Maca has been used by the native Peruvians as early as the mid 15th century as part of their daily diet. Since it was difficult to cultivate food due to the rough terrain in the area and Maca just grew wild, it was eaten either raw or cooked. The maca root grows in elevated areas that are at least 12,000 feet above sea level.

Both the government and the private sectors are closely studying the health benefits of maca. The root crop is known to be effective in increasing stamina and in reducing stress. It is also known for its efficacy in improving the libido and in increasing sperm production.

One of the reasons why maca is considered generally safe is its natural content which is responsible for its healing properties. It contains essential fatty acids, minerals like zinc and magnesium, fiber and amino acids. The plant’s root is sought after by those who process maca into supplements because it has a long shelf life.

Unlike other herbs which can have negative effects when used improperly, the maca has no known contraindications or toxicity. It is not even considered an herb but a food. The fact that it has been a part of the daily diet regimen of the Peruvian natives makes it safe for consumption. Researchers also agree that it has a low toxicity potential considering its long-term use as a food product.

The maca root is considered so safe that there is no prohibition to using it even during pregnancy. Maca keeps the levels of progesterone high and the hormones balance which is beneficial for a pregnant woman who is in her first trimester. The large amounts of minerals, amino acids and vitamins in the root crop also make it an ideal pre-natal vitamin.

And since the maca root has not toxicity levels, there is no chance of getting an overdose.

The quest to confirm the effects of Maca as a cure for prostate cancer started in April 2004 when a group of people led by Prostate Awareness Foundation executive director Ken Malik joined the Prostate Cancer Climb to the 19,341 feet Mt. Kilimanjaro. Prior to laboratory research for the efficacy of maca for prostate cancer, the group has already proven the efficacy of maca in enhancing their endurance during the climb since everyone was able to reach the summit.

What was more amazing was the effect of maca on prostate cancer patients who were on Androgen Deprivation Therapy or ADT. The Therapy, which seeks to reduce the androgen levels since it stimulates the growth of prostate cancer cells, was supposed to lower the libido of the patients as a side effect. However, after taking maca, some men reported to having an improved libido which further encouraged laboratory tests on the effects of maca on prostate cancer.

The present studies being conducted on the effects of maca on men with prostate cancer could probably result to a different point of view among the do’s and dont’s in the medication of patients who are presently discouraged from taking in maca.

While the world is scampering to unlock the effects of maca in enhancing the sexual wellness of humans, the medical world is also awash with hope that maca can somehow prevent or cure prostate cancer. This was the goal of the national Cancer Institute when it granted $1.7 million to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for the study of the effects of maca, watercress and broccoli on prostate cancer.

The Incas of Peru have a long history of maca use not only to give them strength but also to improve their libido. The Western World is presently cashing in on the effects of maca on sexual health and this has somehow put into the sidelines the effect of maca on overall health and in the treatment of various illnesses.

The Incans even considered maca a very powerful herb that it was exclusively used by Inca royalty or nobility. While focus is still on maca’s effects in enhancing the libido, there are indications that health professionals are aware and are interested in exploring the possibility of using maca to cure other illnesses like prostate cancer.

Most of the medical studies on maca however focus on its functions as an endocrine modulator for menopausal women. On the other hand, there are few studies on the use of maca for male prostate cancer.

There is hope that with the studies being conducted by the Prostate Awareness Foundation, other organizations and institutions will conduct their own studies on the effects of maca as a possible cure or treatment for prostate cancer.

The erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis have been effective in reducing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction but of course, there is always the possibility of suffering from the side effects of these medications. Not all patients however want to take the risks involved in the intake of synthetic medicines so they are always on the lookout for alternative medications like maca.

Maca has been part of the daily food staple of the Peruvians but it is becoming popular even in the Western World as an herb that can increase the libido and improve fertility. It is a root crop that grows wild in the South American Andes Mountains and has been used by native Peruvians both for its food and medicinal properties.

The maca root is a popular virility herb that can increase strength and endurance and give anyone sexual vitality. The increasing demand for maca as an alternative remedy for sexual dysfunction has caught the attention of multinational companies who are looking into the possibility of turning this lowly root crop into a goldmine.

At present, small and medium companies are riding the impotency craze and are processing maca into powdered and capsule form. These companies have been importing maca from Peru and are processing the herb in American or third world laboratories.

The multinationals are not far behind though and two companies based in the United States have already patented maca extracts. At least two patents have been awarded patents to the maca but this has not escaped the attention of environment advocates who are protesting the patent grants. The coalition, which has sought the help of the International Potato Center in Lima, argues that the patent grant is unethical and should be prohibited since it is for a biological material.

The mad rush to patent maca extract signifies the medical and economic importance of the herb. Anyone who manages to control the production and marketing of an alternative medication that can promote sexual wellness is on the way to earning millions of dollars considering the rising incidents of impotence and other sexual dysfunction problems.

There are a variety of maca plans being processed and marketed as supplements in the market but it is those that grow in areas that are 4,000 meters above the sea level and are subject to extreme weather conditions that are very potent.

The maca that grows in high elevated areas in the Andes are the best kept secret of the Incas who take the root crop before they go to battle because it gives them strength. On the other hand, the maca plant is also behind the Inca warriors’ reputation as very virile creatures.

The United States National Research Council dubbed maca as the “lost crop of the Incas” because of the root crop’s high value to the Peruvian Inca’s daily life. Maca was used by the Incas not only to give them strength but also to keep themselves and their livestock fertile.

Various companies are now doing extensive research on the ingredients of this root crop that is responsible for its libido and fertility enhancing properties. At the same time, the maca crop is being processed and formed into powder and capsule supplements.

It has been discovered that the soil where the maca thrives is very rich in minerals and this is then passed on to the maca. Maca tastes sweet, is similar to the radish in shape but looks like a potato. It can be eaten in a number of ways including raw, dried, baked or boiled. Some Peruvians make cookies, tarts and even mixed drinks with maca as the primary ingredient. However, consumers in the United States and in other counties only know maca in its processed form which is either encapsulated or gelatinized.

Maca has numerous medicinal properties and this has prompted some people to call it the Peruvian Ginseng even if it is not related to ginseng at all. Others who use maca for erectile dysfunction call it the Peruvian Viagra.

While maca is highly popular as an herb that can stimulate and increase the libido, it is actually a food that has been proven effective in the treatment of other medical conditions like anemia, sterility, menstrual disorders, stomach cancer and tuberculosis.

The herb’s potency as a sexual supplement has been proven as early as 2000 years ago when the Inca warriors consumed it to improve their strength and virility. The maca has ginseng-like properties like increasing one’s strength and improving sexual health.

Men and women who are in dire need of something that can put that spark back into their sex life now use maca to regain their sexual health. Instead of taking in the laboratory-produced sexual enhancing drugs, people now prefer maca because it does not have any adverse effects. Maca is in effect the solution to sexual health problems without the corresponding side effects brought by prescription drugs.

Study shows that the maca herb can boost a person’s sex drive by up to 200 percent. This was confirmed by Gustavo Gonzales, a scientist from the Cayetano Heredia University of Peru, who told journalists that maca did not only prove to be an energizer but it has also improved the libido by 200% of most of the subjects of a nine-month trial. The herb, he added, has also doubled sperm production.

One of the first studies on maca’s libido-enhancing powers was published in the Asian Journal of Andrology. According to the study, the herb was able to increase by 180% the subject’s libido and by 200% the subject’s sperm count. The sexual health benefits of maca is however just icing to the cake because it is also known to relieve stress, anxiety and lower a person’s blood pressure.

Maca’s efficacy in increasing the libido has been proven years ago by the Incas but even modern men vow to the efficacy of the herb in keeping them sexually active once again. If you are faced with sexual dysfunction problems or you just want to improve your overall sexual health and you do not want to be burdened by the life-threatening side effects of prescription drugs there might still be hope in terms of herbs like maca.

Restore sexual wellness

Maca is highly in demand in the Western World because of its efficacy in restoring sexual wellness. Erectile dysfunction patients have opted for maca instead of the synthetic medication that can cause adverse effects and most of these patients confirm maca’s efficacy. The Inca warriors who are known for their virility have been taking maca thousands of years ago. A lot of patients suffering from sexual dysfunction confirm to achieving an increased libido with maca use.

Increase sperm production and motility

Aside from its effect on enhancing the libido, maca has also been proven effective in increasing sperm production and motility. The glucosinolates content of maca is said to be responsible for its fertility enhancing property. Maca is considered an aphrodisiac and this is attributed to its sterols and fatty acids content.

Relieve symptoms of menopause

Maca is a known treatment for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and even female hormonal problems. Maca helps minimize mood swings and reduce other menopausal symptoms. The positive effect of maca in combating the symptoms of menopause is said to be due to the herb’s alkaloids content. Maca contains the macaine alkaloid.

Stabilizes the bodily functions and systems

Maca may have been identified as a libido enhancer but it is actually scientifically identified as an adaptogen or an herb that helps stabilize and achieve the balance and functions of the human body. It boosts a person’s immunity and improves his vitality and strength. This means that if your body needs to lower or increase your blood pressure to stabilize the symptom then maca will perform the needed function to do just that.

Acts on the pituitary glands

Maca contains alkaloids that act on the pituitary glands, the glands responsible for gender related responses. The Vitamin C content of maca also strengthens the functions of the thymus gland.

Maca has a lot of positive effects on the human health. There is no known side effect of maca but there are reports that it contains substances that can cause goiter. However, maca has no known toxicity and the fact that it has a long history of usage as food makes it one of the safest herbs around.

Maca is closely related to the radish but closely resembles the potato. It is eaten raw or boiled. Some people even mix powdered maca with other fruits and turn it into fruit shakes.

Maca was once part of the endangered plants list but is now being grown as a commercial product. There is at present a high demand for maca because of its popularity as a sexual enhancer and as a supplement for virility and strength.

The maca root contains vital nutrients that nourishes the body and keeps its organs functioning well. It is thus an ideal herb that can cure a lot of diseases as proven by the high regard of the Inca warriors on the maca plant.

While the maca root is highly in demand among processors who want to cash in on maca’s popularity, it is also being imported by scientists and laboratories who want to research on the components of maca and its healing properties. The value of maca as medicine has been discovered by the conquering Spaniards who even used the plant as tax payment. The Spaniards collected maca and exported the root to Spain for use an energy enhancer and libido stimulant.

The scientific world is very interested in conducting research on the maca plant considering the potency of the root. The maca root can be gathered and stored for a long time without losing its potency making it an ideal plant for research.

Aside from its popularity as a possible cure for the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and impotence, maca is also known for reducing the symptoms of menopause among women. It is also effective in enhancing strength, combating fatigue and has even been touted as a natural Viagra by doctors.

Maca is known for its effects in normalizing the hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Erectile dysfunction patients who do not want the side effects of the commercial drugs favour the use of herbs like maca.

Unlike other herbs with known but mild side effects maca does not have toxicity at all so anyone can just take it in and not suffer from any adverse effects. Maca is basically a food and it was regularly eaten by the native Peruvians without experiencing any side effects.

The first study on maca’s effects was made by Gustavo Gonzales, a Scientist at the Cayetano Heredia University of Peru. He conducted a study which was financed by Hersil, a Peru-based pharmaceutical company and which confirmed the effects of maca in boosting sperm production.

The scientific world and the business sector are excited about the endless possibilities that maca can contribute to the medical world. However, a lot of research has to be made to make sure as to the scientific value of maca.

While the new world thinks of maca as an herb that can enhance the libido, it was considered food by the ancient Peruvians who gathered the wildly growing maca from the mountains. The maca root can be eaten raw or boiled just like the potato.

This root vegetable is very nutritious because it depletes almost all the nutrients contained by the soil in which it is grown. It is scientifically known as Lepidium peruvianum Chacón and is grown particularly for its use as food and as medicine.

Dried maca contains carbohydrates, dietary fiber,, fats and protein—the same contents found in cereal grass. It is also rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, selenium and iron. It also contains palmitic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid. Researchers point to the high mineral content of maca as the reason behind its aphrodisiac qualities but other scientists believe that it can also be attributed to the presence of the chemical p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate.

A study conducted in 1998 shows that maca contains macamides and macaenes which are directly responsible for the efficacy of maca in enhancing the libido. The maca root also contains benzylated alkamides like phenyl acetonitrile and macamides. Studies show that the essential oil of maca contains 85% Phenyl acetonitrile, 3% benzaldehyde and 2% methoxyphenylacetonitrile.

While maca generally has no toxicity, it was found out that it contains glucosinolates which is a substance that can cause goiters when consumed in large portions. There is however no proof if maca can cause goiter or if it can worsen an already existing condition.

A lot of maca’s ingredients are already known to doctors but further research is still needed to determine which of these ingredients are responsible for the effects of maca in enhancing the libido, in reducing menopausal symptoms and in providing stamina and reducing stress.

Even the Spaniards who discovered that the Incas were using maca for a lot of health reasons started using the herb as early as the 16th century. Maca had a special place in the system of indigenous healing in the Andes and the Spaniards have confirmed this by using the herbs.

Maca is also known scientifically as Lepidiun meyenii and is it grown primarily for the healing wonders of its roots which are dried and kept in storage. This herb, which was considered sacred by the Incas, naturally grows in Peru’s Junin plateau.

Among the top health benefits of maca are:

Restoring strength and increasing the libido

The Incan warriors took the maca herb before they went to battle to keep their bodies strong and ready for rigorous physical activity. However, they realized that the herb also increased their libido so the warriors were forbidden from taking in maca after battle to protect the women folks from their sexual impulses. Word of maca’s power to restore strength and libido travelled to Europe, the United States and Japan leading to the planting of more maca and the popularity of maca supplements.

Regulate the Endocrine

Maca is a potent herb that can regulate the endocrine system which consists of glands that produce hormones necessary for essential body functions. The herb maca has been found effective in increasing a person’s energy levels, encourage growth and stimulate metabolic functions. The nutrients found in maca fuels the system and encourage hormone production.

Support adrenal glands

Maca is an adaptogen and as such helps in maintaining the overall health of the body. Its calcium, fatty acids and vitamins B1, B2, B12 content aids in the digestion process while its phosphorus as well as vitamins B12 and B1 works on the nervous system. On the other hand, the alkaloid content of maca helps the body assimilate all the nutrients required by the body.

Help in fighting cancer

The maca herb contains glucosinolate and fibers that help prevent some forms of cancer. The fatty acids content of the herb helps in improving the body’s immunity system. It also helps in lessening the chances of getting rickets, osteomalacia and other bone diseases.

Pain reliever

Maca contains terpenoids and saponins which gives it the power to relieve pain and act as expectorant, sedative and analgesic. Maca’s analgesic effect works not only to a specific body organ but generally.

This root crop is related to and looks similar to the radish. The plant can be reproduced by germinating the seeds for five days. It will grow even on poor soil but requires a very cold climate and a location with an altitude of 4,100 to 4,500 meters.

The maca root has been considered not only as a medicinal plant but also as a highly nutritious food for thousands of years. It is even rumoured to have been used as currency during the Spanish period of colonization. Maca has a high nutritional value much like wheat and rice as it contains carbohydrates, protein, fats and dietary fibers. It also contains essential minerals including magnesium, selenium and calcium as well as fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic acid, 19 amino acids, linoleic acid, oleic acid and even polysaccharides.

Maca is slowly gaining popularity in the Western world due to its healing properties particularly in relation to its p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate content which is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Inca warriors ate the maca herb before they went to battle to give them strength.

The Peruvians prepare maca in various forms like roasting, boiling and mashing. It can be mixed with milk and eaten as porridge, fermented to produce a weak beer or eaten raw as a salad. More often, maca is mixed with certain fruits or vegetables and taken as a health drink.

Maca root is converted into gelatine form before it is imported and sold in the form of capsule or powder to its main markets in Europe and Japan. While maca is commonly used in traditional medicine, scientists are doing research and studying the healing effects of the maca root. Someday, this lowly root crop may just be the miracle healer that humans are looking for.