COOPER PHARMA MACA ROOT(500MG=60CAPS)

Maca is a plant that originated in the Peruvian Andes mountains. It is a natural remedy that can be used to treat certain health issues, including infertility and low sex drive.

Maca is a plant that some populations in Peru have usedTrusted Source for thousands of years as food and medication.

In the last few decades, maca has grown in popularity. This article explains what maca root is, highlights some potential benefits, and answers whether it’s safe to add to your diet.

The maca plant, also called Lepidium meyenii or “Peruvian ginseng,” is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.

Native to the high Andean plateaus, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and can survive the harsh weather of the Peruvian Andes above 4,000 meters (m) or 13,123 feet (ft).

Traditionally, the Andean people usedTrusted Source maca as food or as medication to treat respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease.

Maca products have seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to claims they may help increase libido and fertility. Maca is now grown worldwide, including in China’s Yunnan province.

It contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates. That said, research on its benefits has been mixed, with more studies needed to support the claims.

Here are some potential benefits of maca.

It’s still unclear whether maca has any real benefit for treating low libido, sexual dysfunction, or infertility in either males or females. The available studies have shown mixed results.

What does Maca do for a man’s sexual function?

Although not all studies have been conducted on human subjects, some studies have found it may benefit males with low libido or low sexual desire.

Another 2019 studyTrusted Source also found that combining Maca with Chinese chive seed (Allium tuberosum) improved erectile dysfunction in male mice.

A 2020 study also found that taking 2 grams (g) of maca per day for 12 weeks significantly improvedTrusted Source semen concentration compared with a placebo treatment. However, there was no significant difference in sperm motility between the treatment and placebo groups.

What does maca root do for a woman’s sexual function?

One older 2015 studyTrusted Source of 45 women who experienced antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction also found that taking 3,000 milligrams (mg) of maca root per day for 12 weeks significantly improved sexual function and libido compared with a placebo.

That said, more well-designed studies are needed to investigate the effects of maca on female libido and sexual function.

Menopause happens naturally in people who menstruate. It’s the time of life when menstrual periods stop permanently.

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that maca may benefit people who are going through menopause by helping alleviate some symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.

Limited evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy levels and enhance mood in some populations.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source found it helped regulate exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Another 2022 study on mice came to a similar conclusion.

A separate 2022 study also showed that maca extract might be able to reduce fatigue in young adult women. Meanwhile, a 2016 studyTrusted Source of 175 people living at either low or high altitudes demonstrated that taking 3 g of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks improved mood and energy scores compared with a placebo.

That said, there’s currently not enough evidence to draw firm conclusions on the impact of maca on either energy or mood.

Human research investigating the potential health benefits of maca is limited.

However, initial findings from animal studies suggest maca may affect health in the following ways:

• May help preserveTrusted Source cognitive function
• May benefitTrusted Source benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• May helpTrusted Source wound healing
• May haveTrusted Source anti-inflammatory properties
• May helpTrusted Source digest nutrients

Maca is available in many forms, including capsules and powders.

You can add maca powder to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, energy bars, and more. It has a nutty, butterscotch-like taste, so it pairs well with many sweeter flavors.

The optimal dose for medicinal use has not been established. However, the dosage of maca root powder used in studies generally ranges from 1.5–3 g per day.

If you want to make sure you choose higher quality maca or get a personalized dosage recommendation, speak with a qualified healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian or physician.