Abstract
Environment would affect the nutritional composition of maca, especially its secondary metabolite. The chemical compositions and function of Xinjiang maca were not very clear. The chemical compositions and bioactivity of Xinjiang maca were determined. A mouse model was also used to evaluate the antifatigue activity of Xinjiang maca as a forced swimming test was performed and certain biochemical parameters related were estimated. The results show that the Xinjiang maca is rich in protein content and amino acids, especially branched chain amino acids such as Valine and Isoleucine related to the effect of antifatigue. It also has considerable minerals ions such as Ca and Mg. Besides, bioactive ingredients such as maca amide, glucosinolate, and alkaloid of Xinjiang maca are similar to those of maca from other areas, which qualify the biological value of Xinjiang maca. The results of mice model suggest that maca has a dose-dependent antifatigue activity by decreasing blood lactic acid, as well as increasing liver glycogen content and the forced swimming time.
Highlights
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), a biennial herbaceous plant of the family brassicae, which is cultivated mainly in the central Andes of Peru at elevations of 3500–4500 m above sea level, has been used as both a food and a traditional medicine in the region for over 2000 years [1]
Domestic and foreign experts researched on the nutritional compositions and secondary metabolites of maca, finding that it contains rich protein, amino acids, fat, and minerals ion [2] and contains a variety of secondary metabolites: maca ene, alkaloid, glucosinolate, and other components [3,4,5]
Xinjiang maca is rich in protein content and amino acids, especially branched chain amino acids such as Valine and Isoleucine related to the activity of antifatigue
Summary
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), a biennial herbaceous plant of the family brassicae, which is cultivated mainly in the central Andes of Peru at elevations of 3500–4500 m above sea level, has been used as both a food and a traditional medicine in the region for over 2000 years [1]. Domestic and foreign experts researched on the nutritional compositions and secondary metabolites of maca, finding that it contains rich protein, amino acids, fat, and minerals ion [2] and contains a variety of secondary metabolites: maca ene, alkaloid (including maca amide), glucosinolate, and other components [3,4,5]. These secondary metabolites are considered closely related to the health effects of maca. In addition to Yunnan, Pamirs in China Xinjiang is suitable to cultivate maca for its geographical location and climate where maca has been introduced recently.
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