Maca
Andean root crop, dried and ground, taken for libido and sexual function.
What the research shows
Mixed or small evidence. The effect is uncertain.
Shin (2010) pooled four small trials of limited methodological quality, one of which found no effect at all, and drew no firm conclusion. Lee (2016) reviewed five studies on semen quality, two of which had no control group. Those five studies say nothing about fertility or libido.
Who it makes sense for: Men with mild erectile problems or postmenopausal women with reduced desire who want to try it.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.Shin BC et al. (2010)
- The use of maca (Lepidium meyenii) to improve semen quality: A systematic review.Lee MS et al. (2016)
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.