Dr. Gloria Chacón de Popovici
The founding mother of modern maca science
Gloria Chacón de Popovici, PhD, (born November 4, 1940, in Lima, Peru) was a Peruvian botanist and biologist best known for her groundbreaking research on Lepidium peruvianum Chacón. Her pioneering work in the taxonomy and phytochemistry of this traditional Andean root helped reintroduce maca to the scientific and global health communities.
She studied biological sciences at the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) in Lima from 1959 to 1962. Her bachelor's thesis, Estudio Fitoquímico de Lepidium meyenii Walp., marked the start of her lifelong commitment to understanding maca's nutritional and medicinal properties. In 1972, she completed her doctorate in biological sciences at UNMSM, receiving academic recognition for her work.
Dr. Chacón’s most notable scientific contribution was the formal classification of cultivated maca as a distinct species—Lepidium peruvianum Chacón—which she differentiated from the wild variant Lepidium meyenii. Her classification was officially registered in 1993 at the Herbarium of the Museum of Natural History in Lima, Peru (specimen number USM:89129). This taxonomic distinction has been widely accepted by several botanical institutions globally.
Dr. Gloria Chacon and Dr. Henry Meissner
In addition to her work on maca, Dr. Chacón conducted research in botanical taxonomy and phytochemistry, contributing to the broader understanding of medicinal plants in the Andes. Her 2007 book, Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacón): Alimento Ancestral de Perú Altamente Nutricional y Funcional, provides a detailed account of maca’s traditional uses and scientific significance.
Dr. Chacón’s research was foundational in establishing the identity and value of maca as a functional food and adaptogen. Her work continues to inform both scientific inquiry and commercial development around this ancient Peruvian plant.
“All the internationally published research on Maca, which followed the work of Chacón,
was conducted on cultivated Peruvian Maca.” (1)
Reference:
1. Meissner HO, Kapczynski W, Mscisz A, Lutomski J. Use of gelatinized maca (lepidium peruvianum) in early postmenopausal women. Int J Biomed Sci. Published online 2005.