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.
Several small trials report sexual-function effects without measured hormonal change.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1. — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Several small trials report sexual-function effects without measured hormonal change. Black, red, and yellow varieties have somewhat different effect profiles in Peruvian trials. Gelatinization improves 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
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
1.5-3 g/day dried root powder or equivalent gelatinized extract
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Maca (Lepidium meyenii)'s effects?
- 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). Several small trials report sexual-function effects without measured hormonal change.
- What safety findings are reported for Maca (Lepidium meyenii)?
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (generally well-tolerated; hypothyroidism caution due to goitrogens — minimal clinical relevance) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Maca (Lepidium meyenii)?
- 1.5-3 g/day dried root powder or equivalent gelatinized extract This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- 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.