Lepidium Meyenii Black (Lepidium meyenii (black)): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does black maca work to improve sperm production?

Black maca contains macamides and glucosinolates that appear to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, influencing reproductive hormone signaling without directly altering testosterone levels. The anthocyanins specific to the black variety provide antioxidant protection to sperm cells and reproductive tissues. Research suggests black maca may enhance spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, and semen quality through these combined mechanisms. Evidence Level: C, based on animal studies and preliminary human trials.

Does black maca interact with thyroid medications or hormone treatments?

Black maca contains glucosinolates, compounds that may interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and iodine uptake. Individuals taking thyroid medications such as levothyroxine should consult a healthcare provider before use, as black maca is contraindicated for thyroid conditions. Additionally, black maca may theoretically interact with hormone replacement therapies or hormonal contraceptives due to its effects on the endocrine system. Evidence Level: C, based on theoretical interactions and limited clinical data.

What is the recommended daily dosage for black maca powder?

The recommended adult dosage for black maca is 2-3 grams of powder daily, typically divided into two doses. This amount has been used in studies examining spermatogenesis and memory enhancement. Black maca can be mixed into smoothies, oatmeal, or taken with water. Starting with 1 gram daily allows tolerance assessment before gradually increasing. Consistent daily use for 6-12 weeks may be necessary to observe benefits. Evidence Level: C, based on traditional use and limited clinical research.

Is black maca safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Black maca is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in typical food amounts. However, limited research exists on concentrated supplemental doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The glucosinolate content may affect thyroid function, which requires careful monitoring during pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before taking black maca supplements, particularly those with thyroid concerns. Evidence Level: C, based on traditional use and theoretical safety considerations.

Can black maca improve memory and cognitive function?

Black maca has demonstrated potential cognitive benefits in research studies, particularly for memory enhancement. The anthocyanins and macamides present in the black variety provide neuroprotective antioxidant activity and may influence the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in learning and memory processes. Animal studies suggest improvements in spatial memory and learning tasks. Human research remains limited but supports traditional use for cognitive support. Evidence Level: C, based primarily on animal studies.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Lepidium meyenii (black maca) is a cruciferous plant from the Peruvian Andes used for its nutritional and medicinal properties [PMID:20090350]. It is primarily associated with improvements in spermatogenesis, memory, and physical performance [PMID:24718534, PMID:37049458].

Background

Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as maca, is a cruciferous plant of the Brassicaceae family cultivated exclusively at altitudes of 4,000-4,500 meters in the Peruvian Central Andes [PMID:20090350, PMID:16961569]. It is available in different phenotypes based on hypocotyl color, including black, yellow, and red [PMID:20090350, PMID:24718534].

Traditional uses

Maca is traditionally used in the Andean region for its nutritional properties and as a fertility-enhancing agent [PMID:20090350, PMID:16961569].

Active compounds

Black maca contains bioactive metabolites including macamides, imidazole alkaloids, sterols, fatty acid amides, and polyphenols [PMID:41154523, PMID:26633045]. Specific components identified include p-hydroxybenzylglucosinolate and benzylglucosinolate [PMID:33350269].

Mechanism of action

Black maca exhibits antioxidant activity, reducing brain malondialdehyde levels and mitigating oxidative stress [PMID:41154523]. It may influence mitochondrial biosynthesis regulatory factors to improve aerobic energy systems [PMID:37049458] and regulate the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-TCA cycle and PPARα signaling to prevent metabolism disorders [PMID:29681858].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DSpermatogenesis and Semen Quality

Black maca shows superior effects on sperm production and spermatogenesis compared to yellow or red varieties in animal models [PMID:20090350, PMID:24718534, PMID:16174556]. In dogs, oral supplementation (75 mg/kg) improved sperm parameters and increased serum testosterone [PMID:40315173].

Evidence DCognitive Function and Memory

Black maca extracts significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced and ethanol-induced memory impairment in mice [PMID:17543435, PMID:21780878]. It also improved spatial learning and memory in ovariectomized mice [PMID:18955369, PMID:16796734].

Evidence BPhysical Performance and Fitness

Supplementation with 2500 mg of black maca extract in elite athletes improved inflammation levels, physical fitness, and aerobic energy systems [PMID:37049458]. In female handball players, it significantly improved 20m-shuttle run and isokinetic muscle function of the knee and trunk [PMID:38187794].

Evidence DBone Structure

Black maca treatment reversed the effect of ovariectomy on femoral bone weight and diameter and increased trabecular bone area in the lumbar vertebra of rats [PMID:20616517].

Evidence DMetabolic Disorder

Aqueous extract of black maca improved hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in hamsters fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet [PMID:29681858].

Safety & adverse effects

Experimental studies have proven that short and long term consumption of maca is safe [PMID:24718534]. In rats, chronic treatment did not show toxic effects in the liver or spleen [PMID:17683465].

Dosage & administration

Dosages vary by study: 3 g daily for humans [PMID:27548190], 2500 mg capsules twice daily for athletes [PMID:37049458], and 75 mg/kg for dogs [PMID:40315173]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on animal models (Level D) demonstrating benefits for fertility, memory, and metabolism. There is emerging clinical evidence (Level B) regarding physical performance in athletes, though human trials for other indications are limited.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 20090350 (2009) — Lepidium meyenii (Maca): a plant from the highlands of Peru--from tradition to science. · Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006)
2.PMID: 40315173 (2025) — Effects of oral black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on semen quality and refrigerated storage stability in subfertile and normofertile dogs: a study on sperm parameters and testosterone levels. · The veterinary quarterly
3.PMID: 24718534 (2014) — [Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), a review of its biological properties]. · Revista peruana de medicina experimental y salud publica
4.PMID: 37443852 (2023) — Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa. · Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
5.PMID: 16961569 (2006) — Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats.

Lepidium Meyenii Black

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Lepidium Meyenii Black

Salvia lavandulifolia

Sargassum fusiforme

Equisetum telmateia

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Dosage & administration

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Lepidium Meyenii Black

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Lepidium Meyenii Black

Related Herbs

Salvia lavandulifolia

Sargassum fusiforme

Equisetum telmateia

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Dosage & administration

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources