Lepidium meyenii Walp.
Synonyms
No documentation.
Vernacular Name
Peruvian ginseng, Huto Huto, Maca, Maka, Mace, Maca-Maca, Maino, Ayak Chichira, Ayuk Willku, Pepperweed.
Description
Lepidium meyenii is an herbaceous plant of the family Brassicaceae. A root vegetable, L. meyenii closely resembles a radish or turnip, to which it is closely related. The leaves are lobed and form a tight rosette around the rhizome. The lay close to or directly on the ground and are rarely exceeding measures 17cm in height. The enlarged, tuberous rhizome is roughly measuring 5cm in diametre and forms from a fleshy taproot. The colour is not consistent as it can range from cream to black with yellow, purple or red in between. L. meyenii produces small, nondescript yellow flowers from the centre of the rosette. The seeds of L. meyenii are small, ovoid in shape, and are borne from small, dry fruit. Measuring 2mm in length, they can range from brown to red in colour.
Origin / Habitat
Originating in the Andes Mountains, L. meyenii grows in very high altitudes and prefers partial sun. It can flourish in sandy or clay soils, however, the soil need to have adequate moisture. L. meyenii can tolerate frosts and high winds.
Chemical Constituents
Amino acids, glucosinolates: glucotropaeolin and m-methoxyglucotropaeolin; uridine, malic acid, Peruvian ginsengridine, Peruvian ginsengmide, saponins. The chemical constituents vary depending upon the altitude at which the plant is grown as well as time of harvest and method of preserving [1] [2].
Plant Part Used
Traditional Use
L. meyenii has a long history of use with the indigenous populations of most South American regions. It is not only used as a staple in the diet but is also used to trade for other resources. High in proteins, carbohydrates and minerals the roots are roasted. Dried roots may be stored for long periods of time and then used for either foods or medicines.
Medicinally, L. meyenii has a history of use for treating a variety of ailments. In Peru, these uses include nutritional benefits, anemia, energy, memory, menopause and various sexual disorders [3] [4].
Pharmacology
Pre-clinical
Peruvian ginseng’s reported use in sexual health is supported by both pre-clinical and clinical studies. In animal studies, oral administration of L. meyenii enhanced the sexual function of laboratory animals, including alleviating erectile dysfunction and enhancing sexual arousal [5].Peruvian ginseng’s effect on sexual health does not seem to be related to activity on sex hormones (including testosterone and estrogen) [6]. L. meyenii extracts (obtained with different solvents: methanol, ethanol, hexane and chloroform) have not been reported to regulate GRE (glucocorticoid response element) activation, which correlates with a lack of hormonal involvement when using Peruvian ginseng [7].Some researchers feel that Peruvian ginseng’s hormone-normalizing effects may be due to the root’s unique nutritional profile, which provides nutrients utilized by the body’s hormonal system.
Of interest, laboratory studies have found that L. meyenii extracts (red Peruvian ginseng) do affect prostate health, having an antihyperplasic effect on the prostate of adult mice that is even more pronounced than the pharmaceutical drug finasteride [8]. Red L. meyenii administered to laboratory animals with experimentally induced BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia) seems to exert an inhibitory effect at a level post DHT conversion [9].In the studies, serum testosterone levels were not related to prostate or seminal vesicles weight.
L. meyenii is also traditionally used for memory and as an antioxidant. To support this claim, a laboratory animal study found that using L. meyenii improved experimental memory impairment induced by ovariectomy, due in part, by its anti-oxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities [10].
Another laboratory study found that L. meyenii use had effects on lipids and glucose regulation in mice [11]. L. meyenii administration significantly decreased the levels of VLDL (very low density lipoproteins), LDL (low density lipoproteins), and total cholesterol, and also the level of TAG (triacylglycerols) in the plasma, VLDL, and liver. L. meyenii significantly improved glucose tolerance by lowering blood sugar levels. L. meyenii increased the levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase) in the liver, GPX (glutathione peroxidase) in the blood, and the level of GSH (glutathione) in liver, supporting the anti-oxidant effects of this root.
Clinical
Small human trials in men have reported that L. meyenii extracts can increase sex drive (libido) in both men and women and in men can improve semen quality [12] [13].
A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, parallel trial in healthy men (aged 21-56) found that administration of L. meyenii did not affect levels of serum reproductive hormones although their sexual desire did increase [12]. The men were given 1,500mg or 3,000mg daily of L. meyenii extract and serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The researchers found that L. meyenii had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time.
A small human trial used L. meyenii extract (1,500mg or 3,000mg daily) for 4 months on 9 men (aged 24-44) [13]. Seminal analysis found that treatment with L. meyenii resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculate, motile sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were not altered with L. meyenii treatment [13].
A further 12 week, double-blind clinical trial using L. meyenii extract (2,400mg daily or placebo) was conducted on 50 men affected by mild erectile dysfunction (ED) [14]. Those taking L. meyenii experienced a more significant improvement in sexual well-being (both physical and social) than those taking placebo. The researchers concluded that L. meyenii may help those with ED and improve sexual health.
The antidepressant class called selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is well known for their drug-induced sexual dysfunction in both men and women. A small study using L. meyenii (1,500mg or 3,000mg daily) on 20 depressed patients taking SSRIs was conducted. Those taking 3,000mg of L. meyenii root daily reported improvement in sexual health, leading the researchers to conclude that L. meyenii root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect. L. meyenii may also have a beneficial effect on libido [15].
A 12 week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial study in 14 postmenopausal women found that 3,500mg daily of L. meyenii extract reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity [16].
Interaction and Depletions
Interaction with other Herbs
No documentation.
Interaction with Drugs
No documentation.
Precautions and Contraindications
Side effects
L. meyenii has been reported safe in recommended doses. High doses in humans (6,000mg daily) have led to moderate increases in AST (aspartate aminotransferase) levels and increases in diastolic blood pressure [17].
Based on human data, use with caution in individuals with liver disease or biliary diseases, as L. meyenii may increase AST levels [17].
Based on human data, use with caution in those with a history of hypertension or heart disease [17].
Pregnancy
L. meyenii contains glucosinolates, which may lead to goiters when consumed in large amounts or with a low iodine diet. Discontinue if allergy occurs. Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation.
Age limitation
No documentation.
Adverse reaction
No documentation.
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References
- Piacente S. Investigation of the Tuber Constituents of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) J Agric Food Chem. 2002, 50(20);5621–5625.
- Muhammad I. Constituents of Lepidium meyenii ‘maca’. Phytochemistry. Jan2002;59(1):105-110.
- Taylor L. The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals. New York: Square One Publishers;2005.344.
- Duke JA. Medicinal Plants of Latin America. New York: Taylor and Francis; 2009.413.
- Zheng BL, He K, Kim CH, et al. Effect of a lipidic extract from lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology. Apr2000;55(4):598-602.
- Gonzales GF, Nieto J, Rubio J, Gasco M. Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats. Andrologia. Oct2006;38(5):166-172.
- Bogani P, Simonini F, Iriti M, et al. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) does not exert direct androgenic activities. J Ethnopharmacol. 6Apr2006; 104(3):415-417.
- Gonzales GF, Gasco M, Malheiros-Pereira A, Gonzales-Castañeda C. Antagonistic effect of Lepidium meyenii (red maca) on prostatic hyperplasia in adult mice. Andrologia. Jun2008;40(3):179-185.
- Gasco M, Villegas L, Yucra S, Rubio J, Gonzales GF. Dose-response effect of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone enanthate. Phytomedicine. Aug2007;14(7-8):460-464.
- Rubio J, Qiong W, Liu X, et al. Aqueous Extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Memory Impairment Induced by Ovariectomy in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 9Oct2008. [Epub ahead of print]
- Vecera R, Orolin J, Skottová N, et al. The influence of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on antioxidant status, lipid and glucose metabolism in rat. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. Jun2007;62(2):59-63.
- Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, Chung A, Villena A, Góñez C. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J Endocrinol. Jan2003;176(1):163-168.
- Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian J Androl. Dec2001;3(4):301-303.
- Zenico T, Cicero AF, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E. Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Andrologia. Apr2009;41(2):95-99.
- Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. Fall 2008;14(3):182-191.
- Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. Nov-Dec2008;15(6):1157-1162.
- Valentová K, Stejskal D, Bartek J, et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in combination with silymarin as food supplements: in vivo safety assessment. Food Chem Toxicol. Mar 2008;46(3):1006-1013.
