From the Guidelines
Maca (Ginseng Peruvianum) has no proven effect on male physiology, and its use is not recommended due to the lack of high-quality evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety. The most recent and highest quality study on herbal therapies for erectile dysfunction, published in 2005 1, found that the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and safety of these agents, including Maca, have not been documented in repeated, randomized clinical trials with independent data monitoring.
Key Points to Consider
- The lack of regulation for the manufacture and distribution of herbal therapies, including Maca, has permitted disparities in the raw materials used, variations in manufacturing procedures, and poor identification of the potentially active agent 1.
- Product potency and quality both within and between brands are inconsistent, and contamination of some herbal products with therapeutic levels of PDE5 inhibitors has been found 1.
- The American Urological Association (AUA) guideline on erectile dysfunction, published in 2018 1, recommends a comprehensive evaluation and targeted physical exam for men presenting with symptoms of ED, but does not mention Maca as a recommended treatment.
- Men with ED should be counseled that ED is a risk marker for underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other health conditions that may warrant evaluation and treatment 1.
Recommendations for Male Sexual Health
- A healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep is essential for maintaining male sexual health.
- Men with ED should undergo a thorough medical, sexual, and psychosocial history, a physical examination, and selective laboratory testing, and be counseled on the potential risks and benefits of various treatment options 1.
- Validated questionnaires, such as the Erection Hardness Score and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men, may be used to assess the severity of ED and measure treatment effectiveness 1.
From the Research
Effects of Maca on Male Physiology
- The effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on male physiology have been studied in various trials, with some indicating a positive impact on fertility and sexual function 2, 3, 4.
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that Maca supplementation increased sperm concentration and motility in healthy adult men, although hormone levels remained unchanged 2.
- A systematic review of four randomized clinical trials suggested that Maca may have a positive effect on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women or healthy adult men, but the evidence was limited 3.
- Another study found that a combined extract of Maca and Chinese chive seed had a synergistic effect on male sexual function, increasing ejaculation frequency and nitric oxide levels in serum and penis 5.
Hormonal Effects
- However, not all studies have found a significant effect of Maca on hormone levels. A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial found that Maca had no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in healthy men 6.
- Another study found that Maca supplementation did not affect serum testosterone levels in healthy men 6.
Sexual Function
- A randomised, double-blind clinical trial found that Maca extract had a significant effect on subjective well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction, with patients experiencing a more significant increase in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score compared to those taking placebo 4.
- The same study found that Maca-treated patients experienced a significant improvement in physical and social performance-related Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) score compared to baseline 4.