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    Maca

    Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Maca root

    Randomized trials and systematic reviews report limited evidence that oral maca can improve sexual function and certain semen parameters, and a recent meta-analysis found a positive effect on physical performance outcomes. Trial sizes and methodological quality have generally been small to modest, and safety data remain limited.

    Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies

    Evidence Score
    65/100
    Support for sexual function and libidoSupport for semen quality/fertilitySupport for physical performance/enduranceManagement of menopausal symptoms
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian root traditionally used for libido, fertility and general vitality. Clinical studies and systematic reviews provide limited but recurring evidence for modest benefits on sexual function, semen quality and some measures of physical performance; overall the trials are small and of variable quality.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Phytochemicals in maca, notably macamides, are proposed to modulate physiological processes related to libido, semen parameters and exercise performance; exact human mechanisms are not established in the provided clinical abstracts.

    Physiological Role

    No established essential nutrient role; used as a botanical with purported effects on reproductive function and physical performance.

    Primary Pathways

    Endocrine modulationNeuromodulatory signallingUnknown/uncertain pathways

    Performance / Health Relevance

    A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis that included human trials reported large pooled effects of maca on several physical performance measures, and some individual RCTs and reviews report improvements in sexual function and semen quality.

    Evidence Review

    Overall65/100
    Human Clinical57/100
    Meta-Analysis88/100
    Mechanistic60/100
    Real-World53/100
    Safety70/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    2 g/day (observed in a 12‑week RCT showing increased sperm concentration)
    Optimal Range
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Upper / Caution Level
    Not established from the provided abstracts
    Timing
    Not established
    Best Format
    Powder/tablet (forms used in clinical studies not consistently specified)
    Bioavailability
    Not established in the provided abstracts
    Absorption Considerations
    Not established in the provided abstracts

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Not well characterised in the provided abstracts; safety not proved in reviews

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established (not assessed in provided abstracts)

    Monitoring

    Clinical monitoring advised when used for reproductive or menopausal indications due to limited safety data reported in reviews.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Maca typically used or indicated?

    Maca is most commonly used for: Support for sexual function and libido, Support for semen quality/fertility, Support for physical performance/endurance, Management of menopausal symptoms. No established essential nutrient role; used as a botanical with purported effects on reproductive function and physical performance.

    How does Maca work?

    Phytochemicals in maca, notably macamides, are proposed to modulate physiological processes related to libido, semen parameters and exercise performance; exact human mechanisms are not established in the provided clinical abstracts.

    What is the recommended dose of Maca?

    The optimal range is Not established from the provided abstracts. with a minimum effective dose of 2 g/day (observed in a 12‑week RCT showing increased sperm concentration). Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established from the provided abstracts.

    What are the side effects of Maca?

    Reported side effects include: Not well characterised in the provided abstracts; safety not proved in reviews. Monitoring: Clinical monitoring advised when used for reproductive or menopausal indications due to limited safety data reported in reviews.

    Who should avoid Maca?

    Maca is generally not recommended for: Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established (not assessed in provided abstracts).

    How strong is the evidence for Maca?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 65/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (5)

    Effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on Physical Performance in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Meta-Analysis2024
    PubMed

    Systematic review and meta-analysis (animals and humans) of randomized controlled studies up to 2024 assessing maca on physical performance outcomes (forced swimming, rota-rod, grip strength, lactic acid measures).

    Does Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?

    RCT2020
    PubMed

    Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial in men with mild asthenozoospermia/oligozoospermia given 2 g/day maca or placebo for 12 weeks.

    Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.

    Systematic Review2010
    PubMed

    Systematic review of randomized clinical trials up to April 2010 assessing maca for sexual dysfunction and sexual desire.

    Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review.

    Systematic Review2011
    PubMed

    Systematic review of RCTs up to June 2011 assessing maca for menopausal symptoms using validated climacteric scales.

    The use of maca (Lepidium meyenii) to improve semen quality: A systematic review.

    Systematic Review2016
    PubMed

    Systematic review up to March 2016 of clinical trials assessing maca for semen quality in infertile and healthy men.

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    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    5Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2024Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceGeneral Population
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/maca

    SuppIndex. (2026). Maca: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/maca

    Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Endurance
    Hormonal Support
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    No specific interactions reported in the provided abstracts; evidence base does not characterise synergistic or antagonistic combinations.