Maca
Evidence Fact Sheet
Lepidium meyenii
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Peruvian root traditionally used for libido and energy. Human RCTs and reviews studied sexual function, menopausal symptoms, mood and fertility. Notably, research reproducibly finds maca does NOT raise serum testosterone, and several fatigue/semen endpoints are null.
Also known as: Lepidium meyenii · Peruvian ginseng · Maca root · Gelatinized maca
Overview
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), or "Peruvian ginseng," is a cruciferous Andean root studied mainly for libido, menopausal comfort, mood and energy. Proposed mechanisms are non-hormonal: central nervous-system libido pathways (research reproducibly finds no change in serum testosterone or estradiol), HPA-axis/adaptogenic modulation, and macamides/macaenes plus polyphenols and glucosinolates as candidate active compounds. Sexual-function RCTs commonly use 1500-3000 mg/day for 6-12 weeks, with an educational reference range of roughly 1500-3500 mg/day of gelatinized maca powder or equivalent extract. Regulatory status: a DSHEA-legal supplement ingredient in the US (structure/function claims with disclaimer, no disease claim); a traditional food ingredient in the EU with no EFSA-authorized health claim and possible Novel Food assessment for some extracts; a permitted-plant supplement ingredient under ANVISA in Brazil; and an approved novel food in China (root, up to 25 g/day) with registered blue-hat products. Not a treatment for any disease.
Mechanism of Action
Central nervous-system pathways for libido (research finds NO change in serum testosterone/estradiol) · HPA-axis modulation (adaptogenic, research-context) · Macamides / macaenes as candidate active compounds (mechanistic) · Antioxidant activity from polyphenols and glucosinolates (preclinical) · Mitochondrial energy-metabolism support (animal models)
Body systems: CNS · Endocrine & Metabolic · Reproductive · Mood & Stress Response · Musculoskeletal
Evidence-Based Benefits
Each benefit below is anchored to a specific PubMed-indexed study. Effect sizes, sample sizes, and p-values are reported as published; no values are inferred. Honest negatives and null results are kept alongside the positive findings, and disease-research populations are described as such — Maca is not characterized as a treatment for any disease.
Sexual Function / Libido
Meta-analysis supported- 4 RCTstrials reviewed
- limited evidenceauthors' verdict
A systematic review of four randomized clinical trials found that maca improved subjective sexual-function measures in some populations (menopausal women, adult men, men with erectile dysfunction), but the authors judged the total number and quality of trials too limited to draw firm conclusions. Research-finding only, not a treatment claim.
Reported effect: Four RCTs included; 2 RCTs showed significant positive effects on sexual dysfunction/desire (menopausal women; adult men), 1 RCT showed no effect (cyclists), 1 RCT showed significant effect in erectile dysfunction; overall 'limited evidence'.
“The results of our systematic review provide limited evidence for the effectiveness of maca in improving sexual function. However, the total number of trials, the total sample size, and the average methodological quality of the primary studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions.”
Source: PMID 20691074 · Shin 2010 · BMC Complement Altern Med
Semen Quality / Male Fertility
Null / no benefit Meta-analysis supported- WMD 2.22sperm conc · p=0.4
- 5 RCTspooled · NS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of five RCTs found no significant effect of maca on sperm concentration versus placebo, with a weighted mean difference that crossed zero. The authors concluded the effect on semen quality is unclear and the evidence base too small for firm conclusions. Honest negative.
Reported effect: Sperm concentration weighted mean difference 2.22 (95% CI -2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4); 5 RCTs; effects on semen quality 'unclear'.
“weighted mean difference, 2.22, 95% confidence interval -2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4 ... The evidence from the included studies suggests unclear effects of maca on semen quality parameters in both men experiencing infertility and healthy men. However, the total number of RCTs and the total sample size were too small to draw firm conclusions.”
Source: PMID 36110519 · Lee 2022 · Front Pharmacol
Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
RCT supported- 9.5% vs 4.8%remission · ASEX ≤10
- 30.0% vs 20.0%remission · MGH-SFQ ≤12
- 42participants (mITT)
A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (42 women, modified intent-to-treat) of maca root 3.0 g/day for SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction reported numerically higher remission rates on maca than placebo, with benefit concentrated in postmenopausal participants. Maca was well tolerated. Small pilot-scale signal, not a treatment claim.
Reported effect: Remission higher for maca vs placebo: ASEX total ≤10 (9.5% vs 4.8%); MGH-SFQ ≤12 (30.0% vs 20.0%); MGH-SFQ ≤8 (9.5% vs 5.0%); benefit associated with postmenopausal status; 42 participants (mITT).
“Remission rates by the end of treatment were higher for the maca than the placebo group, based on attainment of an ASEX total score ≤ 10 (9.5% for maca versus 4.8% for placebo) ... attaining an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 12 (30.0% for maca versus 20.0% for placebo) and reaching an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 8 (9.5% for maca versus 5.0% for placebo). Higher remission rates for the maca versus placebo group were associated with postmenopausal status. Maca was well tolerated.”
Source: PMID 25954318 · Dording 2015 · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med
Menopause: Blood Pressure & Depression (Non-Hormonal)
RCT supportedA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot in 29 postmenopausal women (3.3 g/day for 6 weeks) found no change in sex hormones or immune markers, but reported decreases in diastolic blood pressure and depression symptoms after maca. The abstract reports direction only, not numeric effect sizes; reinforces maca's non-hormonal profile.
Effect size: this study reports the direction of the finding but does not state a specific numeric effect size, so none is given here rather than estimated.
“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 in the small cohort of patients studied; however, it appeared to reduce symptoms of depression and improve diastolic blood pressure in Chinese postmenopausal women.”
Source: PMID 24931003 · Stojanovska 2015 · Climacteric
Energy / Fatigue / Athletic Performance
Null / no benefit RCT supported- P = 0.266fatigue index · NS
- P = 0.352jump height · NS
- 10 players2-week crossover
A double-blind crossover trial in 10 well-trained male basketball players (2 g/day for 2 weeks) found no significant differences between maca and placebo on jump height, shooting accuracy, repeated-sprint performance, fatigue index, or blood lactate clearance. The authors concluded maca provided no ergogenic benefit. Honest negative for the energy/performance claim.
Reported effect: No significant differences vs placebo in countermovement jump height (P = 0.352), jump shooting accuracy, repeated sprint performance, fatigue index (P = 0.266), or blood lactate clearance rate (P = 0.258); n = 10; no ergogenic benefit.
“no significant differences between the MACA and placebo conditions in countermovement jump height (P = 0.352), jump shooting accuracy, repeated sprint performance, fatigue index (P = 0.266), or blood lactate clearance rate (P = 0.258). ... 2-week supplementation with MACA did not provide ergogenic benefits for performance or fatigue in well-trained basketball players.”
Source: PMID 40960048 · Wu 2025 · J Physiol Invest
Dosage (research context · not a recommendation)
1500-3500 mg/day gelatinized maca powder or equivalent extract (educational reference); sexual-function RCTs commonly 1500-3000 mg/day for 6-12 weeks; Dording 2008 RCT used 3.0 g/day; Stojanovska 2015 pilot used 3.3 g/day
Regulatory Status · 4 Markets
- US · FDA
- DSHEA-legal dietary supplement ingredient (FDA no objection); Structure/Function Claims permitted with mandatory FDA disclaimer; no disease claim. Typical market dose 1500-3000 mg/day.
- EU · EFSA
- Traditional food ingredient / available in EU; some standardized extracts may require Novel Food assessment. NO EFSA-authorized health claim for maca under Reg 432/2012.
- CN · China
- Approved novel food (MOH 2011 No.13, root, <=25 g/day); multiple registered blue-hat health-food products ('relieves physical fatigue' / 'enhances immunity'); on cross-border e-commerce positive list.
- BR · ANVISA
- Dietary supplement ingredient under RDC 243/2018; listed on the permitted-plants list via IN 28/2018. No specific Anexo V alegação funcional verbatim confirmed for maca - entry intentionally generic pending direct PDF verification.
Safety
Generally well tolerated at 1500-3500 mg/day in trials; rare mild GI upset or headache (more common with non-gelatinized raw powder). Contains glucosinolates - high-dose long-term use may theoretically affect iodine uptake, so individuals with thyroid dysfunction should use caution. Inadequate safety data in pregnancy/lactation; hormone-sensitive cancer patients should consult a healthcare provider. No major documented drug interactions; theoretical interaction with hormone-based medications. Not a treatment for any disease - consult a healthcare provider for medical conditions.
Related
Goals: reproductive-health · menopause-support
Lifestyles: menopause
References
PubMed-indexed citations anchoring the benefit findings above. Effect sizes are reported as published.
- PMID 20691074 · Shin 2010 · BMC Complement Altern Med — Sexual Function / Libido
- PMID 36110519 · Lee 2022 · Front Pharmacol — Semen Quality / Male Fertility
- PMID 25954318 · Dording 2015 · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med — Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
- PMID 24931003 · Stojanovska 2015 · Climacteric — Menopause: Blood Pressure & Depression (Non-Hormonal)
- PMID 40960048 · Wu 2025 · J Physiol Invest — Energy / Fatigue / Athletic Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does maca raise testosterone?
No. A consistent theme across maca research is that it does not act through serum sex hormones. The Stojanovska 2015 postmenopausal crossover trial found no differences in estradiol, FSH, TSH or SHBG between maca and placebo, and the proposed mechanisms for libido are central/non-hormonal rather than testosterone-driven.
2. What does the evidence say about maca and sexual function?
A systematic review of four RCTs (Shin 2010) found maca improved subjective sexual-function measures in some groups but judged the evidence 'limited' and too small for firm conclusions. A separate 12-week trial in women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (Dording 2015, 42 participants) showed numerically higher remission on maca than placebo (e.g., 30.0% vs 20.0% on MGH-SFQ ≤12), concentrated in postmenopausal women. These are research findings in studied populations, not a treatment claim.
3. Does maca boost energy or athletic performance?
The strongest recent test is negative. A double-blind crossover trial in 10 trained basketball players (Wu 2025) found no significant difference versus placebo in fatigue index (P = 0.266), jump height (P = 0.352) or related performance measures, and concluded maca gave no ergogenic benefit. Energy/fatigue evidence in humans is mixed-to-null.
4. Does maca improve male fertility or sperm count?
Current pooled evidence does not support it. A systematic review and meta-analysis of five RCTs (Lee 2022) found no significant change in sperm concentration versus placebo (weighted mean difference 2.22, 95% CI −2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4) and called the effect on semen quality 'unclear,' with too few trials to draw firm conclusions.
5. What dose is used in research and is maca regulated?
Sexual-function RCTs commonly used 1500-3000 mg/day for 6-12 weeks, within an educational reference range of about 1500-3500 mg/day of gelatinized maca powder or equivalent extract. Maca is a DSHEA-legal supplement ingredient in the US, a traditional food ingredient in the EU with no EFSA-authorized health claim, a permitted-plant supplement ingredient under ANVISA in Brazil, and an approved novel food in China (root, up to 25 g/day). It is not a treatment for any disease.
Last evidence review: 2026-06-13