What does Maca Root actually do? Here’s what the research shows
What does Maca Root actually do? Here’s what the research shows
Maca Root, an ancient superfood native to the high Andes of Peru, has been celebrated for centuries for its wide range of health benefits. More recently, Maca Root has become a trendy adaptogen, going viral on TikTok as a miracle fertility and libido booster. But what does the research actually say? Let's delve into the science-backed benefits of this powerful supplement.
1. Boosts energy and stamina
Maca Root is renowned for its ability to enhance energy and stamina. Unlike caffeine, which can lead to jitteriness, Maca provides a natural energy boost. Athletes often use Maca to improve performance and endurance, and studies have shown it has a positive effect on performance. One study from 2009 found that cyclists improved their time after consuming Maca for just 14 days (1).
2. Eases menopausal symptoms
Another famed benefit of Maca Root is that it could be effective in balancing hormones, making it particularly beneficial for those managing menopausal symptoms, or symptoms of PMS. Research has shown that post-menopausal women who took Maca Root experienced a reduction in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, in contrast to those who were given a placebo, who didn't see these improvements (2).
3. Enhances mood and cognitive function
Looking for new ways to support your brain health? Maca Root has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Studies suggest that Maca can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in menopausal women (3). In additional to this, animal studies have shown potential benefits for learning and memory, though more research on humans is needed (4).
4. Boosts libido
Perhaps the main benefit of Maca Root that you'll come across, this ingredient has long history of use as a natural aphrodisiac. Revered in ancient Incan culture for its ability to enhance libido, more recent research corroborates its powers of repro-revival. Studies have shown that it can increase libido and improve sexual function in both men and women. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial including women who struggled with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Maca Root was found to alleviate symptoms (5).
5. Improves fertility
When it comes to claims around fertility, we'll be real with you. It's super important to check in with your GP and fully understand where you in your fertility journey if this is something you're concerned about, and what the best course of action would be for you. That being said, Maca Root is widely viewed to be a good option for those looking to boost their fertility naturally. A small study from 2015 found that Maca Root could positively affect ferility in healthy adult men, for instance, specifically increasing sperm concentration and motility (6).
How to incorporate Maca Root into your wellness regime
Unfabled’s Maca Root Pureblend comes in the form of vegan capsules, each containing a 5000mg dose of Maca root. The recommended dosage is just one capsule daily, ideally taken with food and water. Our 120-capsule bottle provides a 120-day supply, ensuring you have ample time to experience the benefits of this powerful supplement.\
Important to remember
If you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, it's best to avoid Maca Root Pureblend as it may act like oestrogen. Additionally, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety information.
Browse our range
- Stone M, Ibarra A, Roller M, et al. A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;126(3):574-576. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.012
- Meissner HO, Kapczynski W, Mscisz A, Lutomski J. Use of gelatinized maca (Lepidium peruvianum) in early postmenopausal women. Int J Biomed Sci. 2005;1(1):33-45.
- Mehrnoush V, Darsareh F, Roozbeh N, et al. Efficacy of the complementary and alternative therapies for the management of psychological symptoms of menopause: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Menopausal Med. 2021;27(3):115-131. doi:10.6118/jmm.21022
- Guo SS, Gao XF, Gu YR, et al. Preservation of cognitive function by lepidium meyenii (Maca) is associated with improvement of mitochondrial activity and upregulation of autophagy-related proteins in middle-aged mouse cortex. Evid-Based Complement Altern Med. 2016;2016:1-9. doi:10.1155/2016/4394261
- Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036
- Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369
Leave a comment