Rankings / Hormones & Endocrine
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Hormones & Endocrine · Andean cruciferous tuber
Tier B
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as B (6.8/10) based on moderate evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
One of few sexual-function supplements with reasonable positive trial evidence not mediated by hormonal change.
Typical use: 1. — OTC.
What this is
One of few sexual-function supplements with reasonable positive trial evidence not mediated by hormonal change. Black, red, and yellow varieties have somewhat different effect profiles in Peruvian trials. Take gelatinized form for better digestibility.
Mechanism
Peruvian tuber high in macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates; does NOT affect testosterone or other sex hormones in humans (Gonzales 2003) — mechanism of reported libido/mood effects unclear
Dose & route
1.5-3 g/day dried root powder or equivalent gelatinized extract
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18801111/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20861594/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4020249/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Maca (Lepidium meyenii) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of B (6.8/10). One of few sexual-function supplements with reasonable positive trial evidence not mediated by hormonal change.
- Is Maca (Lepidium meyenii) safe?
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Maca (Lepidium meyenii)?
- 1.5-3 g/day dried root powder or equivalent gelatinized extract
- How does Maca (Lepidium meyenii) work?
- Peruvian tuber high in macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates; does NOT affect testosterone or other sex hormones in humans (Gonzales 2003) — mechanism of reported libido/mood effects unclear
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.