Lepidium meyenii,
maca, is a root-like
vegetable shaped like a radish that grows high in the harsh climate of the Andes Mountains
in South America at elevations up to 15,000 feet. It
is one of the few plants that can be cultivated in the harsh climate of the
Andes.
For more than two millennia, native
Peruvians have used it as food and medicine, to promote endurance and improve
energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility. If you have an interest in
increasing energy without a need to focus on sexual energy, an excellent supplement is
MultiVit Rx which works better
than maca alone. This article reviews the benefits and side effects of maca.
Research
review, what do the human studies indicate?
Human studies with maca herb indicate
supplementation leads to enhanced sexual desire and may be helpful in women
after menopause. This herb can also partially reverse sexual dysfunction that
often occurs with the use of SSRI type antidepressants, such as Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil,
Viibryd, and Zoloft.
Buy Maca supplement, Passion Rx with Yohimbe sexual enhancer or other sex enhancing herbs
Q. What's the difference between maca powder and
extract?
A. An extract of an herb means that the active
ingredients are more concentrated and some of the fiber, and other substances
within the herb are removed to make it more potent. Each herb is different in
regards to powder or an extract being preferable. You can try both and see which one works for you better.
Q. Is Peruvian maca root better than those
from other countries?
A. Maca root grows in the Andes mountains which stretch
in Chile, Bolivia, and other neighboring countries. I don't see why those grown
in Peru are any better than a plant grown in Bolivia or Chile.
Q. I take maca 500mg once per day for 3 days on and 1 day
off. Do I still take one week off every month, or is the "1 day off" every
fourth day all the break my body needs? I am a man and take for libido, and it
works great.
A. Each person is different but I think that it is a good idea to
take a week off each month.
How does it work and what is in it?
Passion
Rx
works in Men and Women
This herbal sexual formula provides results that are most often appreciated by
the third or fourth day of use. Our feedback thus far indicates more than 80%
user satisfaction by the end of the first week, and 90 percent by the end of the
second week.
Dr. Sahelian and his research staff have tested various doses and extracts of
dozens of herbs from a number or raw material suppliers to determine
the ideal dosage and combination for optimal aphrodisiac properties with the fewest side
effects. After years of trial and error, a proprietary blend with a
dozen
herbal extracts from the best raw material suppliers has been created
which have a positive influence on:
In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs. The potent nutrients and herbal extracts in this natural sexual boosting pill include acetylcarnitine, ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium, herba cistanches, damiana,
horny goat weed extract, maca root extract, Mucuna Pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, rehmannia, tongkat ali supplement, tribulus and yohimbe.
Erectile dysfunction
benefit research
This study shows that maca root supplements provide a slight improvement
in men with impotence.
Subjective effects of Lepidium
meyenii extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients
with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical
trial.
Andrologia. 2009.
We carried out a double-blind clinical trial on 50 Caucasian
men affected by mild erectile dysfunction, randomised to treatment
with maca dry extract, 2400 mg, or placebo. After 12 weeks patients experienced a more
significant increase in sexual satisfaction. Our data support a small but significant effect of maca
supplementation on subjective perception of general and sexual
well-being in adult patients with mild erectile dysfunction.
Sexual desire increase studies, it does improve libido
A human study confirms the rodent
findings. Researchers at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, in Lima,
Peru, performed a 12-week double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in
which active treatment with different doses of maca was compared with placebo.
Men aged 21-56 years received 3 grams. An improvement in sexual desire was
observed at 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were
not different in men treated with maca than in those treated with placebo.
Maca root improves sexual behavior in male rats independently from
its action on spontaneous locomotor activity.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2001.
The aim of
this study was to evaluate the effect of acute and chronic Maca pulverised root
oral administration on rat sexual behavior. Sixty male sexually experienced rats
(20 group) were daily treated for 15 days. Both acute and chronic oral
administration significantly improve sexual performance parameters in male rats.
Maca side
effects, safety, risk, danger
Maca root has some side effects or safety, risk concerns. High doses could lead to insomnia but as a
rule it is quite safe as long as reasonable amounts are consumed. HIgh doses are
not recommended in those with heart disease, atrial fibrillation or heart rhythm
disturbances, or for those who are on heart medications or blood pressure
medications.
Q. Is maca powder safe for young 71 yr old
active woman? Does it balance hormones? Cortisol?
A. The safety of an herb used as a supplement depends largely on
the amount used, just as one could say about drinking wine. In older individuals
it is a good idea to begin with low amounts. "Balancing hormones" is a claim
made by some promoters, but this term is unclear and vague, and does not have
much practical meaning. There are many different hormones in the body that
fluctuate constantly and no single herb or combination can "balance" them all to
achieve ideal health.
Side effect testimonials
After I took maca for 3 days (1 teaspoon
each time), I got acne / pimples on my face. Do you know if that side effect
goes away? I'm male 46 years old. I am very careful with my diet
because almost all junk food causes me acne. My reasons for taking maca is a
need for more energy because I feel lethargic.
A. I am not aware of this herb causing acne or pimples.
Today I took my second dose of maca powder from Sunfoods. My previous dose was four days, each dose was the 1 tablespoon which is recommended on the package. I don't believe I had noticeable side effects after the first dose. However today after a couple hours I had an anxiety attack, increased heart rate and now very flushed cheeks and also feel fairly fatigued. I took one tablespoon of maca powder which on the package reads it to be 8 grams. So that would be 8000 mg. The product I took was Sunfoods Raw Organic Maca Powder. I do have to note that it took me a little over a week to feel better after I stopped taking it.
High Quality products formulated by a
medical doctor
Reversing SSRI induced sexual
dysfunction, improving libido
I am often concerned using an herbal aphrodisiac along with prescription
medications, but this study did not seem to indicate any untoward interactions.
A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root for the
management of SSRI induced sexual dysfunction.
CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008.
We
conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel group dose-finding pilot study
comparing a low-dose (1.5 g/day) to a high-dose (3 g/day) maca regimen in 20
remitted depressed outpatients with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The Arizona
Sexual Experience Scale and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function
Questionnaire were used to measure sexual dysfunction. Patients on 3 grams a day had a significant sexual improvement but subjects on 1.5 g/day did
not. It was well tolerated. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual
dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect. This herb may also have a
beneficial effect on libido.
I was not sure if the subjects were still on the SSRI medication when they were started on the maca supplement, so I emailed Dr. Christina Dording, MD in 2009 and she was kind enough to reply, "Thank you for your email. Subjects stayed on their SSRI dose for the duration of the study." Best, Christina Dording, MD.
These SSRI meds are approved to treat depression:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Influence on hormone levels,
prolactin,
testosterone and estrogen
A study was designed to determine the
benefit of a 4-month
oral treatment with tablets of maca on seminal analysis in adult normal men aged 24-44
years old. Nine men received tablets of maca (1500 or 3000 mg/day) for 4 months. Serum
luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol
levels were measured before and after treatment. Treatment resulted in increased
seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculation, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were
not altered.
Effect of Lepidium meyeni, a root with aphrodisiac
and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in
adult healthy men.
J Endocrinol. 2003.
This maca 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 a placebo. The study aimed to test the
hypothesis that maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in
apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or
fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500
mg or 3000 mg of the herb. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating
hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta
estradiol were measured before and after treatment with
placebo or maca (1.5 g or 3 g per day). Compared with placebo maca had no effect
on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time.
Serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment at any of the times studied.
Testosterone, estrogen and hormone
influence
Effect of Lepidium meyenii herb on sexual desire and its absent relationship
with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.
Andrologia. 2002.
This was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized,
parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses was compared with
placebo. Men aged 21-56 years received maca in one of two
doses: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. An improvement in sexual
desire was observed. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels
were not different in men treated with maca and in those treated with placebo.
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 estradiol levels.
Depression and mood influence
Climacteric. 2015. Maca reduces blood pressure and depression in a pilot study
in postmenopausal women.
Maca has been used for centuries for its fertility-enhancing and aphrodisiac
properties. In an Australian study, Maca improved anxiety and depressive scores.
The effects of Maca on hormones, lipids, glucose, serum cytokines, blood
pressure, menopausal symptoms and general well-being in Chinese postmenopausal
women were evaluated. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over
study was conducted in 29 postmenopausal Hong Kong Chinese women. They received
3.3 g/day of Maca or placebo for 6 weeks each, in either order, over 12 weeks.
At baseline, week 6 and week 12, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),
sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), full
lipid profiles, glucose and serum cytokines were measured. The Greene
Climacteric, SF-36 Version 2, Women's Health Questionnaire and Utian Quality of
Life Scales were used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms and
health-related quality of life. There were no differences in estradiol, FSH, TSH,
SHBG, glucose, lipid profiles and serum cytokines amongst those who received
Maca as compared to the placebo group; however, significant decreases in
diastolic blood pressure and depression were apparent after Maca treatment. Maca
did not exert hormonal or immune biological action; however, it appeared to
reduce symptoms of depression and improve diastolic blood pressure in Chinese
postmenopausal women.
Energy and fatigue
Maca improves energy unless too much is
taken leading to insomnia which could cause tiredness if
sleep is not deep enough.
Fertility and infertility
Q. If a woman is undergoing fertility treatment,
do you have any information or resources as to when it would be the best time to
start taking maca herb and when it will be the best time to stop taking it. Any
information will be greatly appreciated.
A. There has been so little research with maca and fertility that
it is anybody's guess at this time regarding the best way to take maca herb.
Plus, there are many reasons for fertility problems, and perhaps maca, IF it
works at all, only addresses one or some of these reasons.
Q. I do have to tell you I have had two in-vitros.
During the first in-vitro the quality of my eggs was average. At the start of my
second in-vitro I began taking one tablespoon of maca powder on a daily basis
without of course telling my MD (I stopped when I found out I was pregnant).
However, what my MD does have in writing is the blood tests results as well as
the results on the quality of my eggs. During the second in-vitro the quality of
my eggs was much better and as I said before, I did get pregnant. Unfortunately,
I miscarried after five weeks (empty sac pregnancy). A friend recently had her
second in-vitro. She too took lots of maca (Liquid and capsules) and she had the
same improvement in the quality of her eggs. She does not know yet if the in
vitro will work. I think many women, including myself will volunteer to find out
more information about the effects of maca in womens' reproduction.
Hypertension, high blood pressure
Can a patient with hypertension on blood pressure drugs use maca herb.
A. In low dosages probably, depending on how serious the
hypertension is and which medications are being used.
Menopause symptoms
I have had a few questions from women asking if maca herb was of benefit in
menopause. I have come
across few specific human studies regarding the role of maca
herb in the treatment of hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause. here is one
good menopause study.
Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii on
psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related
to estrogen or androgen content.
Menopause. 2008.
Fourteen postmenopausal women completed a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. They
received 3.5 grams a day of powered maca for 6 weeks and matching placebo
for 6 weeks, in either order, over a total of 12 weeks. No differences
were seen in serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating
hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin between
baseline, maca treatment, and placebo.
Preliminary findings show that maca reduces
psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers
measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of
estrogenic and androgenic activity.
I've been taking maca 500 mg capsules for more than one year
to ward off discomfort due to menopause. I originally began taking two 500-mg capsules for about one month and
then cut back to just one daily after breakfast. I felt more energized (in fact
initially I really felt quite energized), but wasn't sure that it was helping
to relieve the hot flashes. I was pretty sure it was, however, helping to
alleviate the anxiety. My gynecologist was unable to provide any information to
me with regard to maca and menopause, except for the usual hormonal treatments.
Because I have been affected with high blood pressure as a result of the use of
even mild birth control, and because strokes and high blood pressure is in my
genetic make-up, I have opted to use maca herb (with hopefully none of these
side effects). After taking maca 500 mg once daily for about a year, I
thought to stop taking it for 30 days to see just how much it was helping my
menopausal symptoms. I realized the hot flashes became more severe and the
anxiety seemed to be more prominent too. I'm not sure how long I'll continue
taking maca supplement once a day, maybe another year or until the menopausal
symptoms diminish (or I become more accustom to the flare-ups). But, I'm certain
(following the 30-day trial) that maca seems to be limiting the miserable hot
flashes and anxiety flare-ups for me. To give you a bit of my personal
background, I am 51 years old. My periods (that were very miserable for 36 years
and I experienced preeclampsia with my one child) stopped two years ago. I have
had an ultra-sound to confirm that my ovaries have shrunk. I'm curious how long
menopausal symptoms continue for the average woman, but I believe I have a
better handle on it now thanks to maca. I hope this helps with your research and
that you're able to find additional testimonies like mine in a way to help the
growing number of 50-something women. I'm disturbed by the use of synthetic
treatments and wish more research would be devoted to herbal applications.
I am a 53 year old woman going through menopause. At this
point I am a month away from 12 months with no period. Last month I started
taking maca because my libido was very low. I had no idea of its effects on
menopausal symptoms. When I started taking it, my libido rose immediately.
However, I also noticed my hot flashes where almost gone and I could sleep
throughout the night. I have stopped taking them because I seemed to start
gaining weight and my breast nipples are tender. Would the maca make me gain
weight and cause tenderness to my breasts? I stopped it and have instead started
taking 3 tablespoons of flaxseed that has been ground up. I have not had any
more hot flashes, my breast are starting to be less tender and I have lost a
pound.
It is possible that maca could have the effect of weight gain and
lead to breast nipples sensation increase but I don't have enough feedback from
women maca supplement users to know for certain.
I am a 54 year old menopausal woman whom went into menopause at the age of 50. I have not taken any supplements or hormones for this and basically suffered with hot flashes, night sweats and anxiety for 4 years- along with other symptoms. I was not sure where to turn for help that would not cause more harm than good (so many different opinions on treatments was unsure of trying anything) plus I'd prefer to try natural over pharmaceutical drugs. I have been on maca pills now since Oct 2008 and now it is January 2009. I have found that maca herb has helped immensely with my hot flashes and night sweats. I now have none at all, or one, once I awhile. Also have other symptoms, low Ibibio / vaginal dryness which I believe it is helping too, plus my doctor diagnosed my thyroid was low in certain hormones (T3, T4) in Oct. I asked him if I could try a natural supplement before putting me on any type of drug and he said I could for 2 months. After 2 months, I had bloodwork redone the end of December and went back to him for the results and he said my thyroid was in the normal range now. I believe the maca pill had helped with that also. So all in all, my usage of maca herb has been helpful in alot of ways. But I think I will give it a break for awhile, since you stated it is best to stop using - off and on.
If you're taking maca for rebalancing
the hormones and it starts working, do you stop, and once stopped,
will the effects remain or will you need to take it for ever?
There are no simple answers since each person is different in
their response and need. Chances are when the herbal product is stopped, the
effects will wear off within a few days. "Balancing hormone levels" is not a
term I use since it is not specific or clear.
Prostate gland
Studies in rats decreases
the size of their prostate gland which perhaps is a benefit to men with prostate
enlargement. I am not sure if maca root has a similar effect in humans.
Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced
prostate size in rats.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005.
Male rats treated with or without aqueous extracts of three ecotypes of maca
(Yellow, Black and Red) were analyzed to determine the effect on ventral
prostate weight, epithelial height and duct luminal area. Red Maca but neither Yellow nor Black reduced
significantly ventral prostate size in rats. Serum testosterone or estrogen levels were not
affected by any of the ecotypes.
Sperm health studies and
fertility, semen volume
Maca has been traditionally used to enhance fertility, and there is some
scientific evidence that it may be helpful for testicular health and semen
quality and volume. Feeding the herb to rats prevented high altitude disruption in sperm formation.
Lepidium meyenii improved semen parameters in adult men.
Asian J Androl. 2001.
The present study was designed to determine the effect of a 4-month oral
treatment with tablets of Lepidium meyenii on seminal analysis in nine
adult normal men aged 24-44 years old. Nine men received tablets of maca (1500 or 3000 mg/day) for 4 months. Seminal analysis was performed
according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Serum
luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL),
testosterone and estradiol were measured before and after treatment. Treatment resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count
per ejaculum, motile sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were
not modified with Maca treatment. Increase of sperm count was not related to
the dose. Maca improved sperm production and sperm motility by
mechanisms not related to luteinizing hormone, FSH, PRL, testosterone and
estradiol.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii root on spermatogenesis in male
rats acutely exposed to high altitude.
J Endocrinol. 2004.
Adult male
rats were exposed for 21 days to an altitude of 4340 m and treated with vehicle
or aqueous extract of maca. Treatment of rats at high altitude prevented high
altitude-induced spermatogenic disruption.
Pharmacognosy Res. January 2014. Synergistic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from Lepidium meyenii and Fagara tessmannii on male sexual organs and hormone level in rats. The present investigation was designed to evaluate whether the combination of Lepidium meyenii and Fagara tessmannii can improve spermatogenesis and testosterone level in rats The results indicated that the combination of Black Maca with Fagara tessmannii can improve male reproductive organs activities.
Weight loss or weight gain
I don't think it has a major influence on weight loss or gain.
Interactions with medications, blood thinners
Little research is available in this area.
Can I take maca extract if I am on Coumadin, warfarin.
I have not seen
studies regarding the blood thinning properties of this herb.
Different types and colors, review article, Incan Herb
from the High Andes
Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2014. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), a review
of its biological properties. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that grows
above 4000 altitude meters in Peru's Central Andes; it has different varieties
according to the color of the hypocotyl. This review summarizes the results of
studies about the effects of maca on sexual function, spermatogenesis, female
reproductive function, memory, depression and anxiety, and energy as well as
effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome.
Its anti-aging effect is also discussed as well as safety in consumption.
Differences have been shown between the effects of the black, yellow and red
maca varieties. Black maca shows the best results on spermatogenesis, memory and
fatigue, while red maca is the variety that reverses the benign prostatic
hyperplasia and experimentally induced osteoporosis. In addition, maca reduces
the glucose levels, and its consumption is related to the lowering of blood
pressure and an improved health score. Experimental studies have proven that
short and long term consumption don't show in vivo and in vitro toxicity.
Lepidium meyenii: a plant from the highlands of Peru -- from tradition to
science.
Forsch Komplementmed. 2009.
Maca is exported as
powder, capsules, pills, flour, liquor, and extracts. There are different types
with different colors ranging from white to black. We have studied the
pharmacological effects of 3 types; yellow, black, and red. Evidence from
experimental studies indicates effects of maca on nutrition, fertility, memory,
and mood. Black maca has better effects on sperm production than yellow maca
which has only moderate effects. Red maca has been shown to reduce prostate size in rats in
which prostate hyperplasia had been induced with testosterone enanthate; yellow
maca has shown moderate effects here, whereas black maca has not shown any
effects. Randomized clinical trials have shown that this root has favorable
effects on energy and mood, may decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. Maca
has also been shown to improve sperm production, sperm motility, and semen
volume. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, and prolactin were not
affected. The exact mechanisms of action are still unclear, but so far research
clearly indicates that various bioactive constituents contribute to the clinical
effects reported.
Influence of colour type and previous cultivation on secondary
metabolites in hypocotyls and leaves of maca.
J Science Food Agriculture. 2010.
The
hypocotyls display various colors ranging from white to black. Each
color has different biological effects. The aim of this study was to
analyse the concentrations of major secondary metabolites in hypocotyls
and leaves of maca in a controlled planting experiment in the Peruvian
Andes at 4130 m above sea level. In the hypocotyls, the color type effect was significant for most secondary metabolites;
exceptions were beta-sitosterol and campesterol. The lead-colored,
yellow and violet maca hypocotyls were rich in glucosinolates, macaene
and macamides, respectively. Previous cultivation affected macaene,
campesterol and indole glucosinolate concentrations. Hypocotyls were
richer in macaene, macamides and glucosinolates than were leaves, and
were poorer in beta-sitosterol and total phenols. Colour type has to be
considered in maca production, as colour associates with variations in
concentrations of distinct bioactive metabolites. Leaves may be
interesting for animal nutrition purposes as they contain essentially
the same secondary metabolites as the hypocotyls but in clearly lower
concentrations.
Maca Powder and Extract Animal Studies
Nutritional evaluation of Lepidium meyenii in albino mice and their
descendants
Archive Latinoam Nutr. 2000.
We
carried out a controlled study in two generations of albino Swiss mice. The parents were assigned to one of three nutritional
schedules. The food of each group was prepared based on powder from a commercial
balanced food (CBF) of which 30% was replaced by raw or cooked maca according to
the corresponding group or pure CBF in the control group. The groups were this
way: 1) Raw Maca Group; 2) Cooked Maca Group; and, 3) Control Group. The results
showed that the curves of growth were similar and adequate for the three groups.
However, the cooked group showed the best curve. These data were better
observable in the second generation of animals, with significant statistical
difference. The CBF group had a better growth than raw maca group. No
signs of malnutrition nor overweight were observed in none of the groups. The
serum values of total proteins and albumin were statistically superior for the
mice group eating cooked maca than that of the raw and CBF groups. This
study demonstrates one of the traditionally
attributed properties of maca, the nutritional capability.
History
It has been reported that Inca warriors ate maca before engaging into battle to
increase their vitality and stamina. Peruvians may have used it to pay taxes
to Spanish conquistadors. If you visit Peru, you may find locals consuming the
root boiled alongside dried vicuņa meat in soups. Maca flour is used to make
sponge cake. Villagers sell maca juice to tourists.
Supplement emails
I
have bought your book "Mind boosters," and I have finished reading it today. I
have to tell you that your book is wonderful, is very useful and precise. I am a 41-year-old Peruvian engineer, and I am
going to try some nutrients from your book. Talking about herbs, in Peru we have a wide
variety of medicinal herbs, one of them is the Maca Andina as you mention in your book,
but we have many many others, unfortunately I can’t describe them because I
don’t have the information on hand. Regards and congratulations! Lima Peru.
Thank you for the feedback. I visited Peru in 1994 and hiked the Inca trail to Machu
Picchu. It was one of the highlights of my life. You live in a very beautiful country.
First of all I just wanted to sincerely
congratulate you on your uniquely informative website with its candid, unbiased
and clear information. It is a very rare reality and I highly commend you for
the work you are doing to inform the consumer. I recently tried maca herb. I purchased it from
Imperial Gold Maca website. The first week I was taking 5-6 maca capsules per day
(each capsule is 550mg). I found my mood was undoubtedly enhanced in a positive
way and my energy increased. I felt more focused and able to perform mental and
physical tasks much more effectively. Really great and surprising results both for the subtelty and yet clarity of the effects. However
I found that I had greater difficulty in achieving strong and hard erections for
some reason. This really surprised me given that maca herb is supposed to do the
opposite and increase the potency of erections and libido. On this count however
it was actually worse than before, there was greater time and stimulation needed
to achieve firmness and it was not as potent an erection as usual. On the other
hand the amount of seminal fluid was greater than usual and thicker in
consistency. I just thought I'd write to you about this because I was wondering
if you had had other testimonials with this sort of feedback. I have to say that I stopped taking
it after a week because I was not
happy with this unexpected side effect on me. This was a disappointing decision
because on all other counts it was really proving to have fantastic results and
I just wanted to find out if maybe over time this apparently unusual negative
side effect could subside and my erections would return to normal. Then a few
days ago I took 4 caps of maca again and felt great and my focus was better
again and so I decided to try to find out more from a source I feel to be
truthful and direct.
Your response is not uncommon. I have not
found it to be the best aphrodisiac currently available on the market. I find Tongkat ali, horny goat weed, catuaba, and tribulus
to be more effective, particularly tongkat ali. However, each herb plays a role in the overall
sexual enhancement field, and sometimes combinations work better.
What is Maca Forte?
Maca Forte is a brand name that
contains 0.6% glucosinolates.
Q. You do a tremendous service providing information, recent research,
consumer experiences - it's such a help.
I am writing to mention my experience with maca that perhaps you may want to add
to your site. I began taking half a teaspoon daily of raw dried maca root one
week ago. on the 3rd day I took a 2nd half tsp and since then reduced to a
quarter tsp (I am dealing with autoimmune hypothryoidism and take Armour thyroid
2 times a day) The day i began taking maca I had was at my highest energy level
in years, and for the prior 3 weeks had been experiencing high energy and high
metabolism and strong immunity. All that changed with the maca. Immediately
after taking it I felt an effect and my energy level has rapidly plummeted to
incapacitation (effectively bedridden now), and heart palpitations and 'lump in
the throat' feeling I attribute to goiter. I also seem to have gained weight
almost overnight and feel lowered immunity, feeling 'fluish.' I researched very
very extensively on the web before trying the maca, and only today, after I'm
now feeling so awful, have I found some references to maca containing
glucosinates, which when accompanied by a low iodine diet, can conribute to
goiter and reduced thyroid
activity, but no known references to maca bringing this about. And, also read
that the darker varieties contain higher levels of iodine. Also, when I
mentioned this to the health food store that recommended the product, they said
that maca shouldn't be taken with hypothyroid conditions, that it depends on the
variety of maca. I'd
read enough about hypothyroid women having positive experiences with this herb
and being able to lower their thyroid medicines, that I thought I'd give it a
try. I'm going to stop the herb and let my body settle. I thought my experience
should be mentioned. I also realize the quality of the maca and its purity can
also be factors and the fact that it is raw and in one herbal monograph I found
a mention that maca is traditionally only consumed cooked. I thought I would
share my experience since I've learned so much on your site from others who've
shared theirs.
A. Thanks for sharing. Much of an effect of a supplement depends on
the dosage, the quality of the product, the purity, and interactions with
medications or medical conditions a person already has. Some supplements may be
beneficial if the dosage is kept very low and they can have bad side effects if
the dosage is high.
Q. What I think happened was that the maca on top
of the Armour thyroid overstimulated my thyroid - it's taken a few days but it's
now calming down. Interestingly, the other effects maca is known for, I did feel
immediately, and they've lingered even though I stopped the maca. The upside of
this is the possibility of switching from the glandular to the maca which heals
and nourishes not only the thyroid but the whole body, and more of a lasting
solution than a bandaid that I see the glandulars as. Healing is such a journey,
and much of that journey involved trial and error. And, I know on my journey,
much good information and guidance I've found on your website - yours is a
source people can trust and build on.
Q. I like to take Maca
root powder, and I generally prefer to take herbs in straight powder ffgorm,
"straight" meaning mixing the powder with my food, rather than taking them in
capsules (I'll take capsules though if I have to). I was wondering though, which
is better for absorption and maximizing the use of any herb: straight powder
with food, juice, etc., or powders in capsules? I'm thinking that with straight
powder, my body doesn't have to go through breaking down the capsule material,
and I'll get more nutrients more quickly. But with capsules, I'm wondering if
they preserve some of the nutrients from stomach breakdown so they can be
delivered to the target organs? Is either thought correct? Which would you
recommend for herbs/nutrients generally, if you had a choice?
A. Opening the capsules and mixing it with water or a little bit of
juice is preferable, but only slightly since stomach acid is able to break
through the gelatin capsule quite easily.
Q. What kind of herbs
should I choose if I want high libido? I've tried black Maca before, but maybe
there is something better? What type do you suggest? Would love to try on what
type of herbs is best for me.Would you explain the difference between, for
example Maca Extract 4:1 and Maca extract 0.6%, which gives a maximum of libido
between these two? Does this apply the same too Catuaba 0.3% and Muira puama
0.3%. Had I better libido if I chose Catuaba 4:1 and Muira puama 4:1? How should
I think about when I choose between the concentrated extract or standardized
extract?
A. Different herbal companies use different methods of extraction
and concentration therefore it makes it very confusing and difficult for
consumers to determine which to choose. The only way is to try different
products to see which works best. Plus, one product may work for one person but
not another, and vice versa.
Other products sold online
Maca Extract 300 mg * (Lepidium meyenii)(root) (Standardized to contain 0.6% (macamides
& macaenes)
Now Foods, Maca 500 mg, 250 Veggie Caps
Now Foods, Maca 500 mg, 100 Veggie Capsules