How does maca work to balance hormones?

Maca does not contain hormones itself but is classified as an adaptogen that supports the endocrine system. Its primary mechanism involves unique compounds called macamides and macaenes, which are thought to act on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By modulating the body's stress response and signaling pathways, maca helps regulate the production of hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, promoting balance without directly introducing synthetic hormones into the body.

Does maca interact with any medications?

Maca has no well-documented severe drug interactions, but caution is advised for individuals on hormone therapies. Because maca influences hormonal pathways, it may theoretically interfere with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or birth control pills. Additionally, those taking thyroid medication should consult a physician, as maca contains goitrogens that may interfere with thyroid function, particularly in those with iodine deficiency.

Is maca safe to take during pregnancy?

Maca is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While traditionally used to enhance fertility, there is insufficient clinical safety data to support its use during gestation. Because maca exerts hormonal effects and contains glucosinolates that can affect thyroid function, pregnant women are advised to avoid supplementation unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare provider.

What is the recommended daily dosage for maca root?

The standard recommended dosage for maca root is 1.5 to 3 grams of dried powder daily, typically taken with meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. For standardized extracts, a dosage of 450mg to 1500mg daily is common. It is advisable to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance, as higher amounts may cause jitteriness or insomnia in sensitive individuals.

Can maca help with low libido and sexual function?

Yes, improving libido is one of the most well-documented benefits of maca root. Multiple randomized controlled trials (Evidence Level B) have shown that maca supplementation can significantly improve sexual desire in both men and women, independent of changes in testosterone levels. It is widely used as a natural aphrodisiac and for supporting sexual function, often showing effects within several weeks of consistent use.

Who should not take maca root?

Individuals with thyroid conditions should avoid maca or use it with caution, as it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, should also consult a doctor before use due to maca's potential effects on estrogen levels. People with high blood pressure should monitor their levels, as maca may slightly elevate heart rate in some users.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Une interaction plante-médicament se produit lorsqu'une plante ou un complément modifie l'action d'un médicament dans votre organisme — en le rendant plus puissant, moins efficace, ou plus susceptible de provoquer des effets nocifs. Les plantes contiennent des composés actifs qui peuvent accélérer ou ralentir les enzymes et transporteurs utilisés pour métaboliser les médicaments.

Pourquoi c'est important

Millepertuis peut rendre la contraception, les antidépresseurs et les anticoagulants moins efficaces.

Ail peut augmenter le risque de saignement avec la warfarine et autres anticoagulants (aussi ginkgo, gingembre et curcuma).

Kava peut amplifier la sédation avec les médicaments contre l'anxiété ou le sommeil (aussi la valériane).

Le risque est plus élevé chez les personnes âgées, ceux qui prennent plusieurs médicaments et les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.

Indiquez toujours à votre médecin et à votre pharmacien toutes les plantes et compléments que vous prenez — et vérifiez ci-dessous avant toute association.

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

1 Modéré

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
Hormone replacement therapy	Modéré	La maca peut moduler les niveaux hormonaux et potentiellement interagir avec une thérapie de substitution hormonale.

Cette liste reflète un sous-ensemble sélectionné d'interactions documentées et n'est pas exhaustive. L'absence d'un médicament ici ne prouve pas qu'il est sans danger à combiner. Confirmez toujours auprès d'un pharmacien ou d'un professionnel de santé.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root native to the Andean region used as a functional food and medicinal herb for its purported effects on fertility, sexual function, and neuroprotection [PMID:31951246, PMID:41596907].

Contexte

Maca is a biennial herbaceous plant of the Brassicaceae family indigenous to the high altitudes of the Peruvian Andes (3500-5000 m) [PMID:31643869, PMID:38440178]. It is available in various phenotypes distinguished by color, including yellow, black, and red [PMID:20090350, PMID:24718534].

Usages traditionnels

Historically used for at least 2000 years as a nutrient-dense food and traditional medicine to promote health, wellness, energy, and fertility [PMID:31951246, PMID:31643869]. It has also been used as a tonic to treat anemia, rheumatism, and respiratory disorders [PMID:28811221].

Composés actifs

Bioactive constituents include macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, alkaloids (such as macaridine), polyphenols, sterols, and polysaccharides [PMID:38440178, PMID:31805775, PMID:11754952, PMID:34533247]. Macamides are secondary amides formed during traditional Andean postharvest drying practices [PMID:25817836].

Mécanisme d'action

Maca-derived extracellular vesicles may ameliorate depression by promoting 5-HT synthesis via modulation of the gut-brain axis [PMID:38867934]. Other reported pharmacological properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects [PMID:38440178, PMID:31951246].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BSexual Desire

Improvement in sexual desire was observed in healthy men after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment (1,500 mg or 3,000 mg), independent of changes in serum testosterone or estradiol levels [PMID:12472620]

Preuve ASemen Quality

Meta-analysis of RCTs failed to show efficacy in increasing sperm concentration compared to placebo, with mixed results regarding sperm motility [PMID:36110519]. Another RCT in infertile men found no significant differences in semen volume, sperm motility, or normal sperm percentage [PMID:32654242].

Preuve AMenopausal Symptoms

Four RCTs demonstrated favorable effects of maca on menopausal symptoms in healthy perimenopausal, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal women [PMID:21840656]

Preuve ASexual Dysfunction

Systematic review of RCTs suggested a significant positive effect on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women [PMID:20691074]

Preuve BPhysical Performance

A double-blind crossover study in well-trained male basketball players found that 2000 mg/day of maca for 2 weeks did not significantly improve jump height, shooting accuracy, sprint performance, or blood lactate clearance [PMID:40960048]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Maca is generally considered safe with rare adverse effects and good human tolerance [PMID:38440178]. It has not been implicated in causing liver injury [PMID:31643869].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Adaptogens (which include maca) were involved in 9% of adverse events associated with the concomitant use of antidepressants in a retrospective chart review [PMID:37829299].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence for maca is mixed. While systematic reviews and RCTs suggest benefits for sexual desire and menopausal symptoms, meta-analyses on semen quality and specific RCTs on athletic performance have shown no significant efficacy. Much of the supporting evidence for neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory effects remains preclinical [PMID:38440178, PMID:36110519, PMID:40960048].

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 31951246 (2020) — Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. · Food & function
2.PMID: 38440178 (2024) — Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. · Frontiers in pharmacology
3.PMID: 31643869 (2012) — Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses. · Nutrients
4.PMID: 38867934 (2023) — Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca)-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate depression by promoting 5-HT synthesis via the modulation of gut-brain axis. · iMeta
5.PMID: 12472620 (2002) — Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.

Maca

Sources et citations

Maca Red

Maca Red

Maca Yellow

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

1 interaction médicamenteuse connue — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Maca

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Maca Red

Maca Red

Maca Yellow

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

1 interaction médicamenteuse connue — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales