Herb Profile
Maca Lepidium Meyenii
Lepidium meyenii
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is traditionally used for energy and libido support, with early evidence exploring effects on mood and hormonal balance through its macamide and glucosinolate compounds.
Last reviewed: •7 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·B Moderate
Use extra caution — Generally well tolerated; GI upset possible Details
- Evidence
- Moderate Evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- Moderate caution
- Best for
- Energy, Hormonal, Reproductive, Stress resilience
- Avoid / review if
- Hormone Sensitive Conditions (Unclear Relevance), None Well Established
Safety
Safety & Cautions
Generally well tolerated; GI upset possible
Elevated caution
Caution level: Elevated. One caution category applies — read it before use.
- Hormonal Activity ContextHormone-adjacent wording is present and should be interpreted carefully.
Detailed safety fields
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraindications
- Hormone Sensitive Conditions (Unclear Relevance)
- None Well Established
Safety classifications
- Hormonal Activity Context: Hormone-adjacent wording is present and should be interpreted carefully.
Full safety note
- Generally well tolerated; GI upset possible
Safety labels
- Hormonal Activity Context
Evidence
Evidence Summary
Evidence lens
Useful signal, but study design, dose, and population still matter.
ModerateModerate Evidence
Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Hormonal Signaling Context · Stress Response Modulation
Research maturity: Established research — Long Term Human Evidence May Be Limited.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Generally well tolerated; GI upset possible
This profile cites 7 human studies.
Study design details
Evidence Grade
Grade B: Moderate Evidence
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Randomized controlled trial
- Risk of Bias
- Low
- Consistency
- Consistent
Strongest recorded design is a randomized controlled trial, drawn from 6 recorded studies, 3 in people. No disagreement is recorded across them.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (6)2 human evidence sources · 2 human trials · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
Filter by study class
Showing 6 of 6 studies.
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 6 structured sources, including 2 human evidence sources; 2 are human trials.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background | Randomized controlled trial Randomly assigns participants to interventions or controls, reducing many sources of bias when the trial is conducted well. | — | — | — | — | — | A separate randomized study found no meaningful change in reproductive hormone levels in men taking maca. This is useful null biomarker evidence. | PubMed → |
Background | Randomized controlled trial Randomly assigns participants to interventions or controls, reducing many sources of bias when the trial is conducted well. | — | — | — | — | — | A placebo-controlled human trial reported increased self-rated sexual desire with maca while serum testosterone and estradiol did not explain the effect. This separates a possible subjective libido signal from hormone-elevation marketing claims. | PubMed → |
Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review da Silva Leitão Peres N et al. · Food Funct · 2020 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Ulloa Del Carpio N et al. · Front Pharmacol · 2024 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses Minich DM et al. · Nutrients · 2024 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Spotlight on rasagiline in Parkinson's disease PubMed · CNS Drugs · 2008 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Dosing & Timing
- Dose guidance
- Gelatinized powder: 1.5 3 g/day; extracts vary; limited standardization
How Maca Lepidium Meyenii works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Maca Lepidium Meyenii Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & biological pathways (preclinical)
- Hormonal Signaling Context
- Stress Response Modulation
Active Compounds
Key constituents studied in Maca Lepidium Meyenii, with full pharmacology and safety profiles.
Compare related active botanicals
Explore botanicals with similar chemistry, effects, or safety considerations in the Botanical Activity Atlas.
Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Sourcing options
Maca product picks
Recommendation status
Product recommendations are not shown for this profile because the current site safety and monetization policy does not permit them.
Product form & quality guidelines
When sourcing Maca Lepidium Meyenii, verify the label for:
- Standardized extract: Confirm active content percentages on the supplement facts panel (e.g. standardized to specific marker compounds) rather than simple raw herb weights.
- Third-party testing: Look for independent purity labels (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or Eurofins) to ensure the product is free from heavy metals, solvents, and contaminants.
- Form bioavailability: Ensure the form matches evidence-supported configurations (e.g. standardized active extracts like bacosides, withanolides, or curcuminoids) for optimal onset and digestion tolerance.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Founder & Head Researcher · Oak Ridge, TN · Last reviewed August 2026
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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