Maca root is a well-established aphrodisiac herbal ingredient, which has male sexual boosting property along with other health benefits. Since 1,300–2,000 years maca plant is cultivated in Ondores (previously known as Junin), San Blas, and Peruvian central Andes (previously known as Chinchaycocha).
In 1553, Cieza de Leon had first described the Maca root benefits without specifying the botanical identification of this root. Later, in 1653, Father Cobo had described the different properties of Maca root. He mentioned that the use of maca for fertility. However, this herbal ingredient had acknowledged as a fertility enhancer in the 18th century. There is a variety of Maca available with different functionality with a variation of the color of the hypocotyl, ranging from black, red, yellow or pink. [1]
The potential aphrodisiac effect of Maca is due to its bioactive phytochemical composition. Maca exclusively contains Maca alkaloids termed as Macaridine, which is the main bioactive component of Maca. Other included phytochemicals are Macaenes, Macamides, benzylhexadecanamide, and n-benzyloctadecanamide. [2]
The aphrodisiac effect of Maca is independent of any other hormonal effects like testosterone, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone. However, Maca induces neuronal locomotor activity which helps in improving mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, and inter copulatory interval. Several other neural mechanisms influence sexual desire like lymbic system primarily responsible for the euphoric and pleasurable experience of sex stems. Particularly male ejaculation is controlled by the sympathetic portion, therefore neuronal activation improves libido specifically in the male. In addition, the neural effect can activate the amygdala present in the limbic system trigger penile erection, orgasm, sexual feelings, sensations of extreme pleasure, etc. Maca can increase sexual desires but it has no stimulant property. [1,2,3]
The neural effect of Maca brings on locomotor activity and that is beneficial for rising and intromission latency and the inter-copulatory interval as well as post-ejaculatory latency that increase libido.[4] Several other neural mechanisms influence sexual desire like lymbic system primarily responsible for the euphoric and pleasurable experience of sex stems. Particularly male ejaculation is controlled by the sympathetic portion, therefore neuronal activation improves libido specifically in the male. In addition, the neural effect can activate the amygdala present in the limbic system trigger a penile erection, orgasm, sexual feelings, sensations of extreme pleasure, etc. [1, 2]
Black Maca is the potential to enhance spermatogenesis due to its neuroprotective effect; whereas Red Maca is used to reduce prostate size. Enlargement of the prostate gland in men due to prostate hypertrophy can be effectively treated with Maca. Maca can act as a potential suppressor of an enlarged prostate. [3]
A research study showed that the bioactive compound, macamide which is present in Maca can induce neuronal locomotor activity which assists in improving libido. An animal study showed that Maca can improve sexual activity in a ‘build-up fashion’ and that can achieve through the repeated taking of daily dose. The instant effect of Maca is insignificant. A human study conducted with Maca also showed the dynamic sexual desire that occurs after a continuous 12 weeks intake of Maca supplementation. [2]
Erectile dysfunction in men can also be rectified by administering Maca. A clinical study showed that men with erectile dysfunction could be benefitted by using a high dose of Maca supplementation.
The anti-depressant effect of Maca can improve mood in both male and female. One trial report showed that Maca supplementation can improve libido in both the gender through mood enhancement. But this study also referred that adherence of continuous daily dose of Maca is essential to get its benefit. [2,3]
Benzyl Glucosinolate present in Maca can suppress prostate size in case of prostate hypertrophy. [2]
The unique content of Maca including glucosinolate can cause improved immunity and prevent frequent illness. [2]
Sun-dried Maca root can be stored for many years. Dried hypocotyls of maca is also edible. But experts prefer to prepare maca root juice by boiling dried hypocotyls of maca. Heating makes the content softer and also secondary metabolites of different phytonutrients are available in the hot juice. To get a better result, translycopene present in tomato juice is also added after 15 – 30 minutes boiling of the content. This combination increases the male fertility benefits. The addition of tomato juice to Maca root juice also increases the vitamin C content. [1]
However, many people do not like the grassy taste of Maca, therefore it is important to take Maca supplementation for obtaining the benefits of Maca root. Evan, it has been also observed that Maca supplementation can provide better digestibility and bioavailability than raw Maca. [2]
Men can provide increased libido through Maca supplementation in a unique way, where hormonal influence can be negligible. The bioactive phytochemicals of Maca activate neural function and enhance libido. [1, 4]
Maca can enhance daily sperm count and reduce male fertility issues. [1]
Macca can raise mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, and intercopulatory interval by activating the neural function. This positive orgasm can prolong sexual activity. [1,5,6]
The spermatogenesis effect of Black Maca is significant. It increases sperm count and improves fertility. [1]
Maca can provide protection to testicles and also reduce the size of the prostate in the case of prostate hypertrophy. [1, 7]
Several age-independent and age-related factors like over-stress, erectile dysfunction, prostate hypertrophy can interfere the sexual desire and lead to sexual dysfunction. Macca has the ability to improve mood due to its anti-depressant effect, it can even correct erectile dysfunction and reduce prostate size.[1, 3, 7]
The Carbohydrate bioactive content of Maca is beneficial for boosting immunity. Maca supplementation can encourage less use of rescue medicine for treating other diseases like joint pains. [3]
The anti-depressant effect and anxiolytic effect of Macca decrease the pre-existing stress and assist in sexual fantasizing. [2,3,4]
Athletes and bodybuilders are using a Maca root supplement, as it helps to gain muscle, boost energy, enhances physical strength and improve overall exercise performance. Some animal research findings indicate the enhancement of endurance performance after using a Maca supplement. A small-scale human research finding also supports 14 days supplementation of maca extract to improve their physical performance. However, no research finding yet established the benefits for muscle mass or strength of Maca root. [3, 5]
Exposure to UV radiation damage skin tissue and causes skin aging symptoms and increase the risk of skin cancer. Concentrated Maca root extract application protects skin against UV radiation. Glucosinolates and the polyphenol antioxidants present in Maca provide skin benefits. This benefit is obtained only for external use. However, it does not replace conventional sunscreen products. A small animal research data supported that the application of Maca extract for three weeks prevents skin damage from UV exposure. [3]
Maca is generally considered safe to use as a herbal remedy. However, Peruvian natives people believe that the direct consumption of fresh Maca root may cause side effects, and thus they recommended to boil it instead of intake of raw Maca root. [3]
Individuals with thyroid problems avoid in taking the Maca root supplement. Maca root has goitrogens, which may interact with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
During pregnancy and lactation, women must consult with doctors before incorporating a Maca supplement in their diet. [3]
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