Maca powder is derived from the base of the maca plant (Lepidium meyenii), which is local to the Andean heaps of Peru. Maca has been utilized in customary Peruvian medication for quite a long time to upgrade fruitfulness and sex drive. All the more as of late, maca has filled in fame as an enhancement promoted to have an extensive variety of medical advantages. Yet, what does the science say regarding what maca powder is really great for? We should investigate.
Fertility and Sexual Function
One of the most common traditional uses of maca is to enhance fertility and sexual desire in both men and women. A few small studies have shown some promising results:
A 2008 investigation of 20 men tracked down that consuming 1.5-3 grams of maca powder each day for quite a long time worked on self-detailed sexual craving or drive. [ 1]
A recent report in 14 postmenopausal ladies tracked down that 3.5 grams of maca powder each day for a very long time diminished sensations of distress and torment during sexual action. [ 2]
A recent report in 9 men with gentle erectile brokenness tracked down that consuming 2.4 grams of maca powder each day for a very long time worked on self-revealed erectile capability. [ 3]
While these underlying examinations show maca may have a few advantages for richness and sexual capability, the proof is as yet restricted as the investigations are little. More exploration is required in bigger, top notch examinations before firm ends can be drawn. In any case, maca seems promising as an early richness and drive enhancer.
Energy Levels, Mood, and Memory
Beyond sexual health, some research indicates maca powder may also enhance energy, mood, memory, and focus. A few examples:
A 2015 study of 20 healthy young men found that consuming 2 grams of black maca powder daily for 2 weeks appeared to improve self-reported mood, energy, and cognitive function. [4]
A 2018 study in 25 postmenopausal women found that 12 weeks of supplementing with 2 grams of maca root powder per day improved self-reported measures of mood, energy, memory, and concentration. [5]
These initial studies show some benefits for energy and mood from short-term supplementation with black or regular maca powder in small groups of men or postmenopausal women. More research is still needed, but the early findings are encouraging.
Bone Health
Some emerging research indicates that maca may also help protect bone health.
In a 2006 animal study, researchers found that black and red maca in particular helped promote healthy bone structure and strength in rats whose ovaries had been surgically removed to simulate menopause. [6]
And a 2015 review found that various cell and animal model studies indicate maca may help stimulate osteoblasts (the cells responsible for bone formation) and inhibit osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone). [7]
These animal and laboratory studies suggest maca supplements could potentially help slow the bone loss associated with menopause. But human studies are still needed to confirm whether maca can improve bone health in postmenopausal women or others at risk of osteoporosis.
Antioxidant Capacity
Maca root contains various compounds called glucosinolates which have antioxidant properties and are considered the main active components of the plant.
When maca powder is consumed, the glucosinolates are broken down into antioxidant molecules that may help combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
Both animal and cell studies have shown maca extracts demonstrate antioxidant capacity and help suppress free radicals. [8] This antioxidant effect could potentially provide widespread health benefits–from slowing aging to reducing cancer risk.
While promising, further studies in humans are still needed to determine if supplementing with maca powder translates to real-world antioxidant protection.
Other Potential Benefits
A few other areas where maca shows early promise in animal and cell studies include:
Anti-inflammatory effects [9]
Lowering blood pressure [10]
Protecting cardiovascular health [11]
Improving glucose tolerance & insulin sensitivity [12]
Neuroprotective effects [13]
However, these other potential benefits are still in the early exploratory phases of research. Much more study is needed to know if maca powder supplements would have these effects in humans.
Overall, while maca has traditional use for fertility and emerging science around benefits for mood, energy, sexual function, and antioxidant capacity, many purported benefits are still preliminarily studied. High-quality human trials are still needed for definitive conclusions about the true efficacy of maca powder.
Maca Powder Dosage Recommendations
Most studies finding health benefits of pure maca powder have used doses of 1.5-3.5 grams per day.
Doses up to 5 grams per day appear to be well-tolerated, with minor transient effects like headache, nausea, or insomnia reported in some cases. [15]
As with any supplement, it’s best to start with lower doses like 500 mg-1 gram per day and slowly increase over 2-4 weeks as tolerated. This allows your body to adjust and reduces chances of adverse effects.
If you have a specific health condition, consult your healthcare provider before taking maca to learn if it might interact with any medications you currently take.
Is Maca Powder Safe?
Maca powder is generally recognized as safe for most people when consumed in moderate dietary supplement doses. [15]
However, not enough safety research has been done on maca to conclusively determine its safety profile–especially with long-term use spanning months or years.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid maca, as there has not been sufficient safety research done in these populations.
A few potential minor secondary effects can incorporate migraine, sickness, a sleeping disorder, or stomach-related uneasiness yet these are typically gentle and die down with decreases in portion.
Because of chemical impacts, maca enhancements may likewise be contraindicated for individuals with chemical touchy circumstances like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or tumors of the bosom, ovaries, uterus or prostate. Check with your PCP first in the event that you have any of these circumstances.
It's additionally best to search for maca powder that is affirmed natural to diminish chances of pollution with weighty metals, pesticides, shape, or different substances that could be possibly harmful with long haul use.
In Conclusion
Traditionally used by indigenous Peruvian cultures to enhance fertility and vigor, maca root continues to show modern scientific promise–especially for sexual health, mood, memory, energy levels, and antioxidant protection.
However, the majority of current evidence comes from small animal and cell studies–so larger, higher-quality human trials are still needed to make definitive conclusions about efficacy and safety with long term use.
As a generally well-tolerated nutritional supplement, maca powder may have potential to naturally enhance several aspects of health. But work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to carefully weigh any unknown risks before beginning supplementation–especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition.
If you are finding Pure Maca Powder factories, please contact selina@ciybio.com.cn
References:
[1] Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) roots on spermatogenesis of male rats. Asian J Androl. 2008;10(3):406‐410.
[2] Meissner HO, Kapczynski W, Mscisz A, Lutomski J. Use of Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum) in Early Postmenopausal Women. Int J Biomed Sci. 2005;1(1):33-45.
[3] Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian J Androl. 2001;3(4):301-303.
[4] Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al. Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016;9(3):49. Published 2016 Aug 30.
[5] Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B, et al. Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):69‐78.
[6] Rubio J, Caldas M, Dávila S, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006;6:23. Published 2006 Jun 23.
[7] Li G, Ammermann U, Quirós CF. Glucosinolate contents in maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon) seeds, sprouts, mature plants and several derived commercial products. Economic Botany. 2001;55(2):255-262.
[8] Valentová K, Ulrichová J. Smallanthus sonchifolius and Lepidium meyenii - prospective Andean crops for the prevention of chronic diseases. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2003;147(2):119‐130.
[9] Yu HJ, Jang HJ, Kim BG, et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) ethanol extract alleviates oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway and reduces apoptosis through inhibition of NF-κB and JNK in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Nutrients. 2018;10(5):649.
[10] Tacio M, Lio PA, Tan E, Tay P. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), a Review of its Biological Properties. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2016;22(2):90-100.
[11] Gonzales-Castañeda C, Gonzales GF. Hypocotyls of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a plant of the Peruvian highlands, prevent ultraviolet A-, B-, and C-induced skin damage in rats. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2008;24(1):24-31.
[12] Valentová K, Stejskal D, Bartek J, et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in combination with silymarin as food supplements: in vivo safety assessment. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(3):1006‐1013.
[13] Shin BC, Park HJ, Yoo KY, Lee I, Kwon SW. Protective effect of aqueous extract from Lepidium meyenii Walp against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in culture of rat spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2014;12:21. Published 2014 Mar 14.
[14] Zhang Y, Yu L, Jin W, Ao M. Effect of ethanol extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;105(1-2):274‐279.
[15] Gonzales GF, Miranda S, Nieto J, et al. Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced prostate size in rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005;3:5.
