Maca

Lepidium peruvianum

Maca is a nutritionally valuable plant native to Peru that grows in harsh climates above 4,000 feet. It has been used traditionally to enhance fertility and sexual performance in both men and women and to relieve menopausal symptoms (1). In vitro, maca or its constituents have demonstrated antiviral (17), antioxidant (18), anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or neuroprotective (19) activities. Animal studies suggest maca may increase endurance (6), enhance sexual function (2) (5), and improve memory deficits (14). It also demonstrated antidepressant (20) and postmenopausal hormone-modulating (21) effects.