Maca As Adaptogen

Maca As Sexual Enhancer

Maca's ability to help restore libido for men and women is probably what it is best known for. It is often described as an aphrodisiac for both sexes because of its beneficial effect on testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, it facilitates balance to the hormonal changes of aging. In both sexes, it restores a healthy functional status in which they experience a more active libido.

While Maca is often compared to the drug Viagra, it actually works very differently in regards to its sexual effects. Viagra's effects are circulatory whereas Maca's effects are hormonal. As an energizer, Maca also helps to create more vigor for sexual activity.

The first known published human study on Maca's effect on libido and fertility in men was conducted in Peru and published in the Asian Journal of Andrology. Study data showed that Maca increased sexual desire (libido) by 180% and increased sperm count by 200%. Other benefits included increased sperm mobility, increased DHEA levels, decreased anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure and a general sense of well-being.

In the prestigious medical journal Urology (April 2000), scientists studied the effects of Maca on rats with erectile disorders and low testosterone levels. The Maca-fed group had an amazing 400% more copulation than the non Maca-fed group. Rodents with low testosterone levels demonstrated a significant increase in sexual activity, indicating a possibility that men with low testosterone or erectile dysfunction may experience improvement. In the studies, the more Maca extract fed to the animals, the greater their strength, libido and sexual function.

The fertility powers of Maca are highly prized by couples in the Peruvian highlands. Men and women who fail to conceive a child often eat Maca on a regular basis until conception occurs. It is the actions of alkaloids and isothiocyanate p-methyl benzyl that have been shown to increase fertility in humans.

Maca alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and the adrenals. These areas of the body produce hormones as well as energizing substances like adrenaline. The end result is an increase in energy, vitality, and virility. There are numerous physicians' claims that Maca positively affects ovarian function in women, and sperm count and quality in men.

In studies with rats, females given either Maca powder, or alkaloids isolated from Maca root, showed significantly increased Graaf follicles and other favorable endometrium characteristics, which indicate a higher fertility level. Male rats had significantly higher sperm production and motility rates than in control groups. The effects were measurable within 72 hours of dosing the animals.

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