Maca
OTHER NAME(S): Lepidium meyenii, maca, Peruvian ginseng
Overview
Maca is a plant called Lepidium meyenii. The root of the plant is used in foods and dietary supplements. People take maca for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. A common side effect is an upset stomach. Before taking maca, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is maca used for?
Maca is used for many reasons. However, its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using maca include the following.
- For menopause symptoms
- To increase energy levels
- To increase fertility
- To increase sex drive
Note: The FDA has not reviewed maca for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does maca work (mechanism of action)?
Maca is a plant called Lepidium meyenii. Dietary supplements that contain maca are made from the root of the plant. Since this plant comes from the mountains in Peru, it is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng. But it is not actually related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng). There are three different types of maca root: black, yellow, and red. It is not clear if these different types have different effects in the body.
Maca roots are often eaten as a food in some countries and have a long history of use for various health purposes. The roots contain carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients. They also contain some chemicals, called maca alkaloids, that are thought to have various effects on the body. But it is not clear if or how maca may work for any purpose. Research is very limited, and its benefits are not well defined.
Herbal products, such as maca, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific maca product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store maca?
You should store maca according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of maca?
The most common side effect of maca is an upset stomach. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of maca that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of maca?
While less common, the most serious side effects of maca are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Maca may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking maca and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use maca?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take maca.
- Lepidium meyenii
- Maca
- Peruvian ginseng
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific maca products they stock.
What should I know about maca before using it?
Maca is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep maca out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as maca, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific maca product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Maca is available in many forms, including tea, liquid extract, tablets, capsules, and dried and ground powder. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
If you are using maca powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Many maca powders should be mixed with soft foods such as oatmeal or with smoothies or other drinks. Read the product label carefully, and follow the instructions on the label. If you are using a maca liquid extract, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.
The FDA has not tested maca products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using maca?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if maca is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how maca could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if maca passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does maca interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between maca and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect maca.
Does maca interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between maca and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with maca is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking maca with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much maca?
If you or someone else has used too much maca, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Maca comes in many doses and forms. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take maca safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Journal of Endocrinology: “Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men.”
- Journal of Physiological Investigation: “The impact of Lepidium meyenii (maca) supplementation on basketball-related performance and antifatigue ability: a double-blind crossover study.”
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]: “Maca.”
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Maca.”
- Nutrients: “Effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on physical performance in animals and humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Phytotherapy Research: “Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.”