--- title: "Maca: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "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." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/maca/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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 Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)M Maca Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Unknown** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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 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 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 | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Losartan and other blood pressure medicines | Increased the blood pressure-lowering effect of losartan in hypertensive rats; clinical relevance in humans is not established. [1] | Moderate | | Testosterone laboratory tests | May 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. [Maca](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maca) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs · 2023 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review](https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44) BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2010 · Systematic review Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Maca (Lepidium meyenii). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/maca/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Herbal Products in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herbal-products-in-pregnancy/) - [Understanding Evidence Levels (A, B, C and T)](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/understanding-evidence-levels/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Tribulus](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/) B Limited clinical evidence Tribulus terrestris The spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ashwagandha](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ashwagandha/) B Limited clinical evidence Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Ashwagandha root extracts have limited evidence for stress and sleep. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease; drug interactions are possible. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ![](/illustrations/diger.svg)A African Cherry Bark ### [African Cherry Bark](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/african-cherry-bark/) B Limited clinical evidence Prunus africana EMA recognises African cherry (pygeum) bark extract as a traditional remedy for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. See a doctor first. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Small-Flowered Willowherb](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/small-flowered-willowherb/) T Traditional use Epilobium parviflorum Traditionally taken as a tea for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ferula Root Water](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ferula-root-water/) C Laboratory / animal evidence Ferula spp. A drink made from Ferula (çakşır) root, traditionally used for male sexual vigour. Its effect has only been studied in animals. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Floral Water](https://herbadex.com/en/form/floral-water/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.