Maca is an Andean root that has become a popular supplement for energy and libido in recent years. It grows high in the mountains of Peru, where it has been used for centuries. But what do the studies actually show, does it raise testosterone, and who is it right for? Let us take a calm, honest look at the benefits, the dosage and what you can realistically expect.
Does this sound familiar?
- You are looking for plant-based support for libido and energy
- You have heard that maca raises testosterone, but you are not sure whether that is true
- You want to know what a supplement can really do and what it cannot
What maca is and where its strength lies
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable from the Brassica family, a relative of the radish and cabbage, that grows at high altitude in the Andes. Supplements use the root, which is rich in characteristic compounds such as macamides and glucosinolates. A recent review notes that the composition differs between varieties (black, red and yellow maca) and according to how it is processed (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024).
Andean communities have traditionally valued it as both a food and a tonic. It is precisely this reputation that lies behind the modern interest in it.
Maca for libido: what the data show (honestly)
Here the evidence is promising but limited. A systematic review of clinical trials concluded that there are limited data suggesting maca may improve sexual desire, with some of the trials showing a benefit in menopausal women and in men, while one found no effect in healthy cyclists (Shin and colleagues, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2010).
The honest caveat the authors make is that the studies are few in number, with small samples and limited quality. That is why the wording is "possible benefit for desire" rather than "proven remedy". Maca is herbal support with realistic expectations, not a magic solution.
Does maca raise testosterone? The important truth
This is the most widespread myth about maca, so we will be perfectly clear: no, maca does not raise testosterone. A double-blind trial in men found an improvement in self-reported sexual desire, but testosterone and oestradiol levels did not differ from placebo (Gonzales and colleagues, Andrologia, 2002).
Another trial shows this even more clearly: it measured LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and oestradiol and concluded that taking maca does not change the levels of the reproductive hormones (Gonzales and colleagues, Journal of Endocrinology, 2003). The conclusion is honest and important: if maca affects desire in some people, it is not through raising testosterone. Do not buy it as a "testosterone booster".
π‘ Did you know...
- Maca grows on some of the highest cultivated land in the world, high in the Peruvian Andes.
- There are several varieties depending on the colour of the root: yellow, red and black maca.
- Its characteristic active compounds are called macamides and are found only in this plant.
- Despite its reputation, controlled studies show that maca does not change the levels of the sex hormones.
Maca for menopause, energy and mood
Here too the picture is preliminary but interesting. A systematic review found that all of the included studies reported a favourable effect on menopausal symptoms, though the authors stress that the data are limited and insufficient for firm conclusions (Lee and colleagues, Maturitas, 2011). Separately, a randomised trial with red and black maca reported improvements in mood, energy and quality of life, and the supplement was well tolerated (Pharmaceuticals, 2016).
Maca is not a testosterone booster and it is not a miracle. It is a traditional Andean root with promising but early data for libido and energy.
Dosage and safety
Studies typically use a dose in the region of 1,500 to 3,000 mg a day, but the concentration differs between products, so follow the instructions for the one you have. In the available trials maca is well tolerated, with no serious adverse reactions, although its long-term safety has not yet been fully studied. If you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor.
Who we are to write about this
Cvetita Herbal has worked for over 10 years as a European manufacturer with over 1 million happy customers. That is exactly why we prefer to tell you that maca does not raise testosterone and that the evidence is early, rather than sell you a "booster". The informed choice is the better choice.
Maca Root Extract
Our Maca Root is a root extract in a convenient capsule form with 500 mg per capsule, for precise dosing. It is suited as traditional support for energy and libido, with realistic expectations and as part of a balanced routine.
π‘ How to use it: Take it according to the dosage on the pack, ideally with food. Give it a few weeks: in the studies the effect on desire appears after around 8 weeks. If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult your doctor.
What to realistically expect
For libido: a possible benefit for sexual desire, but from small studies of limited quality.
For testosterone: it does not raise it, as controlled studies find no change in the sex hormones.
For energy and mood: preliminary but positive data, with good tolerability.
What customers say
"I have been taking maca for a few weeks for a bit of a boost. I was not expecting miracles, but I like it as part of my routine."
- James D.
"I wanted plant-based support with realistic expectations. I like that it comes in capsule form with a clear dose."
- Sophie A.
Frequently asked questions
Does maca help with libido?
There are limited data suggesting it may improve sexual desire, but from small studies. Take it as traditional support with realistic expectations.
Does maca raise testosterone?
No. Controlled studies measured testosterone and the other sex hormones and found no change. If maca affects desire, it is not through testosterone.
What is the dosage?
Studies use around 1,500 to 3,000 mg a day, but follow the product instructions. The effect appears gradually, over a few weeks.
Is maca safe?
In the available studies it is well tolerated, with no serious adverse reactions, although its long-term safety has not been fully studied. If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult your doctor.
If you are looking for traditional plant-based support for energy and libido with a clear head about what it can and cannot do, maca is a sensible choice. Give it a few weeks and take it as part of a balanced routine.
GET MACASources
- Shin BC et al. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med, 2010. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20691074
- 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. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12472620
- Gonzales GF et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J Endocrinol, 2003. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12525260
- Lee MS et al. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: a systematic review. Maturitas, 2011. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21840656
- Ulloa Del Carpio N et al. Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review. Front Pharmacol, 2024. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38440178
Food supplement. It does not replace a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. It is not a medicine and does not treat any illness. It does not raise testosterone and is not a hormonal product. If you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.