Maca Root Powder
Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian ginseng, maca root, gelatinized maca, black maca, red maca
A cruciferous root grown in the Peruvian Andes, dried and milled into a powder used in libido, energy, and hormone-balance formulas. A twelve-week randomized trial in healthy men found that 1.5 and 3 g per day improved self-reported sexual desire without changing serum testosterone, and a systematic review found limited but supportive evidence for sexual function. Gelatinized maca has had starch removed for easier digestion and is the usual supplement grade.
Research summary
Macamides and glucosinolate derivatives are proposed to act on central pathways governing sexual desire and energy, independent of sex-hormone changes.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 mg | 1,500–3,000 mg | 3,000 mg | — |
1.5 to 3 g per day of root powder, usually in the morning with food. Effects on desire were reported after eight weeks in the twelve-week trial. Gram-level doses drive high capsule counts, so it is most practical as a powder.
Source material: dried root powder (gelatinized)
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Malty, butterscotch-like flavor that works well in powders; capsule counts get high at 1.5 g and above.
Formulation notes
Commonly paired with tribulus, ashwagandha, or zinc. Raw maca is harder to digest than gelatinized grades.
Sources
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