Dried Herb & Tea

Maca

Lepidium meyenii

B Limited clinical evidence

Maca root powder has been tried for sexual desire and function in small studies; evidence is limited. Take care in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive cancers.

Men’s HealthWomen’s Health
Maca
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
ChildrenUnknown
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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On this page

At a glance

Maca is an Andean plant whose root is eaten as a powder. A systematic review of four small randomized trials found only limited evidence that it improves sexual function. Claims about energy, fertility and mood rest mostly on animal studies.

Parts used: root
Key constituents: Macamides, Glucosinolates

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In a systematic review of four small randomized trials, two reported improved sexual desire or function in adult men and menopausal women, and one reported a positive effect in mild erectile dysfunction; the number and quality of trials are too limited for firm conclusions. [2]

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Small studies found improvement in low sexual desire related to menopause or antidepressant use; evidence for menopausal symptoms is limited. [1][2]

How is it used?

Food

The root powder is mixed into food and drinks. Studies used different amounts; the sources give no verified amount.

[1]

Safety & interactions

  • It may not be safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding; ask your doctor before use.
  • Do not use without your doctor's advice if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, as it may affect treatment.
  • If you take blood pressure medicine, ask your doctor; in an animal study it increased the blood pressure-lowering effect.
  • Tell your doctor if you took maca before a testosterone test; it may affect the result.
  • Stop and see a doctor if your menstrual cycle changes or you have bleeding between periods.
  • Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of illness; talk to your doctor.
[1]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
Losartan and other blood pressure medicinesIncreased the blood pressure-lowering effect of losartan in hypertensive rats; clinical relevance in humans is not established. [1]Moderate
Testosterone laboratory testsMay interfere with testosterone immunoassays; tell your doctor about use before testing. [1]Minor

Side effects

  • Changes in menstrual cycle, mood changes, cramps, gastritis and insomnia (subjective reports)
  • Prolonged bleeding between periods and high testosterone in one case

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Does maca increase libido?

Small randomized trials reported improved sexual desire in men and menopausal women, but the systematic review says the evidence is limited and no firm conclusion can be drawn.

Can I take maca while pregnant?

MSKCC notes it may not be safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before use.

Does maca improve fertility?

Human data on semen quality are mixed; fertility effects come from animal studies and have not been confirmed in humans.

Does maca affect hormones?

A small study found no effect on hormone levels, but one case reported raised testosterone and bleeding between periods. People with hormone-sensitive cancer should ask their doctor.

How is maca used?

The root powder is mixed into food and drinks. The sources give no verified amount; follow the product label and ask your doctor about long-term use.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. MacaMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2023 · Reference bookSource accessed:
  2. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic reviewBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2010 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Maca (Lepidium meyenii). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/maca/

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