Maca
Lepidium meyenii
An Andean root food used for energy, stamina, libido, and menopausal well-being.
Traditional use (indigenous-americas): An Andean root food used for energy, stamina, libido, and menopausal well-being.
An Andean root food used for energy, stamina, libido, and menopausal well-being.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- An Andean root food used for energy, stamina, libido, and menopausal well-being.
Evidence strength: limited human.
- See the evidence level above
- Generally well tolerated; thyroid (goitrogen) caution in large amounts; hormone-sensitive caution.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Generally well tolerated; thyroid (goitrogen) caution in large amounts; hormone-sensitive caution.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.