Maca Root Powder

What it is

Maca Root Powder is derived from the dried hypocrisy-root of Lepidium meyenii, an adaptogenic cruciferous plant endemic to the high Andes of Peru. Gelatinized or dry extracts concentrate unique alkamides known as macamides and macaenes, alongside glucosinolates, essential minerals, and dietary fibers. In dietary supplement formulations, Maca Root Powder is incorporated to support energy levels, stamina, libido, endocrine balance, and resilience to physical stress without direct hormonal alteration.

Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian Ginseng, Maca

Key benefits

• Promotes physical energy, athletic endurance, and stamina without synthetic central nervous system stimulation.
• Supports sexual desire, vitality, and subjective well-being in both men and women.
• Aids hormonal equilibrium and mood regulation during physiological stress or postmenopausal transitions.
• Provides rich glucosinolate antioxidants that neutralize oxidative stress in active metabolic tissues.

Amplified by probiotics

Maca root powder contains a unique matrix of complex carbohydrates, indigestible fibers, polyphenols, and glucosinolates that serve as prebiotic substrates for intestinal microbiota. When delivered alongside microencapsulated live probiotics, gut bacteria ferment maca's complex polysaccharides into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which lower colonic pH and nurture beneficial microbial communities. Microbial enzymes also hydrolyze maca glucosinolates into bioactive isothiocyanates, enhancing systemic antioxidant gene transcription via Nrf2 pathways. In turn, a balanced gut microbiome improves the intestinal absorption of lipophilic macamides and macaenes, maximizing their adaptogenic effects on energy and stamina. This symbiotic interaction reinforces gut mucosal integrity while amplifying maca's systemic vitality benefits.

Typical dose

1500–3000 mg/day

The evidence

Systematic reviews and clinical trials show that Maca root supplementation improves self-reported sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and energy levels in men and women without altering serum testosterone or estrogen levels. Human studies further indicate improvements in psychological well-being and postmenopausal mood balance. Research supports its physical performance and adaptogenic benefits at doses between 1.5 and 3 grams daily.

1. Shin BC, et al. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. PubMed ↗
2. Gonzales GF, 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):367-372. PubMed ↗
3. Brooks NA, et al. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2008;15(6):1157-1162. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Maca root powder has an excellent safety record as both a food staple and supplement, with no serious adverse effects reported. Individuals with thyroid conditions should exercise caution due to glucosinolate content, and pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider.