemical p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate.
Traditional local medicine in the Andes attributes p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate aphrodisiac properties. Scientists have still not confirmed these affirmations of the folk healers.
The plant contains several, yet, undefined by structure and properties alkaloids. Likewise Leuzea, Maca also contains the Beta-ecdysone ecdysterone, sitosterols, and stigmasterols.
Purpose and Health Benefits of Maca:
- It improves fertility by increasing sperm quality (healthier and more active sperm).
- Increases libido, without affecting the hormone - it has been observed, but the mechanism is unknown.
Are There Side Effects and Contraindications
None established.
Note that Maca has been the food for the local population of the South American Andes for generations.
It has popularity similar to the one of the beer yeast.
Necessary Doses:
Most typically, the standalone forms of crushed dry Maca extract are in doses of 500 mg per tablet.
In Peru, the birthplace of the Maca plant, the recommended consumption is 6 to 10 tablets of dry extract, i.e. about 3 to 5 g per day.
In Which Sports and Health Supplements Can We Find Maca
Most often, you can find the Maca extract as part of complex herbal supplements for libido-enhancing, toning, different anti-stress herbal adaptogens, or formulas for stimulating hormones (there is no data that Maca has any influence on them, though).
