Maca: What Research Says About Its Effects on Libido, Fertility, and Menopause
Laura Chrobok 25.06.2026
Few plants are currently promoted with as many health claims as maca. This root from the Peruvian Andes is considered by some to be a natural source of support for women and men during different stages of life. Others see it primarily as a cleverly marketed product. But what does research actually show?
In this article, you will learn what maca is, why the plant is becoming increasingly popular worldwide and which claims regarding libido, fertility, menopause and physical performance are genuinely supported by scientific evidence.
Maca's Tradition as a Nutrient Source and Medicinal Plant
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) grows in the Peruvian Andes at altitudes of more than 3,500 metres. The root has been consumed for centuries and is considered one of the region’s traditional cultivated crops.
The plant, sometimes referred to as “Peruvian ginseng” (although this is botanically incorrect), forms a low-growing rosette of green leaves. The part primarily used is the underground storage root, which may come in a variety of colours, e.g. yellow, red, purple or black. It typically reaches a diameter of around 3 – 8 cm and somewhat resembles a small turnip or radish in appearance.
In addition to carbohydrates, dietary fibre and amino acids, maca contains various phytochemicals. Researchers have shown particular interest in compounds known as macamides and macaenes (Gonzales, 2012).
Many dietary supplements disappear from the market after only a short period of time. Maca, however, is one of the plants that has attracted global attention for years.
This is largely because maca is associated with topics that affect many people directly:
o libido
o fertility
o family planning
o energy
o physical performance
o wellbeing.
It certainly sounds promising. Perhaps even too promising. Is maca simply the subject of highly creative marketing — or is there more to it? Let us take a closer look …
o Can Maca Influence Libido?
This is probably maca’s best-known application.
A systematic review by Shin and colleagues evaluated the available human studies and concluded that there is some evidence suggesting possible positive effects on sexual desire. At the same time, the authors emphasised that further high-quality studies are needed to better assess the existing findings (Shin et al., 2010).
Later review articles also describe the evidence as promising, although they stop short of drawing definitive conclusions (Gonzales, 2012).
The current state of research helps explain why maca remains closely associated with this topic today.
o Can Maca Improve Fertility?
Maca has also been discussed for many years in connection with fertility and family planning.
Some studies have examined parameters of male fertility and observed changes in sperm quality. However, the available studies are often small and do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn.
Nevertheless, researchers consider the findings sufficiently interesting to justify further investigation (Gonzales, 2012).
For this reason, fertility remains one of the most frequently discussed topics related to maca.
o What Does the Research Say About Maca During Menopause?
Menopause is one of the life stages during which many women look for natural ways to improve their wellbeing. As a result, maca has also been studied in this context.
Research has investigated topics such as:
o hot flushes
o sleep quality
o mood
o overall wellbeing.
Although larger and methodologically stronger studies are still needed, several investigations have already produced interesting indications of possible positive effects (Meissner et al., 2006).
o Can Maca Support Physical Performance?
The scientific literature does not yet provide a consistent answer. Some studies have reported positive changes in certain performance-related parameters, whereas others have found no clear effects.
Research in this area is therefore still ongoing (Gonzales, 2012).
Forms and Recommended Dosages of Maca
Maca is primarily sold as a dietary supplement. The Andean plant is available as powder, capsules, tablets and extracts. Maca powder is particularly popular for mixing into smoothies, yoghurt or muesli, while capsules are often chosen for easier dosing. Recommended intake may vary depending on the product and manufacturer.
However, scientific studies have frequently used daily amounts of approximately 1.5 – 3 g of maca (Shin et al., 2010; Gonzales, 2012).
Recommended dosage should be followed and not exceeded without good reason.
Can Maca Cause Side Effects?
People with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medication on a regular basis should discuss planned use with a healthcare professional if necessary. Most clinical studies, however, report good tolerability.
Conclusion: Maca Shows Considerable Potential
Modern research has been investigating the possible effects of maca on libido, fertility, menopausal symptoms and wellbeing for many years. The available studies provide enough interesting findings to explain the continuing interest in this Andean plant.
The combination of traditional use and modern scientific research makes maca one of the most intriguing plants in the field of dietary supplements.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Maca
1. Are there differences between red, black and yellow maca?
Studies suggest that the composition of certain active compounds may differ between the various types of maca. However, whether these differences result in meaningful health effects has not yet been conclusively determined.
2. How long does it take for possible effects of maca to appear?
In clinical studies, potential changes were often observed after several weeks. Individual responses may vary.
3. Is maca a phytoestrogen?
No, based on current knowledge, maca is not considered a classic source of phytoestrogens.
Further information on this and many other topics can be found not only on our blog, but also in our “Medizinskandale” book series and the “Codex Humanus” — the fifth volume of which was recently published. Feel free to visit our online shop.
Sources:
· Gonzales, G. F. (2012): “Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
· Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J. et al. (2010): “Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for Improving Sexual Function: A Systematic Review,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
· Meissner, H. O., Mscisz, A., Reich-Bilinska, H. et al. (2006): “Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): Clinical Responses of Early-Postmenopausal Women to Maca in Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Configuration, Outpatient Study,” International Journal of Biomedical Science.