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Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Improving libido, sexual function, and energy without altering sex hormones

Evidence · Grade DSafety · Generally safe
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research

Andean cruciferous root traditionally used to support energy, libido, and fertility; human trials show effects on sexual desire independent of testosterone levels.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru, used for over 2,000 years as both a food and an adaptogenic tonic. Black, red, and yellow varieties have somewhat different traditional uses (black for energy/sperm, red for prostate/bone, yellow as general tonic). Unlike tongkat ali, randomized trials suggest maca improves libido and sexual function in men and women without consistently changing testosterone, estradiol, or LH — pointing to a non-hormonal central mechanism. It is also studied for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, mood, and energy.

Quick answer

What it is: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru, used for over 2,000 years as both a food and an adaptogenic tonic.

May support:Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone), Perimenopause, Menopause, Low Libido, Erectile Dysfunction

Evidence:Evidence · Grade D

Safety:Safety · Generally safe

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade D

Multiple small RCTs support libido and sexual function benefits in men and women, including SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction; sperm benefits shown in smaller trials. Effects on testosterone are minimal.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Improves sexual desire and function via non-hormonal central mechanisms; supports energy, mood, and sperm parameters in some trials.

How it works in more detail

The precise mechanisms by which maca exerts its effects are still under investigation. It is hypothesized that its unique secondary metabolites, such as macaenes and macamides, may play a role. These compounds are thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system or influence neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood, energy, and sexual function. Maca also contains sterols, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, which may contribute to its adaptogenic properties and overall physiological effects. Unlike some other herbal remedies for sexual health, maca's effects on libido and sexual function do not appear to be mediated by direct modulation of sex hormone levels like testosterone or estrogen, suggesting alternative pathways of action.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
1.5–3 g/day of gelatinized maca powder (or equivalent capsules), with food. Black maca is most studied for sperm and energy; red maca for prostate; effects build over 6–12 weeks.
Research dosage range
1.5–3.5 g/day in most clinical trials.
Typical onset
Energy and libido changes commonly noticed within 2–6 weeks; sperm parameters require 8–12+ weeks.
Typical forms
Gelatinized powder, Capsules, Raw powder, Liquid extract
Quality markers
Look for organic, gelatinized maca powder (which is easier to digest) or extracts from reputable suppliers. The color of maca (yellow, red, black) may indicate different phytochemical profiles and potential effects.
Medication interactions
  • Thyroid medications (theoretical, especially raw maca)
  • Hormone therapies (limited interaction data)
Avoid if
  • Untreated thyroid disease (prefer gelatinized form)
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers (use cautiously and discuss with clinician)
Pregnancy / lactation
Limited data in pregnancy and breastfeeding; food-level intakes likely fine but supplemental doses should be discussed with a clinician.

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Suggested dosage

1.5–3 g/day of gelatinized maca powder (or equivalent capsules), with food. Black maca is most studied for sperm and energy; red maca for prostate; effects build over 6–12 weeks.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, sterols, polyphenols

Traditional use

Used by Andean peoples as a staple food and fertility/vitality tonic for humans and livestock.

Safety

Safety warnings

Generally well tolerated as a food. Raw maca is traditionally cooked or "gelatinized" before use; uncooked powder may aggravate thyroid issues due to goitrogenic glucosinolates, especially with iodine deficiency.

Avoid if

  • Untreated thyroid disease (prefer gelatinized form)
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers (use cautiously and discuss with clinician)

Medication interactions

  • Thyroid medications (theoretical, especially raw maca)
  • Hormone therapies (limited interaction data)

Reported side effects

  • Mild GI upset
  • Insomnia if taken late
  • Caffeine-like jitteriness at high doses

Pregnancy & lactation

Limited data in pregnancy and breastfeeding; food-level intakes likely fine but supplemental doses should be discussed with a clinician.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (D)

Multiple small RCTs support libido and sexual function benefits in men and women, including SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction; sperm benefits shown in smaller trials. Effects on testosterone are minimal.

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Meta-Analyses(1)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality

  • Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Borrelli F, Colalto C, Delfino DV, Iriti M, Izzo AA · Drugs · 2018 · n=2080

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that significantly affects quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of herbal dietary supplements in the treatment of ED. We searched five databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines in ED. Quality was assessed and risk of bias was estimated using the Jadad score and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. In total, 24 RCTs, including 2080 patients with ED, were identified. Among these, 12 evaluated monopreparations (five ginseng [n = 399], three saffron [n = 397], two Tribulus terrestris [n = 202], and one each Pinus pinaster [n = 21] and Lepidium meyenii [n = 50]), seven evaluated formulations (n = 544), and five investigated dietary supplements in combination with pure compounds (n =

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Systematic Reviews(1)

Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).

Very High Quality

  • Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.

    Leisegang K, Finelli R · Arab journal of urology · 2021

    Objectives: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal remedies in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review using specific keyword combinations was conducted on the PubMed and Scopus databases. Randomised controlled trials investigating herbal medicine in at least one group and using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as an outcome in patients primarily diagnosed with ED were included for review. Results: Following the literature search, screening and eligibility analysis, a total of 42 articles were included. The 42 articles were categorised as single herb extractions (n = 14), combination herbal formula (n = 5), combination of herbal formula and non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 7), non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 5), acupu

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation is the lack of extensive, high-quality human clinical trials. Many studies are small, short-duration, or conducted in animal models, which may not directly translate to human effects. There is also variability in maca preparations and dosages used, making it difficult to compare results across studies. The absence of specific PubMed studies in this request further highlights the need for more rigorous scientific investigation.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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