Maca Root

Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian maca, maca, maca root powder

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Andean root vegetable with weak evidence for improving libido and SSRI-related sexual dysfunction.

What it does

Maca root is a plant from the Peruvian Andes traditionally used as a food and medicine. The strongest human evidence suggests it may help reduce sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant (SSRI)...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

1.5-3g daily (sexual dysfunction); animal studies used 500-1000mg/kg
Found in

310 Nutrition Vanilla Crème Shake, Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins, 310 Chocolate Icing Shake and 8 more

What the Science Says

Maca root is a plant from the Peruvian Andes traditionally used as a food and medicine. The strongest human evidence suggests it may help reduce sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant (SSRI) medications, particularly at 3g per day. Animal studies suggest it may also support sperm quality and protect against oxidative stress, but these findings have not been confirmed in humans.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to boost testosterone in healthy adults. No solid human evidence it improves fertility or IVF outcomes — one small study actually found lower fertilization rates in supplement users. No proven benefit for metabolic syndrome in humans. Don't expect dramatic libido boosts if you're not on antidepressants — the evidence is much weaker for that use case.

Evidence-Based Benefits

May reduce sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants at a dose of 3g per day.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3g daily

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 18801111 PMID 35892716 PMID 39985829

May improve self-reported libido, particularly in people taking antidepressants.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3g daily

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 18801111 PMID 35892716

Improved sperm motility in rats exposed to reproductive toxins — human evidence is lacking.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 39944348 PMID 38518815

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were included in the provided data. Typically consumed as a powder or extract.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most supporting evidence comes from animal studies, not human clinical trials
The key human trial on sexual dysfunction had only 10 completers — extremely small sample size
One small IVF study found lower fertilization rates in women using oral supplements including maca — caution advised for those undergoing fertility treatment
Maca is often combined with other herbs in supplements, making it hard to isolate its effects
Evidence quality rated 'low' in a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Sunfood Supergreens & Protein

Supplement

Overhyped

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maca Root do?

Andean root vegetable with weak evidence for improving libido and SSRI-related sexual dysfunction.

What is the effective dose of Maca Root?

1.5-3g daily (sexual dysfunction); animal studies used 500-1000mg/kg

Is Maca Root safe?

Most supporting evidence comes from animal studies, not human clinical trials

What doesn't Maca Root do?

Not proven to boost testosterone in healthy adults.

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: 2026-05-25