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Maca is growing in world popularity due to its energizing, fertility, nutritious, and tonic effects.* For more complete information about this nutritious South American plant, please see the Tropical Plant Database File on Maca. To see pictures of maca being cultivated in the High Andes in Peru, click here.

Traditional Uses:* as a natural source of nutrients (amino acids, minerals, etc.); to support endocrine function; to reduce fertility problems (both male and female); to support erectile function; as an aphrodisiac

Suggested Use: Take one tablespoon (about 10 g) 1-3 times daily or as desired. This powder can be stirred into water, juice, or smoothies—heating or cooking is not required (or recommended). It can be stuffed into capsules, or combined with other herbs or foods.
Contraindications: None reported.
Other Observations: None reported.

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Published Third-Party Research on Maca

All available third-party research on maca can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the published research on maca updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:

Fertility Enhancement Actions:
Aoki, Y., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii on in vitro fertilization via improvement in acrosome reaction and motility of mouse and human sperm." Reprod. Med. Biol. 2018 Oct; 18(1): 57-64.
Ciribé, F., et al. "Hypospermia improvement in dogs fed on a nutraceutical diet." ScientificWorldJournal. 2018 Nov; 2018: 9520204.
Del Prete, C., et al. "Influences of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on stallion sperm production and on preservation of sperm quality during storage at 5 °C." Andrology. 2018 Mar; 6(2): 351-361.
Sanchez-Salazar, L., et al. "Aqueous extract of yellow maca (Lepidium meyenii) improves sperm count in experimental animals but response depends on hypocotyl size, pH and routes of administration." Andrologia. 2018 Apr; 50(3).
Inoue, N., et al. "Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on the sperm count of adult mice." Andrologia. 2016 Oct; 48(8): 915-21.
Lee, M., et al. "The use of maca (Lepidium meyenii) to improve semen quality: A systematic review." Maturitas. 2016 Oct; 92: 64-69.
Zevallos-Concha, A., et al. "Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp). Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2016; 26(1): 67-73.
Melnikovova, I., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2015; 2015: 324369.
Lembè, D., "Synergistic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) and Fagara tessmannii (Rutaceae) on male sexual organs and hormone level in rats." Pharmacognosy Res. 2014 Jan; 6(1): 80-6.
Uchiyama, F., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) enhances the serum levels of luteinising hormone in female rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Feb; 151(2): 897-902.
Gonzales, G., et al. "The transillumination technique as a method for the assessment of spermatogenesis using medicinal plants: the effect of extracts of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) and camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) on stages of the spermatogenic cycle in male rats." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2013 Oct; 23(8): 559-65.
Gonzales, G., et al. "A mixture of extracts from Peruvian plants (black maca and yacon) improves sperm count and reduced glycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2013 Sep; 23(7): 509-18.
Clement, C., et al. "Effect of maca supplementation on bovine sperm quantity and quality followed over two spermatogenic cycles." Theriogenology. 2010 Jul; 74(2): 173-83.
Gasco, M., et al. "Effect of chronic treatment with three varieties of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on reproductive parameters and DNA quantification in adult male rats." Andrologia. 2007 Aug; 39(4): 151-8.
Yucra, S., et al. "Effect of different fractions from hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on testicular function in adult male rats." Fertil. Steril. 2008 May; 89(5 Suppl): 1461-7.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on one spermatogenic cycle in rats." Andrologia. 2006 Oct; 38(5): 166-72.
Bustos-Obregon, E., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reduces spermatogenic damage induced by a single dose of malathion in mice." Asian J. Androl. 2005 Mar; 7(1): 71-6.
Ruiz-Luna, A, et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) increases litter size in normal adult female mice." Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 2005 May; 3(1): 16.
Gonzales, C., et al. "Effect of short-term and long-term treatments with three ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on spermatogenesis in rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 20; 103(3): 448-54.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m)." J. Endocrinol. 2004; 180(1): 87-95.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (maca) improved semen parameters in adult men." Asian J. Androl. 2001; 3(4): 301–3.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) roots on spermatogenesis of male rats." Asian J. Androl. 2001; 3(3): 231–33.

Endocrine, Metabolic, & Adrenal Actions:
Wan, W., et al. "Aqueous extract of black maca prevents metabolism disorder via regulating the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-TCA cycle and PPARα signaling activation in golden Hamsters fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet." Front. Pharmacol. 2018 Apr; 9: 333.
Zhang, Y., et al. "Effect of ethanolic extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp on serum hormone levels in ovariectomized rats." Indian J. Pharmacol. 2014 Jul-Aug; 46(4): 416-9.
Gonzales, G., et al. "A mixture of extracts from Peruvian plants (black maca and yacon) improves sperm count and reduced glycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2013 Sep; 23(7): 509-18.
Zhang, Y., et al. "Effect of ethanol extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr; 105(1-2): 274-9.
Lopez-Fando, A., et al. "Lepidium peruvianum Chacon restores homeostasis impaired by restraint stress." Phytother. Res. 2004; 18(6): 471-4.
Vecera, R., et al. "The influence of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on antioxidant status, lipid and glucose metabolism in rat." Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2007 Jun; 62(2): 59-63.

Anti-Fatigue Actions:
Tang, Y., et al. "Structure analysis and anti-fatigue activity of a polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii Walp." Nat. Prod. Res. 2018 Mar 16: 1-10.
Qureshi M., et al. "Phytochemical and biological assessments on Lipidium meyenii (maca) and Epimidium sagittatum (horny goat weed)." Pak. J. Pharm. Sci. 2017 Jan; 30(1): 29-36.
Tang, W., et al. "Structural characterization and antifatigue effect in vivo of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) polysaccharide." J. Food Sci. 2017 Mar; 82(3): 757-764.
Li J., et al. "Anti-fatigue activity of polysaccharide fractions from Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca)." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Feb; 95: 1305-1311.
Zevallos-Concha, A., et al. "Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp)." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2016; 26(1): 67-73.
Yang, Q., et al. "Effects of macamides on endurance capacity and anti-fatigue property in prolonged swimming mice." Pharm. Biol. 2016; 54(5): 827-34.
Stone, M., et al. "A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Dec; 126(3): 574-6.

Cellular Protective Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Actions:
Zheng, W., et al. "Lepidium meyenii Walp exhibits anti-inflammatory activity against conA-induced acute hepatitis." Mediators Inflamm. 2018 Dec; 2018: 8982756.
Sun, Y., et al. "Composition analysis and antioxidant activity of essential oils, lipids and polysaccharides in different phenotypes of Lepidium meyenii." J. Chromatogr. B. Analyt. Technol. Biomed. Life Sci. 2018 Nov; 1099: 25-33.
Wang, W., et al. "Structure characterization of one polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii Walp., and its antioxidant activity and protective effect against H(2)O(2)-induced injury RAW264.7 cells." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2018 Oct; 118(Pt A): 816-833.
Jin, W., et al. "Aerial parts of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) as functional vegetables with gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy in vivo." Food Funct. 2018 Jun; 9(6): 3456-3465.
Wan, W., et al. "Aqueous extract of black maca prevents metabolism disorder via regulating the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-TCA cycle and PPARα signaling activation in golden hamsters fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet." Front. Pharmacol. 2018 Apr 6; 9: 333.
Herraiz, T., et al. "Monoamine oxidase-A inhibition and associated antioxidant activity in plant extracts with potential antidepressant actions. Biomed. Res. Int. 2018 Jan 15; 2018: 4810394.
Caicai, K., ., et al. "Isolation, purification and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from the leaves of maca (Lepidium meyenii)." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2018 Feb; 107(Pt B): 2611-2619.
Onaolapo, A., et al. "Cyclophosphamide-induced male subfertility in mice: An assessment of the potential benefits of Maca supplement. Andrologia. 2018 Apr; 50(3).
Li, S., et al. "Purification, characterization and biological activities of a polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii leaves." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Oct; 103: 1302-1310.
Paul, S. "Identification and characterization of microRNAs and their targets in high-altitude stress-adaptive plant maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp). 3 Biotech. 2017 Jun; 7(2): 103.
Zhang, L., et al. "Protective effect of polysaccharide from maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Hep-G2 cells and alcoholic liver oxidative injury in mice." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Jun; 99: 63-70.
Rodríguez-Huamán, Á, ., et al. "Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) methanol leaf extract against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2017 May; 27(4): 279-285.
Valdivia Cuya, M., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on testicular function of mice with chemically and physically induced subfertility." Andrologia. 2016 Oct; 48(8): 927-34.
Zevallos-Concha, A., et al. "Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii Walp). Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2016; 26(1): 67-73.
Bai, N., et al. "Flavonolignans and other constituents from Lepidium meyenii with activities in anti-inflammation and human cancer cell lines." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2015 Mar; 63(9): 2458-63.
Zha, S., et al. "Extraction, purification and antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides from maca (Lepidium meyenii)." Carbohydr. Polym. 2014 Oct; 111: 584-7.
Gonzales-Castañeda, C., ., et al. "Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca)." Int. J. Dermatol. 2011 Aug; 50(8): 928-38.
Vecera, R., et al. "The influence of maca (Lepidium meyenii) on antioxidant status, lipid and glucose metabolism in rat." Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2007 Jun; 62(2): 59-63.

Immunostimulant & Immune Modulation Actions:
Zha, Z., et al. "Isolation, purification, structural characterization and immunostimulatory activity of water-soluble polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii." Phytochemistry. 2018 Mar; 147: 184-193.
Li, S., et al. "Purification, characterization and biological activities of a polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii leaves." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2017 Oct; 103: 1302-1310.
Zhang, M., et al. "Structural characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and analysis of its regulatory function in macrophage polarization in vitro." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2017 Feb; 65(6): 1146-1157.
Zhang, M., et al. "Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a novel polysaccharide from Lepidium meyenii. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2016 Mar; 64(9): 1921-31.

Anti-Depressant Actions:
Herraiz, T., et al. "Monoamine oxidase-A inhibition and associated antioxidant activity in plant extracts with potential antidepressant actions." Biomed. Res. Int. 2018 Jan; 2018: 4810394.
Qureshi, M., et al. "Phytochemical and biological assessments on Lipidium meyenii (maca) and Epimidium sagittatum (horny goat weed)." Pak. J. Pharm. Sci. 2017 Jan; 30(1): 29-36.
Gonzales-Arimborgo, C., et al. "Acceptability, safety, and efficacy of oral administration of extracts of black or red maca (Lepidium meyenii) in adult human subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Pharmaceuticals. 2016 Aug; 9(3): E49.
Stojanovska, L., et al. "Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women." Climacteric. 2015 Feb; 18(1): 69-78.
Ai, Z., et al. "Antidepressant-like behavioral, anatomical, and biochemical effects of petroleum ether extract from maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress." J. Med. Food. 2014 May; 17(5): 535-42.
Brooks, N., et al. "Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content." Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec; 15(6): 1157-62.
Rubio, J., et al. "Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2006 Jun 23; 6: 23.

Memory Enhancement & Neuroprotective Actions:
Banjari, I., et al. "Forestalling the epidemics of Parkinson's Disease through plant-based remedies." Front. Nutr. 2018 Oct 30; 5: 95.
Zhou, Y., et al. "Integrated proteomics and lipidomics investigation of the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of N-benzylhexadecanamide." Molecules. 2018 Nov; 23(11); E2929.
Alasmari, M., et al. "Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) by macamides. Mol. Neurobiol. 2019 Mar; 56(3): 1770-1781.
Gugnani, K., et al. "Neuroprotective activity of macamides on manganese-induced mitochondrial disruption in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells." Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 2018 Feb; 340: 67-76.
Zhou, Y., et al. "Chemical profiling analysis of Maca using UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS coupled with UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and the neuroprotective study on its active ingredients." Sci. Rep. 2017 Mar; 7: 44660.
Rodríguez-Huamán, Á., et al. "Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) methanol leaf extract against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells." Toxicol. Mech. Methods.2017 May; 27(4): 279-285.
Guo, S., et al. "Preservation of cognitive function by Lepidium meyenii (maca) is associated with improvement of mitochondrial activity and upregulation of autophagy-related proteins in middle-aged mouse cortex." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2016; 2016: 04394261.
Rubio, J., et al. "Dose-response effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2011 Oct; 21(8): 628-34.
Pino-Figueroa, A., et al. "Neuroprotective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca)." Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2010 Jun; 1199:77-85.
Rubio, J., et al. "Aqueous Extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Memory Impairment Induced by Ovariectomy in Mice." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2011; 2011: 253958.
Rubio, J., et al. "Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) improve scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2007 Oct; 45(10): 1882-90.
Rubio, J., et al. "Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2006 Jun 23; 6: 23.

Pain & Neuropathic Pain Relieving Actions:
Tenci, B., et al. "Effects of a water extract of Lepidium meyenii root in different models of persistent pain in rats." Z. Naturforsch C. 2017 Oct; 72(11-12): 449-457.
Kitamura, S., et al. "Occurrence of urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from the plants in the order Brassicales." PLoS One. 2017 May; 12(5): e0176571.
Wu, H., et al. "Macamides and their synthetic analogs: evaluation of in vitro FAAH inhibition." Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2013 Sep; 21(17): 5188-97.
Almukadi, H., et al. "The macamide N-3-methoxybenzyl-linoleamide is a time-dependent fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor." Mol. Neurobiol. 2013 Oct; 48(2): 333-9.

Male Sexual Performance Enhancement & Anti-BPH Actions:
Fano, D., et al. "N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Red Maca Methanolic Extract Exerts Opposite Effects on androgen and oestrogens receptors (alpha and beta) in rats with testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2017; 2017: 9124240.
Zou, Y., et al. "Protective effects of Lepidium meyenii (maca) aqueous extract and lycopene on testosterone propionate-induced prostatic hyperplasia in mice." Phytother. Res. 2017 Aug; 31(8): 1192-1198.
Zevallos-Concha, A., et al. "Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii Walp)." Toxicol. Mech. Methods. 2016; 26(1): 67-73.
Gonzales, C., et al. "Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on prostate zinc levels in rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia." Andrologia. 2012 May; 44 Suppl 1: 362-9.
Shin, B., et al. "Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2010 Aug 6; 10: 44.
Stone, M., et al. "A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Dec; 126(3): 574-6.
Zenico, T., et al. "Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial." Andrologia. 2009 Apr; 41(2): 95-9.
Dording, C., et al. "A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction." CNS Neurosci. Ther. 2008 Fall; 14(3): 182-91.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Antagonistic effect of Lepidium meyenii (red maca) on prostatic hyperplasia in adult mice." Andrologia. 2008 Jun; 40(3): 179-85.
Lentz, A., et al. "Acute and chronic dosing of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on male rat sexual behavior." J. Sex. Med. 2007 Mar; 4(2): 332-9;
Gasco, M., et al. "Dose-response effect of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone enanthate." Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug; 14(7-8): 460-4.
Cicero, A., et al. "Hexanic maca extract improves rat sexual performance more effectively than methanolic and chloroformic maca extracts." Andrologia. 2002; 34(3): 177-79.
Cicero, A., et al. "Lepidium meyenii Walp. improves sexual behaviour in male rats independently from its action on spontaneous locomotor activity." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 75(2-3): 225-29.
Zheng, B., et al. "Effect of a lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats." Urology 2000; 55(4): 598-602.

Anti-Osteoporosis Actions:
Yi, F., et al. "N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide promotes bone formation via the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway." Phytother. Res. 2019 Feb 15.
Yi, F., et al. "In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach." Chin. Med. 2016 Sep; 11: 42.
Gonzales, C., et al. "Effects of different varieties of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on bone structure in ovariectomized rats." Forsch. Komplementmed. 2010; 17(3): 137-43.
Zhang, Y., et al. "Effect of ethanol extract of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr; 105(1-2): 274-9.

Hormonal Actions: (Studies showing maca does NOT increase testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone.)
Melnikovova, I., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2015; 2015: 324369.
Santos, H., et al. "Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parameters. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Feb; 235: 392-405.
Zou, Y., et al. "Protective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) aqueous extract and lycopene on testosterone propionate-induced prostatic hyperplasia in mice." Phytother. Res. 2017 Aug; 31(8): 1192-1198.
Stojanovska, L., et al. "Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women." Climacteric. 2015 Feb; 18(1): 69-78.
Srikugan, L., et al. "First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii)." BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Mar 25; 2011.
Brooks, N., et al. "Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content." Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec; 15(6): 1157-62.
Bogani, P., et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) does not exert direct androgenic activities." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr; 104(3): 415-7.
Chung, F., et al. "Dose-response effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) aqueous extract on testicular function and weight of different organs in adult rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Apr; 98(1-2): 143-7.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced prostate size in rats." Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 2005; 3(1): 5.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on testicular function in male rats." Asian J. Androl. 2003 Dec; 5(4): 349-52.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men." J. Endocrinol. 2003; 176(1): 163-68.
Gonzales, G., et al. "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men." Andrologia. 2002; 34(6): 367-72.

Hormonal Actions: (studies showing maca with a slight estrogenic action)
Najaf Najafi, M., et al. "Effect of phytoestrogens on sexual function in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Climacteric. 2018 Oct; 21(5): 437-445.
Yi, F., et al. "In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach." Chin. Med. 2016 Sep; 11: 42.
Powers, C., et al. "A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements." In Silico Pharmacol. 2015 Mar; 3: 4.
Leiva-Revilla, J., et al. "[Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on INF-γ levels in ovariectomized rats]." Rev. Peru Med. Exp. Salud. Publica. 2014 Oct-Dec; 31(4): 683-8.
Valentova, K., et al. "The in vitro biological activity of Lepidium meyenii extracts." Cell. Biol. Toxicol. 2006 Mar; 22(2): 91-9.

ACE-Inhibitor & Cardioprotective Actions:
Yi, F., et al. "In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach." Chin. Med. 2016 Sep 26; 11: 42.
Stojanovska, L., et al. "Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women." Climacteric. 2015 Feb; 18(1): 69-78.
Ranilla, L., et al. "Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension of commonly used medicinal plants, herbs and spices in Latin America." Bioresour. Technol. 2010 Jun; 101(12): 4676-89.

Sunscreen Actions:
Saric, S., et al. "Polyphenols and sunburn." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016 Sep; 17(9): E1521.
Gonzales-Castañeda, C., et al. "Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca)." Int. J. Dermatol. 2011 Aug; 50(8): 928-38.
Gonzales-Castañeda, C., et al. "Hypocotyls of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a plant of the Peruvian highlands, prevent ultraviolet A-, B-, and C-induced skin damage in rats." Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed. 2008 Feb; 24(1): 24-31.
 
Wound Healing Actions:
Nuñez, D., et al. "Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant from the Peruvian highlands, promotes skin wound healing at sea level and at high altitude in adult male mice." High Alt. Med. Biol. 2017 Dec; 18(4): 372-383.

Antiviral Actions:
Del Valle Mendoza, J., et al. "Antiviral activity of maca (Lepidium meyenii) against human influenza virus." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Med. 2014 Sep; 7S1: S415-20.

Anticancerous Actions:
Zhou, M., et al. "(+)-Meyeniins A-C, novel hexahydroimidazo[1,5-c]thiazole derivatives from the tubers of Lepidium meyenii: complete structural elucidation by biomimetic synthesis and racemic crystallization." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2017 Mar; 65(9): 1887-1892.
Yi, F., et al. "In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach." Chin. Med. 2016 Sep; 11: 42.
Díaz, P., et al. "Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) did not affect cell viability despite increased androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen gene expression in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP." Andrologia. 2016 Oct; 48(8): 922-6.
Bai, N., et al. "Flavonolignans and other constituents from Lepidium meyenii with activities in anti-inflammation and human cancer cell lines." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2015 Mar; 63(9): 2458-63.

Reviews:
Li, Y., et al. "[Research and application progress of Lepidium meyenii maca ]." Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2018 Dec; 43(23): 4599-4607.
Huang, Y., et al. "Progress on the chemical constituents derived from glucosinolates in maca (Lepidium meyenii)." Nat. Prod. Bioprospect. 2018 Dec; 8(6): 405-412.
Borrelli, F., et al. "Herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Drugs. 2018 Apr; 78(6): 643-673.
Campos, D., et al. "Bioactive potential of Andean fruits, seeds, and tubers." Adv. Food Nutr. Res. 2018; 84: 287-343.
Li, Y., et al. "Maca polysaccharides: A review of compositions, isolation, therapeutics and prospects." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2018 May; 111: 894-902.
Beharry, S., et al. "Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified?" J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan; 211: 126-170.
Lock, O., et al. "Bioactive compounds from plants used in Peruvian traditional medicine." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2016 Mar; 11(3): 315-37.
Zhou, Y., et al. "[Recent researching progress of Lepidium meyenii (Maca)]." Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2015 Dec; 40(23): 4521-30.
Gonzales, G., et al. "[Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), a review of its biological properties]. Rev. Peru Med. Exp. Salud Publica. 2014; 31(1): 100-10.
Depypere, H., et al. "Herbal preparations for the menopause: beyond isoflavones and black cohosh." Maturitas. 2014 Feb; 77(2): 191-4.
Shrivastava, A., et al. "Various treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A current update." J. Midlife Health. 2012 Jan; 3(1): 10-9.
Clément, C., et al. "The potential influence of plant-based feed supplements on sperm quantity and quality in livestock: a review." Anim Reprod. Sci. 2012 May; 132(1-2): 1-10.
Lee, M., et al. "Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review." Maturitas. 2011 Nov; 70(3): 227-33.
Shin, B., et al. "Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2010 Aug 6; 10: 44.

Toxicity Studies
Johnson-Arbor, K., et al. "Unintentional and sequential lead exposure from a ceramic mug and maca (Lepidium meyenii)." J. Med. Toxicol. 2018 Jun; 14(2): 152-155.
Gonzales-Arimborgo, C., et al. "Acceptability, safety, and efficacy of oral administration of extracts of black or red maca (Lepidium meyenii) in adult human subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Pharmaceuticals 2016 Aug; 9(3): E49.
Valentová, K., et al. "Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in combination with silymarin as food supplements: in vivo safety assessment." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2008 Mar; 46(3): 1006-13.
Gasco, M., et al. "Effect of chronic treatment with three varieties of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on reproductive parameters and DNA quantification in adult male rats." Andrologia. 2007 Aug; 39(4): 151-8.