Maca is a root herb that has been grown in the Andes (South America) for centuries. It is the highest altitude food-herb grown in the world – typically at altitudes of over 12,000 feet. The soil in these high plateaus are extremely rich in minerals which is said to account for Maca’s extraordinary health benefits.

The most active part of Maca is its starchy, tuberous root, which is referred to as a herb, but Maca is actually a food from the cruciferous vegetable family, and looks a bit like a radish.

Maca increases sperm count, shrinks enlarged prostates, increases libido, aids in sexual functioning, and reduces anxiety according to recent research findings. But Maca is more than a new darling in the research lab. It is a herb that has stood the test of time, with anecdotal information passed from generation to generation since pre-recorded history. Besides improving sexual health, Maca is a true adaptogen and known to increase memory, stamina, endurance and strength. A true superfood!

Modern science is now discovering what Inca worriers once knew. Indeed, they used to eat the root before going into battle to increase their stamina. They also knew that Maca increased their sexual health and virility (legend has it that Maca was kept from the warriors when they returned from battle to protect the women!)

Today, scientists in Italy have documented the ability of Maca to increase general and sexual well-being in patients with mild erectile dysfunction (ED). In a double-blind clinical trial using 50 men affected by mild ED, half received Maca dry extract at 2,400 mg, and the other half received a placebo. The study continued for 12 weeks and although all men experienced an increase in their erectile function, the erectile function scores of the Maca treated group were significantly higher and improvements on psychological performance were also shown. (Andrologia)

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital studied Maca for its effect on sexual dysfunction due to depression. Again, significant improvement on a sexual experience scale and sexual function questionnaire was demonstrated by the group receiving Maca. (CNS Neuroscience) 

These studies followed groundbreaking research done by scientists in Peru who in 2002 treated 56 healthy male subjects ages 21 to 56 years with Maca. They sought to determine whether the effect of Maca was the result of change in mood or in testosterone hormone levels. The results of the research showed that neither was the case. Analysis revealed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire that is not the result of changes in mood or hormone levels. (Andrologia, December, 2002)

On the other hand, synthetic Erectile Dysfunction drugs produce hormonal changes that may lead to many unwanted side effects.

Maca is not only for men, but is also great for women. In addition to enhancing libido and fertility, it’s been shown to provide relief from menopausal symptoms – women who take Maca report less fatigue, greater energy and relief from hot flushes and night sweats. It has also been shown effective at preventing hormone related bone loss. (Menopause, November-December, 2008)

Maca is also a classic adaptogen. Basically what this means is that it “adapts” to your body’s metabolism, working with your body for optimum results. The ancient Andes mountain dwellers knew about the adaptogenic properties of Maca and its ability to keep the body on an even keel. Folk medicine tradition describes how Maca helped highlanders thrive at altitudes of 14,000 to 18,000 feet above sea level where oxygen content in the blood is low.

Modern scientists and doctors have found Maca to be one of the best natural ways to regulate and support the endocrine (hormonal) system. Through this action, energy levels, metabolism, growth, sexual development, and psychology are normalized.

In today's world, adaptogens such as Maca take on a greater significance than in the past, because of constantly increasing levels of stress. Maca works to effectively help the body adapt to these high levels of stress. This adaptive mechanism involves normalization of both men's and women's hormonal imbalances. Instead of supplying plant hormones, Maca acts on the HPA pathway that is the precursor of male and female hormones. It also has an effect on the adrenal glands. Maca does not necessarily stimulate, but acts in a regulatory fashion balancing and returning homeostasis (body balance).

Maca helps normalize learning and memory too, as well as boost immunity, due in part to its antioxidant activities. (Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, 2000). It has also been used with great success for its remarkable ability to reduce prostate enlargement. (Andrologia, June, 2008)

Maca is most commonly sold around the world in a powdered form. It has a sweet malted taste to it. Personally, I think it is delicious. You can add it to smoothies, deserts or sweet treats. Maca is extremely safe. In toxicity tests conducted in the US, Maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effect.