About Maca Root
Maca is a Peruvian cruciferous root used traditionally for fertility and energy. A 2010 systematic review (4 RCTs, Lee et al.) found limited but suggestive evidence for improved sexual desire, with no effect on serum sex hormones. Gonzales et al. (2002, 57 men, 1.5–3 g/day gelatinized powder, 12 weeks) showed improved sexual desire at 8 weeks. Zenico et al. (2009, 50 men, 2.4 g/day dry extract, 12 weeks) showed improved subjective sexual well-being in mild ED. May reduce SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction — Dording et al. (2015) found 3 g/day powder improved sexual function scores in women on antidepressants (1.5 g/day was ineffective in the 2008 pilot). Black maca may be more effective for spermatogenesis; red maca for prostate. Does not alter testosterone, estradiol, or LH levels in human studies. Dose range applies to dried/gelatinized powder — concentrated extracts have minimal clinical validation.
What Maca Root supports
- May support sexual desire and function
- Traditional adaptogen for energy and vitality
- May improve well-being without altering sex hormones
How much Maca Root to take
Clinical studies typically use 1500–3000 mg of Maca Root. RCTs use 1.5–3 g/day of dried/gelatinized root powder (not concentrated extract). Only one RCT used extract (Zenico 2009, 2.4 g/day dry extract, concentration ratio unspecified). Commercial extract ratios (4:1, 10:1) are not clinically validated.
- Effective range
- 1500–3000 mg
Clinical evidence
Moderate clinical evidence. Systematic review of 4 trials found limited but suggestive evidence for improved sexual desire
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