Human and Animal Studies
Black Maca
The overview of research suggests that black maca supports:
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men’s fertility
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spermatogenesis in animals
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memory
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metabolic health
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bone health
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physical endurance in both men and women
Below is a compilation of the available research on humans and animals using black maca with a comprehensive overview of the study details provided. Use the Filter button to narrow your search.
At this time, published articles are not available to fit your search criteria.
Maca modulates fat and liver energy metabolism markers insulin, IRS1, leptin, and SIRT1 in rats fed normal and high-fat diets
PMID: 32951476
About the Study
Type of study: Animal, 60 days
Population: Young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, N=28
Aim of the study: To elucidate the role of maca treatment in the high fat diet feeding model of the rats on changes in serum biochemical and fat tissue/liver insulin, IRS1, leptin, and SIRT1 levels.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Nutrition 21, Purchase, NY
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Root
Form of maca: Powder, black:red combination (4:1 ratio)
Dose: 40 mg/kg BW
Outcomes
Results:
Maca modulates fat and energy metabolism providing protective and regulatory effects for normal and high-fat diet.
Decreased fat tissue in HFD and HFD+maca group (p<0.001)
Decrease insulin levels in HFD and HFD+maca group (p<0.001)
Significant increase in IRS1 in fat tissue in maca group (p<0.001)
Highest leptin and SIRT1 levels in the maca group (P<0.01)
Other details:
4 groups included 1) control 2) maca 3) HFD 4) HFD+ maca
Abbreviations:
HFD: High fat diet; IRS1:insulin receptor substrate-1; SIRT1: NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1
Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa
PMID: 37443852
About the Study
Type of study: Animal
Population: Male alpacas, 4-6 years old (Testicles and epididymis obtained post-mortem)
Aim of the study: To evaluate, for the first time, the effects of atomized extract of maca during cryopreservation of epidydimal alpaca (Vicugna pacos) spermatozoa.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii/ Lepidium peruvianum*
Source of maca: JUVENS® Cayenatur
Location where maca was grown: Lima, Peru
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Atomized hydroalcoholic (methanolic) extract
Dose: 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, and 30 mg/mL
Outcomes
Results:
Positive effects on freezing epididymal sperm with the supplementation with maca, providing protection against cryodamage at the plasma membrane and mitochondrial levels.
Improved sperm motility with 10 and 20 mg/mL (p<0.05)
Improved sperm viability with 20 mg/mL (p<0.05)
Improved membrane integrity with 20 mg/mL (p<0.05)
Other details:
Cryodamage occurs with the freezing and thawing of sperm, reducing the motility and viability. The glucosinolates, alkaloids, and macamides are notes to provide protection against oxidative stress.
Maca appears to be a valid alternative to aid in cryoprotection and cryopreservation. The authors state that future studies to explore the use of maca-supplemented cyrostored sperm on fertility capacities (in vitro or in vivo) may be warranted.
*Species was referred to as Lepidium meyenii and Lepidium peruvianum within the publication.
Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs
PMID: 38487706
About the Study
Type of study: Animal, 62 days
Population: N=48, healthy male dogs, heterogenous in breed and age (2-6 years).
Aim of the study: To evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral maca supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Erbavoglio™ (gelanic preparation)
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Powder, Extract 10:1,
Dose: 75 mg/kg; oral capsule
Outcomes
Results:
At day 31 and 62, the maca treated group had a significant increase in:
Ejaculate volume (p<0.05)
Total sperm count (p<0.05)
Total motility (p<0.001)
Progressive motility (p<0.001)
Percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (p<0.001)
Other details:
Limitations include the lack of hormone levels.
Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca)‐derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate depression by promoting 5‐HT synthesis via the modulation of gut–brain axis
PMID: 38867934
About the Study
Type of study: Animal, 2 weeks
Population: Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) C57BL/6J mice
Aim of the study: To isolate and characterize plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from maca and to assess the impact Maca-derived EVs on depression/depressive symptoms.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii Walp
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Isolated plant-derived maca extracellular vesicles (EVs), also called maca-derived EVs. EVs were isolated from juice made from black maca.
Dose: 50, 100 and 200 mcg/kg delivered 8 times in 2 weeks
Outcomes
Results:
The group of researchers successfully isolated Maca-EVs using gradient ultracentrifugation and characterized their shape, size, and markers (CD63 and TSG101). Further, they observed the ability of the EVs to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Increase serum monoamine neurotransmitter levels, with serotonin (5‐HT) showing the most significant changes, likely through the gut microbiota and metabolism modulation. Serotonin improved the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Increased serum 5-HT levels and stimulation of BDNF expression with all doses, accounting for the antidepressant effects of maca
Increased NE and DA levels with 100 and 200 mcg/kg doses
Reduced serum TNF-alpha with 200 mcg/kg dose
Modulation of TrkB/p-AKT signaling in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain
Higher microbial diversity and richness in maca treated group
“The antidepressant activity of Maca‐EVs may be attributed to the enhanced serum 5‐HT levels and subsequent activation of the GTP‐Cdc42/ERK and BDNF/TrkB/AKT signaling pathway.”
Other details:
While it was not listed in the Methods section, in the Discussion section the researchers noted black maca was used.
Maca-EVs
Can pass the blood brain barrier
Can modulate the gut-brain axis
May be a novel approach to treat depression
It was noted that plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), “…which are spherical‐, oval‐, or cup‐shaped vesicles containing biologically active elements, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites, have gained substantial attention in therapeutic drug development.” This is due to cell studies showing that PDEVs possess anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative activities. The researchers have also isolated EVs Momordica charantia, a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae plant.
Abbreviations:
5-HT: serotonin; NE: norepinephrine; DA: dopamine; BDNF: brain derived neurotropic factor.
Effect of short-term and long-term treatments with three ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on spermatogenesis in rats
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 2 arms-7 and 42 days
Population: 4-month-old male rats, Holtzman strains, N=48
Aim of the study: 1) To determine if treatment with maca for 42 days increases sperm production and epididymal sperm count and motility. 2) To examine the potential activity of red, yellow, and black maca on spermatogenesis.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous extract
Dose: 1.66g/kg BW, oral administration
Outcomes
Results:
In 7 days, the length of stage VIII of the seminiferous tubule were higher (p<0.05) in the maca treated groups compared to the control group.
In 7 days, black maca increased lengths of stages II-VI (p<0.05) and reduced relative length of stages IX-I (p<0.05).
In 7 and 42 days, yellow and black maca increased (p<0.05) epididymal sperm number and spermatids in testis; red maca did not have this effect.
In 7 days, yellow and black maca increased (p<0.05) daily sperm production; red maca did not have an effect.
In 42 days, black maca increased daily sperm production and its efficiency, whereas yellow and red maca did not provide any difference compared to the control group.
In 42 days, increased epididymal sperm motility (p<0.05) was observed with red, yellow, and black maca, but this was not observed at 7 days.
Other details:
Red maca resulted in a decrease of prostate wight after 42 days.
No changes in hormone levels were observed.
The authors conclude that black maca may be a potential treatment for male infertility.
Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 21 days
Population: 3-month-old, ovariectomized mice, Swiss strain
Aim of the study: To assess the effect of yellow, red, and black maca on cognitive function and depression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: not stated
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous extract of yellow, red, and black maca
Dose: 1g/kg BW/day, oral administration
Outcomes
Results:
Black maca provided the most beneficial effects on latent learning, as measured by water finding task, particularly on trained mice though all phenotypes were effective for trained and non-trained mice (p<0.05)
The immobility time measured in the forced swimming test was decreased in the groups treated with the three colors of maca (yellow, red and black), suggesting is anti-depressant effects.
Other details:
The three colors of maca increased uterine weight of OVX mice, suggesting it is due to progestin-like effects.
Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats
About the Study
Type of study: Animal Study, 12 days
Population: 4-month-old, adult male rats, Holtzman strain
Aim of the study: To determine if treatment with Black maca for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days affects daily sperm production (DSP), epididymal, and vas deferens sperm counts.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous extract
Dose: 2g/kg, oral administration (Equivalent to human consumption in the highlands of Peru.)
Outcomes
Results:
Increased epididymal sperm count on days 1, 3, and 7 after the administration of black maca, but similar to controls on days 5 and 12.
Increased vas deferens sperm count on days 3, 5, and 7 after the administration of black maca, but similar to controls on days 1 and 12.
Increased daily sperm production from day 1- 7 of treatment with black maca (p<0.01). but was reduced at day 12, similar to control.
Other details:
The authors suggest exploring treatment for 42 days to account for regulatory mechanisms in sperm production.
Effect of chronic treatment with three varieties of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on reproductive parameters and DNA quantification in adult male rats
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 84 days
Population: 3-month-old adult male rats, Holtzman strain
Aim of the study: To determine whether treatment with diverse varieties of maca (red, yellow, and black) affects daily sperm production (DSP), sperm counts in epididymal and vas deferens, and total DNA levels in testes.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Autumn harvest, dried and stored for 2 years
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous extract
Dose: 1g/kg BW, oral administration
Outcomes
Results:
Daily sperm production was similar between all treatment groups.
Black and yellow maca improved epididymal sperm count (p<0.05).
Black, yellow, and red maca improved sperm count in vas deferens (P<0.05).
DNA concentration in the testis was similar to all treatment groups.
"Maca seems to act as a modulator of sperm count at the reproductive tract level."
Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) improve scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 35 days
Population: 3-month-old, adult male mice, Kunming strain
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of two different doses of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of black maca on male mice with memory impairment induced by scopolamine and to assess the brain activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO).
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts
Dose: 0.50 and 2.0 g/kg of aqueous extract; 0.25 and 1.0 g/kg of hydroalcoholic extract
Outcomes
Results:
Two doses of aqueous extracts of black maca (0.50 and 2.0 g/kg of body weight) and two doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of black maca (0.25 and 1.0 g/kg body weight) were studied for its effect on memory impairment induced by scopolamine.
Both extracts of black maca significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory impairment.
Black maca extracts inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity that was increased following scopolamine administration.
Polyphenolic compounds, such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and alkaloids may be responsible for the favorable outcomes.
Effect of different fractions from hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on testicular function in adult male rats
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 7 days
Population:3-month-old, adult male rats, Holtzman strain, N=42
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of different fractions of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii), obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract, on spermatogenesis.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Dried hypocotyls
Form of maca: Multiple fractions of black maca extract
Dose: Oral administration of 1g/kg BW
Outcomes
Results:
Increased daily sperm production, efficiency, and sperm transit with the ethyl acetate fraction of black maca.
Increased sperm count in vas deferens with hydroalcoholic extract of black maca compared to other forms and control.
"Antioxidant components could play a role in the effect of increased epididymal sperm concentration observed in the model."
Other details:
The authors acknowledge that the most beneficial effect of black maca on sperm count occurs after 42 days of treatment, though positive improvements were observed in this 7-day experiment.
Effects of different varieties of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on bone structure in ovariectomized rats
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 4 weeks
Population: 3-month-old ovariectomized rats, N=36
Aim of the study: To determine the effect of different varieties of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on bone structure in ovariectomized (OVX) rats
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Ninacaca, Pasco
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Hypocotyls
Form of maca: Hydroalcoholic, spray-dried extract
Dose: 64 mg/ml, containing 4.3 mg/kg polyphenols
Outcomes
Results:
Black and red maca reduced the negative effects of ovariectomy on bone health by increasing trabecular bone in the lumbar vertebrae.
Black and red maca reversed the effects of the ovariectomy on absolute weight of femur and femur width, while yellow maca did not have an impact.
The results of black and red maca were similar to the estradiol treated group.
Other details:
Polyphenol content was higher in spray-dried maca compared to pulverized powder, with the highest amounts in red maca, followed by yellow and finally black maca.
The authors suggest black and red maca can be an alternative treatment option for osteoporosis.
Aqueous Extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Memory Impairment Induced by Ovariectomy in Mice
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 35 days
Population: 3-month-old ovariectomized mice, Kunming strain,
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of black maca in ovariectomy-induced memory impairment in female mice and its effect on malonaldehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (Ache), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) brain levels.
Maca Details
Species: Not stated
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Prepared according to traditional methods
Part of maca used: Dried hypocotyls
Form of maca: Aqueous extract
Dose: 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg, 2 doses per day, oral administration
Outcomes
Results:
Black maca decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase levels (p<0.05).
Black maca increase latency and reduced the number of errors.
Black maca improved memory impairment induced by ovariectomy, due to is antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects.
Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca)
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study
Population: 3-month-old male mice, Swiss strain, N=36
Aim of the study: To evaluate the photoprotective effect of the leaves of the three different varieties of maca (yellow, black, and red) against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in the skin of mice.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Dried leaves
Form of maca: Not stated
Dose: 200 microliter per treatment, concentrated to 1 mg pyrogalol/ml
Outcomes
Results:
Red, yellow, and black maca demonstrated UVA/UVB absorptive properties and antioxidant activity.
Treatment of the three colors had a similar effect to the group treated with sunscreen, SPF 60.
Highest activity was from red maca, followed by black and then yellow.
Each of the three colors prevented the development of sunburns, epidermal hyperplasia, and leukocytic infiltration.
Black maca showed the highest superoxide dismutase levels and higher catalase levels in the skin.
Dose-response effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 28 days
Population: 3-month-old male mice, Swiss strain, N=66
Aim of the study: To determine if the hydroalcoholic extract of black maca has a dose–response effect in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol administration.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not Stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Traditional cultivation
Part of maca used: Dried hypocotyls
Form of maca: Hydroalcoholic extract
Dose: 0.125,0.25, 0.50, or 1.0 g/kg
Outcomes
Results:
Ethanol consumption can cause memory impairment.
Four doses of black maca (0.125, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 g/kg of body weight) were compared against ascorbic acid and a control for 28 days.
Mice treated with ascorbic acid and black maca reversed the deleterious effects of ethanol.
The effects of deceased memory impairment caused by ethanol, was improved by black maca in a dose-dependent manner, likely due to its polyphenolic compounds.
Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp)
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study
Population: Adult female and male mice, Swiss strain, 3 months old
Aim of the study: To determine whether biological activities of spray dried red and black maca extracts are maintained after gamma irradiation of the sample.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Cayenatur EIRL
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Extract
Dose: Varied
Outcomes
Results:
Gamma irradiation increased total polyphenols in black and red maca, thought black contained higher polyphenols compared to red maca (p<0.01).
Compared to the control, ascorbic acid, black and red maca contain lower antioxidant capacity, however, black maca contained higher antioxidant capacity compared to red maca.
Gamma irradiation significantly increased antioxidant capacity (p<0.05) though was noted as a modest increase.
No difference in irradiated and non-irradiated maca on daily sperm count.
Higher swimming endurance capacity was observed in the black maca group, with irradiation increasing swimming time to exhaustion, to which the authors credit the increased levels of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity.
Gamma irradiation did not adversely affect the biological activity of red or black maca.
Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on the sperm count of adult mice
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study
Population: Adult male mice, Swiss strain, average 90 days old
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of butanolic fraction of maca prepared in a similar way as described in a previous study and to determine the effect of alkaloid (butanol) fraction of maca on daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count and sperm count in vas deferens in adult male mice.
Maca Details
Species: Not stated
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Carhuamayo, Junín
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Methanolic, butanolic and aqueous extract of black and yellow maca
Dose: 0.5 ml solution for 3 days, oral administration
Outcomes
Results:
Yellow maca had better antioxidant capacity compared to black maca (p<0.01).
Total phenolic content was better in the methanolic fraction than in the aqueous fraction of both yellow and black maca, though it was higher in black maca compared to yellow (p<0.01).
Methanolic extract of black maca resulted in higher concentration of sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens compared to yellow.
Methanolic extract of yellow maca increased daily sperm production more than methanolic extract black maca (p<0.05)
Both colors resulted in higher daily sperm production and epididymal sperm count compared to the control group (p<0.01)
Aqueous fractions of black maca showed higher daily sperm production compared to methanolic extracts of black maca, where are methanolic extracts of yellow maca has higher daily sperm production that butanolic and aqueous extracts.
Analysis of Maceaene and Macamide Contents of Petroleum Ether Extract of Black, Yellow, and Purple Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) and Their Antioxidant Effect on Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study
Population: 9-day old diabetic-induced rats
Aim of the study: To analyze the macaene and macamides of petroleum ether extract of maca (black, yellow, and purple phenotypes) grown in the Yunnan Province and to evaluate their antioxidant effect on diabetic rat model.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Traditional Chinese Medicine Market of Juhua Village in Kunming City, Yunnan Province
Location where maca was grown: Yunnan, China
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Extract
Dose: 100mg/kg
Outcomes
Results:
Black maca contained seven macamides; yellow maca contained six macamides; purple maca contained five macamides.
The content of macamides ranged from 1.47-15.05 mg/g DW, with yellow maca showing the highest.
N-benzylpalmitamide was only identified in black maca
Oral administration of black, yellow, and purple maca returned plasma glucose levels to normal, without a significant difference emerging between the three colors.
All three colors significantly decreased TBRAS and CP contents of the liver.
All maca extracts enhance antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) of the liver and red blood cells.
Glutathione levels were enhanced with purple maca but not enhanced with black or yellow maca.
Abbreviations:
TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
CP: carbonylated proteins
Aqueous Extract of Black Maca Prevents Metabolism Disorder via Regulating the Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis-TCA Cycle and PPARα Signaling Activation in Golden Hamsters Fed a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study, 20 weeks
Population: 6-week-old male hamsters, N=48
Aim of the study: To assess the capacity of an aqueous extract of black maca (AEM) to prevent and improve high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFD)-induced metabolism disorder in golden hamsters.
Maca Details
Species: Not stated
Source of maca: TTD International Pty Ltd. (QLD, Australia)
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Traditional methods
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Aqueous extract of black maca powder
Dose: 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg
Outcomes
Results:
Significant decrease in body weight, total fat mass and fat coefficient in the 1,200mg/kg treated group.
All treatment groups (300, 600 and 1,200 mg/kg)
Attenuated the inflammation and enlargement of adipocyte size caused by the HFD.
Caused a downward trend in triglycerides.
Revered the trend of the HFD had on increased bilirubin levels.
Dose dependent decrease in serum lipid levels including significant decrease in serum cholesterol, LDL-C (all 3 doses) and triglycerides (600 and 1200 mg/kg dose).
Lower insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity in the 600 and 1,200 mg/kg group.
Other details:
32 bioactive compounds targeting 16 proteins involved in metabolism disorders were identified.
AEM promoted glycolysis, inhibited gluconeogenesis and upregulated tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Lipid lowering effects were also observed including enhanced fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis pathway inhibition.
Oral Supplementation with Maca Improves Social Recognition Deficits in the Valproic Acid Animal Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
About the Study
Type of study: Animal study
Population: Male mice 6-12 weeks old, birthed by female mice injected with valproic acid (VPA)
Aim of the study: To assess the effects of maca on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) animal models, in utero VPA-exposed mice. Secondarily, to explore whether maca intake affects oxytocinergic signaling pathways.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: The institute of Alpine Economic Plants, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Lijiang, Yunnan, China).
Location where maca was grown: Yunnan providence of China
Agricultural methods used: not stated
Part of maca used: extract
Form of maca: infusion
Dose: gavage volume was 10 mL/kg; maca dose was 5g/kg given once daily for 14 days
Outcomes
Results:
Pregnant mice were injected with valproic acid during pregnancy. The male offspring, 6-12 weeks old, were examined in this study.
Maca improved cognitive function and spatial memory in the mice models
Maca improved the mice's social acquisition and recognition.
Maca increased neuronal activation.
Significant increase in oxytocinergic neurons after maca treatment.
"These results reveal for the first time that maca is beneficial to social memory and that it restores social recognition impairments by augmenting the oxytocinergic neuronal pathways, which play an essential role in diverse social behaviors."
Effects of Black Maca supplement on isokinetics muscular performance of elite women’s handball players: placebo-controlled, crossover study
About the Study
Type of study: Human study, 4-week, Placebo-controlled, crossover study
Population: N=8, elite adolescent female handball athletes
Aim of the study: Investigate the changes in isokinetic muscular performance using black maca
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Essoco, Kolmar BNH Co, LTD. Seoul, Korea
Location where maca was grown: Unknown
Agricultural methods used: Unknown
Part of maca used: Unknown
Form of maca: Capsule
Dose: 2,500 mg twice daily, undesignated time of day
Outcomes
Results:
Significant increase in:
Muscle endurance, as indicated by improvements in 180 degrees right extensor (p<0.05), 180 degrees left extensor (p<0.05) and 180 degrees left flexor (p<0.01) of isokinetic function of the knee.
Cardiopulmonary endurance, as indicated by improvements in the 20-minute shuttle run (p<0.001).
Other details:
Article is published in Korean so limited information is available. The abstract is available in English.
Effect of intake black maca on inflammatory factors in female athletics.
PMID: 27621241
About the Study
Type of study: Human study, 4-week study
Population: N=10, female athletes
Aim of the study: Investigate the effect of exercise and maca intake for body composition, inflammatory markers, and muscle function.
Maca Details
Species: Unknown
Source of maca: Unknown
Location where maca was grown: Unknown
Agricultural methods used: Unknown
Part of maca used: Unknown
Form of maca: Unknown
Dose: 5 grams daily
Outcomes
Results:
Significant decrease in:
BMI
Inflammatory markers (CRP and CK)
Muscle endurance at 180 degree EXT (improved muscle function)
Other details:
Article is published in Korean therefore limited information is available.
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
PMID: 27548190
About the Study
Type of Study: Human study, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Population: N=175, men and women living in low altitudes (LA) 150 meters above sea level in Lima, Peru, and high altitudes (HA) 4,340 meters above sea levels in Cerro de Pasco, Peru; 18 subjects withdrew
Aim of the study: To compare the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of oral administration of spray-dried extracts of black maca, red maca, or placebo, in adults living in low and high altitudes of Peru.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Enterprise A-1 del Perú, Industrial Comercial SAC prepared the finished product
Location where maca was grown: Peru
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Dried hypocotyls used to prepare the extracts
Form of maca: Spray-dried extract, standardized
Dose: 3 grams per day
Outcomes
Results:
About 50% of all participants reported an increase in sexual desire
Effects on mood, energy, and CMS scores were better using red maca compared to black maca and placebo
In the red maca group at weeks 8 and 12: 80% of all participants reported increased mood and 90% reported increased energy
Higher quality of life was reported in both red and black maca groups (p<0.05)
Black maca reduced hemoglobin levels in HA participants
In HA, black maca reduced glucose levels in weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.05), red maca reduced glucose in week 8 (p<0.01)
Systolic blood pressure was reduced in weeks 8 and 12 in the HA group using black maca (p<0.01)
Red maca reduced CMS scores in weeks 4 (p<0.05), 8 (p<0.01) and 12 (p<0.01)
Black maca reduced CMS scores in weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.05)
Other details:
Up to 4% reported a dislike of the taste of the products, but no other effects were reported. The authors propose the differences in outcomes are likely due to the different compositional makeup of black and red maca colors.
Fatty acids and macamides were higher in black maca than in red maca
GABA dominated in red maca
Abbreviations: HA: high altitude; CMS: chronic mountain sickness
Effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) for sperm mobility and erectile function in adult men: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial
PMID: 27621241
About the Study
Type of Study: Human study, 12 week, randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Population: N=45; men with mild erectile dysfunction (ED), 30-60 yo
Aim of the study: Investigate the effects of black maca supplementation on sperm concentration and motility
Maca Details
Species: Unknown (full article is unavailable)
Source of maca: Unknown (full article is unavailable)
Location where maca was grown: Peru
Agricultural methods used: Unknown (full article is unavailable)
Part of maca used: Unknown (full article is unavailable)
Form of maca: 1) Commercial product, gelatinized and dried OR 2) fermented black maca; both in capsules
Dose: 5 grams in capsules were used for both forms
Outcomes
Results:
Both forms showed significant improvements compared to placebo (p<0.05)
Other details:
No adverse effects were published
Full article is not avaialable: Kim SC. Effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) for sperm mobility and erectile function in adult men: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul. 2011.
Details provided are reported in PMID: 27621241
Efficacy and safety of maca (Lepidium meyenii) in patients with symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PMID: 36593713
About the Study
Type of study: Human study, 12-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trial at two hospitals in Korea.
Population: N=80, men over 40 years old, with Aging Males' Symptoms Scale (AMS) score >/=27; three (3) discontinued participation in the trial.
Aim of the study: Efficacy and safety of gelatinized maca in tablet form, for eugonadal patients with late-onset hypogonadism symptoms (LOH).
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: Gelatinized powder in capsule* form (each 1000 mg capsule contains 833 mg of maca)
Dose: 1000 mg, 2 tablets*, three times daily, a total of approximately 5 grams per day, taken before food consumption. *The authors describe the maca as being administered in tablet and capsule form
Outcomes
Results:
AMS, IIEF, and IPSS were significantly improved (p<0.0001)
IIEF became worse in placebo placebo-treated group
ADAM was significantly reduced (p<0.0001), showing an improvement in androgen deficiency symptoms
No changes in testosterone or PSA levels, lipids, body weight, or waist circumference
Other details:
The authors state the mechanism of action is unclear
Adverse effects: N=2 with gastrointestinal disorders reported mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but continued with the trial
Abbreviations: Aging Males' Symptoms Scale (AMS), Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Males (ADAM), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)
Effects of resistance exercise, black Maca and combined treatment on blood muscle fatigue factors and muscle function in racket athletes
About the Study
Type of study: Human study, 4-week controlled clinical trial with two (2) groups: control and resistance training
Population: N=16, university racket athletes
Aim of the study: To determine the effect of the combination of resistance exercise and black maca on strength and endurance of trunk muscles and fatigue-related biomarkers.
Maca Details
Species: Not stated
Source of maca: Black maca was purchased from Essoco, Seoul, S. Korea.
Location where maca was grown: not stated
Agricultural methods used: not stated
Part of maca used: not stated
Form of maca: powder
Dose: 2.5 grams twice daily, taken with water
Outcomes
Results: Significant decrease in ammonia levels (p<0.05), improvements in muscle endurance and strength (p<0.05)
Effect of black maca supplementation on inflammatory markers and physical fitness in male elite athletes
PMID: 37049458
About the Study
Type of Study: Human study, 8-week intervention trial
Population: N=40, elite athletes; Shooting athletes (SA), racket sports athletes (RSA), fin swimming athletes (FSA).
Aim of the study: Investigate the effects of black maca supplementation intake on changes in physical strength and inflammatory markers among elite athletes.
Maca Details
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Source of maca: Not stated
Location where maca was grown: Not stated
Agricultural methods used: Not stated
Part of maca used: Not stated
Form of maca: 100% concentrated black maca extract
Dose: 2,300 mg, twice daily in the morning and evening
Outcomes
Results: (statistical ranges varied based on the sport of the athlete)
Significant increase in muscle endurance, agility, muscle strength, flexibility, and power
Significant decrease in inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-a)
Significant increase in total cholesterol
Significant decrease in lactic acid and C-reactive protein
Other details:
The authors propose the mechanism of action could be a result of constituents (saponins, phenols, and flavonoids) and/or arginine content of maca
No adverse effects were reported