Maca
Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian maca, maca root, maca extract, peruvian ginseng
Effective Dosage
2000 mg daily (based on available study data; no universally established dose)
What the Science Says
Maca is a root vegetable native to the high-altitude Andes of Peru, traditionally used to boost energy, fertility, and vitality. Clinical trials suggest it may modestly improve sperm concentration in men with mild fertility issues, though effects on sperm motility, volume, and morphology appear minimal. A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human studies suggests potential benefits for physical performance, but a well-designed human trial in basketball players found no significant improvement in jump height, sprint performance, or fatigue at 2000 mg/day over two weeks.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably boost testosterone — one trial actually found a decrease in free testosterone. No proven benefit for athletic performance in well-trained humans. Not a proven fertility treatment; most semen parameters showed no significant improvement over placebo. Don't expect it to cure fatigue or act as a meaningful ergogenic aid based on current human evidence.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Maca has been shown to potentially enhance energy, stamina, and sexual function in both men and women. Some studies suggest it may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 1.5-3 g daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic or bioavailability data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- One clinical trial found a decrease in free testosterone levels with maca use, contradicting common marketing claims about hormone boosting
- Most human clinical trials are small (10–69 participants), limiting the reliability of findings
- Animal studies and meta-analyses show large effect sizes that have not been replicated in rigorous human trials
- Over 1000 registered supplement products contain maca, but the clinical evidence base remains thin and inconsistent
- Some papers in this dataset are irrelevant to maca supplementation (e.g., antibiotic resistance, chronic disease management), suggesting the ingredient name can cause data noise
Products Containing Maca
See how Maca is used in these analyzed products:
Pink Stork Total PMS
Supplement
New Chapter Every Woman's One Daily Multivitamin
Supplement
NOW Horny Goat Weed Extract, 750 mg
Supplement
Testo-Booster
Supplement
Innerbody Labs Testosterone Support
Supplement
Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins
Supplement
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-08