Maca Extract Research Articles

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) inhibits HIV-1 infection through the activity of thiadiazole alkaloids in viral integration

Ethnopharmacology relevanceLepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) has been traditionally used for centuries in the Central Andes region both as food and as medicine. In the last decades, its fertility enhancer properties have gained importance, with the majority of the scientific literature related to this topic. However, other traditional uses are less known as metabolic or infectious diseases. Aim of the studyThe main purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-infectious activity of L. meyenii, specifically in HIV-1 infection. There are previous reports of the transcriptional related activity of L. meyenii extracts in human T lymphocytes via transcription factors as NF-κB. Since T lymphocytes are the main target of HIV-1 infection and NF-κB is strongly involved in HIV-1 transcription, L. meyenii could display antiviral activity. Material and methodsChromatography and spectroscopy techniques were used to isolate and identify the compounds in the active extracts. An antiviral assay system based on recombinant viruses was used to evaluate the anti-HIV activity. Cell toxicity was tested for all the extracts and compounds. Viral entry was studied using VSV-HIV chimera viruses and reverse transcription and viral integration were studied by qPCR of viral DNA in infected cells. Finally, viral transcription was studied in primary lymphocytes transfected with HIV-1 or NF-κB luciferase reporter plasmids. Resultsn-Hexane extracts of purple maca displayed anti-HIV activity in an in vitro assay. A bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of three thiadiazole alkaloids with antiviral activity. All the compounds were able to inhibit HIV infection of MT-2 cell lines and primary lymphocytes (PBMCs) with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. The mechanism of action differs between the three compounds: one of them showed activity on viral entry, and all the three compounds inhibited viral integration at low concentrations. Remarkably, none of the compounds inhibited reverse transcription or viral transcription. Conclusionsn-Hexane extracts of the purple ecotype of L. meyenii inhibit HIV-1 infection in vitro and three active thiadiazole alkaloids were isolated acting mainly on viral integration and viral entry.

Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs.

Maca is a traditional Andean crop used as a nutraceutical for the fertility-enhancing properties that are linked with antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs. Forty-eight male dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the study, fed the same maintenance diet, and exposed to the same environmental conditions. The subjects were divided into four groups of 12 dogs each: Subfertile treatment group, Subfertile control group, Normofertile treatment group, and Normofertile control group. The dogs in the treatment groups received Lepidium meyenii in their diet in a capsule formulation [75 mg/kg Maca extract 10:1, thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), ground rice], while the control groups received placebo capsule (starch). For each subject included in the study, the spermiogram was analyzed at three time points of the sperm cycle: at day 0 (T0), day 31 (T31), and day 62 (T62). Dietary supplementation with Maca in subfertile subjects resulted in a significant increase in ejaculate volume and total sperm count compared to the control group. This increase was also observed in normofertile subjects in the treatment group. In addition, total and progressive motility as well as sperm morphology were significantly improved in the groups treated with Maca compared to the control groups. The results thus highlight, for the first time, the potential efficacy of supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Maca extract daily in improving semen quality in dogs.

The novel FAAH inhibitor, MCH1, reduces the infarction area in the motor cortex-related region but does not affect the sensorimotor function or memory and spatial learning in rats exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

Macamides, amides of fatty acids first isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii) are potentially responsible for the reduction of ischemic injury in the stroke animal model followed by maca extract administration. This deduction comes from its ability to inhibit the fatty acid amide hydrolase activity, an enzyme related to the endocannabinoid anandamide hydrolysis. However, no study about the effects of isolated macamides on in-vivo models has been published yet. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a 10-day 30 mg/kg i.p. MCH1 administration, the macamide with the higher FAAH inhibition capability, on the neurological recovery and brain infarction area of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Our results showed that the group receiving MCH1 for 10 days did not improve Garcia’s neurological score compared to receiving the vehicle only. Likewise, the MCH1 group did not improve their sensorimotor dysfunction as indicated by the latency to detect and remove the tape from the contralateral forepaw in the adhesive removal test, and a similar number of errors with the contralateral forepaw in the foot fault test compared to the vehicle group at the 10th day. Evaluation of the spatial memory and learning using the Barnes test showed longer latency to reach the escape box in the Vehicle and MCH1 groups compared to the control group (no MCAO) only in the retrieval test, while no effect of MCAO procedure or MCH1 administration was observed in the reversal learning test. Despite the lack of behavioral effect of MCH1, analysis of the infarcted areas in the brain using the 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining method in the seven consecutive coronal sections revealed that the infarcted area in the first (bregma + 4.2 mm) and fifth (bregma −3.8 mm) coronal sections of the MCAO + MCH1 group remained similar to the Control group. These results provide evidence that MCH1 can limit damage from ischemic stroke, although it is not reflected in neurological or sensorimotor behavior and spatial learning and memory.

Effect of Maca aqueous extract addition to a freezing extender for canine semen.

This study investigated the effect of the addition of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) to the freezing extender on the post-thaw quality of dog semen. Ten canine ejaculates were frozen following a two-step protocol using a tris-glucose-citrate egg yolk extender with or without the addition of 10µl/mL of aqueous extract of Maca (Maca and ctrl groups, respectively). Prior to (fresh semen) and after freezing (T0) sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. In addition, sperm motility, kinetic parameters, viability and MMP were examined up to 2h of incubation of 37°C after thawing (T1 and T2) to evaluate thermo-resistance. The addition of Maca reduced MDA concentration at T0 (p < 0.05) and increased total motility, the percentage of sperm with medium velocity and WOB at T1. Progressive motility decreased (p < 0.05) at T1 in the ctrl group, whereas it was not affected in Maca group at any time point. In addition, the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa remained constant at T1 in the ctrl, while in the Maca group an increase (p < 0.05) of this parameter was recorded. Although no differences were found for MMP between groups at any time points, a decrease of viable sperm with low MMP was observed in ctrl group between T0 and T1 and in Maca group between T1 and T2. The addition of Maca prior freezing reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation and activated canine sperm motility and hyperactivation after thawing.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa.

Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.

Effect of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract on non-obstructive azoospermia in male mice.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a medicinal and edible plant that has a long history attention because of its potential to improve fertility and sexual function. In this study, effects of maca on azoospermia were investigated. The effective components of maca were screened. The therapeutic action of maca were evaluated in a busulfan-induced azoospermic model. It was found that maca could alleviate the vacuolation of spermatogenic tubules and testicular lesions, promote the recovery of spermatogenic epithelium, inhibit the proliferation of stromal cells, significantly increase the serum testosterone content, and improve the number and quality of sperm. Maca extract was then divided into polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and small molecules fractions for preliminary screening of efficacy. These results showed that there was no significant difference between the maca polysaccharide fraction and maca extract. The results were shown that maca can improve non-obstructive azoospermia, the polysaccharide fraction was the active components.

Comparative Studies of DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Content of Bioactive Compounds in Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Root Extracts Obtained by Various Techniques

The effect of the extraction conditions on the DPPH radical scavenging activity and isolation of bioactive compounds from the maca (Lepidium meyenii) root was investigated. Different extraction techniques (maceration, maceration with shaking, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and reflux extraction) were compared. Moreover, the effect of the extraction time and two various solvents (water and ethanol) was studied. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined by the spectrophotometric method with the DPPH radical, while total phenolic content (TPC) was analyzed by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Using gas chromatography with a mass selective detector (GC-MS), some characteristics of maca bioactive compounds were identified in the extracts: benzylalkamides (macamides), sterols, nitriles, fatty acids, and their derivatives. The influence of various factors on the extraction process of health-promoting antioxidant compounds from maca root was discussed. It was found that water was a more effective solvent than ethanol for obtaining extracts characterized by high radical scavenging activity and phenolics content. Nevertheless, some ethanol-extractable valuable compounds specific for maca, e.g., macamides or fatty acids derivatives, were not present in water extracts. In developing nutritional and therapeutic formulations based on maca extracts, it is important to take into account that the bioactivity of maca extracts varies depending on the solvent used.

Effect of Black Maca Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Physical Fitness in Male Elite Athletes.

Given the current lack of studies, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of black maca supplementation intake on changes in physical strength and inflammatory markers among elite athletes. Forty-four elite athletes were recruited for the present study. They included shooting athletes, racket sports athletes, and fin swimming athletes. The intake capsules contained 2500 mg of 100% concentrated black maca extract. Participants were instructed to take one capsule twice a day for eight weeks with pure water. Changes were seen in the ATP-PC systems and aerobic energy systems, particularly in the fin swimming athletes requiring aerobic energy systems. This effect is caused by increased antioxidant activity and influenced mitochondrial biosynthesis regulatory factors due to black maca supplementation intake. These findings provide preliminary evidence that elite athletes will benefit from taking black maca to improve their inflammation levels and physical fitness.

Reprotoxicity induced by acute exposure to aqueous tuber extract of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240, and 330 μg/μl), and 48 h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels, and also impaired vit-2 (vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms that could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production and, consequently, successful reproduction.

Using Aqueous Extract of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) to Study its Effectiveness on Short-Term Storage Ram Semen Dilution and Fertility

Using Aqueous Extract of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) to Study its Effectiveness on Short-Term Storage Ram Semen Dilution and Fertility

Effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lepidium meyenii Walp (red and black maca) on Caenorhabditis elegans

Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a Peruvian nutraceutical plant, whose hypocotyl has a variety of colors ranging from black to white. The black and red varieties of maca have been the most studied since their extracts are associated with effects such as increased sperm count, decreased glucose levels, reversal of prostatic hyperplasia, among others. However, the properties related to reduction of oxidative stress, metabolic diseases and anti-aging have not yet been confirmed. The aim was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, obtained from spray-dried hydroalcoholic extract of hypocotyl of black and red maca (Lepidium meyenii), on mortality, growth, reproduction, lipid accumulation and the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress and heat shock, in the in-vivo model, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), using different concentrations. The results showed that maca extracts were not toxic to the model at concentrations below 100 mg L-1. However, higher concentrations caused high mortality, growth disturbances, oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Black maca extracts increased the reproduction of C. elegans by increasing the number of offspring in C. elegans, both in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. On the other hand, ethanolic extracts produced an increase in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, indicating a mild stressor behavior of the same. C. elegans represents an established model for evaluating the biological properties of nutraceutical plants of biological interest and can be used in the search for antioxidant activity of L. meyenii (hypocotyl), as well as it can be used in future studies to identify some metabolites involved in each biological property and to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in these properties.

The benefits of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract administration for male rabbits affected by environmental heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) is the most substantial environmental issue in rabbit health status impairment, which can lower productivity. Maca is a common medicinal plant with important biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and neuroprotective effects. The present research explored the alleged protective role of Maca extract in alleviating the adverse impact of HS on rabbits. Growing V-line 6-week-old buck rabbits (N = 48) were orally administered Maca extract at levels of 0 (MAC0), 200 (MAC2), 400 (MAC4), or 600 (MAC6) mg/head twice per week. Compared to the control groups, rabbits provided Maca had better growth performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Liver and tests weights were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Maca treated groups compared to the control. hemoglobin, white blood cell, red blood corpuscles, platelet count, hematocrit, and lymphocytes were significantly increased in the MAC4 group compared with the control group. MAC4 treatment significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. Moreover, the concentrations of total bilirubin, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05) in the MAC4 group than in the controls. Oral administration of Maca improved cortisol and testosterone values, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase. The MAC4 group exhibited significant improvement (p < 0.05) in sperm motility, survival, membrane functionality, concentration, and libido, with a significant decrease in abnormal sperm compared with the control group. Also, aforementioned group showed sperm cells with a normal structure and intact plasma membranes, acrosomes, and well-organised axonemal components. Histopathological screening of liver sections showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in rabbits exposed to HS, which were alleviated with Maca oral administration. In conclusion, oral administration of Maca extract at 400 or 600 mg/head-weekly enhanced growth performance, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, and semen quality in rabbits during the hot season.

Lepidium meyenii Walp (red maca) Supplementation Prevents Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Toxicity in Rats: Phytochemical Composition by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Lepidium meyenii Walp (red maca) is a high Andean plant cultivated since the Incas and has innumerable therapeutic properties. The study aims to identify its phytochemical composition using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and evaluate its effects on acrylamide-induced oxidative stress. The lyophilized aqueous extract of red maca (LAqE-RM) was orally administered in doses of 1 and 2g/kg body weight for 4weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver, as well as hepatic levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Administration of acrylamide for 2 and 4weeks significantly increased (p < 0.001) MDA levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver. However, LAqE-RM prevented (p < 0.001) an increase in MDA levels in all tissues studied. Likewise, the groups treated with LAqE-RM presented significantly (p < 0.001) lower levels of ALT and AST compared to the control. Treatment with LAqE-RM ameliorated the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress by reducing MDA levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver and by lowering liver levels of ALT and AST in a dose-dependent manner. Twenty-five secondary metabolites were identified and characterized from LAqE-RM based on UHPLC mass spectrophotometry. These include carbolines, alkamides, fatty acids, and macamides, which are probably involved in their antioxidant protective role.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Maca Addition to an Extender for Chilled Canine Semen.

Simple SummaryThe wide use of artificial insemination in dogs justifies the development of new strategies to prevent the reduction of fertilizing ability of stored semen. In recent years, the use of plant antioxidant supplementation has become increasingly popular. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an Andean edible root with antioxidant properties. The effectiveness of the oral supplementation of Maca in improving fresh semen quality and quantity and cooling or freezing ability has already been reported. This is the first in vitro study on the effects of aqueous extract of Maca on canine spermatozoa. The addition of low concentrations of aqueous extract of Maca to the canine chilled extender had positive effects only until 24 h of storage, increasing hyperactivation of sperm cells and preserving DNA integrity of spermatozoa in short-term storage. Meanwhile, a high concentration of Maca had an immediately deleterious effect on semen quality. Antioxidant supplementation has been proposed as a new strategy to improve the long-term preservation of semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Maca supplementation of semen extender on quality-related canine semen parameters during cooling. Ejaculates from nine dogs were cooled for 7 days in the absence (control group) or in the presence of 10, 20 and 50 μL/mL of an aqueous extract of Maca. Sperm were evaluated for sperm viability, motility, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation after 3 h, 24 h, 4 days and 7 days of storage. The addition of 10 μL/mL of Maca preserved sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity at 3 h and increased sperm curvilinear velocity after 24 h. Treatment with 20 and 50 μL/mL of Maca increased the percentage of hyperactivated sperm after 3 h. Moreover, semen treated with 20 μL/mL of Maca decreased lipid peroxidation at 24 h. A significant reduction of sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity as well as of kinetics parameters between 3 and 24 h of refrigerated storage with the higher concentration tested was observed. Although Maca was not able to protect canine semen with extended refrigeration storage time, it increased hyperactivation and preserved DNA integrity in short-term storage.

Multifunctional maca extract coated CuO nanoparticles with antimicrobial and dopamine sensing activities: A dual electrochemical – Smartphone colorimetric detection system

Current trends and future innovative issues focus on the development of smart multifunctional bio-nanostructures. In this study, novel maca extract-coated CuO nanoparticles (MaE-CuO NPs) were prepared using a green and facile sonication method. Multifunctional MaE-CuO NPs were characterized by different techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. According to the results, we proved that the sonosynthesized MaE-CuO NPs had a uniform spherical shape with an average diameter range of ∼ 10 nm, while the surface area was 344.645 m2/g. The preservative performance of the antimicrobial MaE-CuO NPs was investigated to evaluate the biological activity of the nanostructure against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Candida albicans (C. albicans), and Aspergillus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis). Furthermore, the MaE-CuO NPs-based non-enzymatic electrochemical and smartphone colorimetric biosensor detected dopamine in the concentration range from 0.625 to 5 µM with a high sensitivity of 667 µA μM−1cm−2 and a low limit of detection (LOD) value of 16.9 nM. Consequently, we proved that the obtained nanoformulations are promising antimicrobials agents and colorimetric/electrochemical dual-mode biosensors.

Activity of Lepidium meyenii Walp (purple maca) in immunosuppressed Oryctolagus cuniculus (albino rabbits)

Various properties are attributed to “maca”, including immunomodulatory properties due to its secondary metabolites such as macamides, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and flavonoids. Immunosuppression, hemolytic anemia, and thymic involution were induced with cyclophosphamide. Three concentrations of doses of dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca (EHADM) were used for 30 days, the analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple comparisons test the results are statistically significant (p&amp;lt;.05) which shows immunostimulatory activity in the marrow bone (monocytes, lymphocytes and white blood cells) and antianemic (hematocrit 31%) compared to the negative control group (G-1). At 84 mg/kg and at 167 mg/kg, it shows immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.70% of the experimental animals (G-3 and G-4). It is concluded that the dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca presents immunostimulating and immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.7% of theOryctolagus cuniculusinduced to immunodeficiency with cyclophosphamide.

First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa.

Background and Aim:Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls.Materials and Methods:Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 mg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa.Results:The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, and at 1 mg/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation.Conclusion:The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen–thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.

The improvement of daily fatigue in women following the intake of maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract containing benzyl glucosinolate

Background: Daily fatigue is a problem for many people because of its association with other illnesses. Maca has lately attracted considerable attention as a food for recovering from fatigue. Maca is high in benzyl glucosinolate which improves endurance capacity by preventing glycogen depletion. However, its effect on fatigue has not been investigated in clinical trials on humans.Objective: The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of maca supplements on reducing fatigue.Methods: This study evaluated the effect of the consumption of maca extract containing benzyl glucosinolate (9.6 mg/day) on fatigue in adult women. This randomized, placebo–controlled, parallel–group double–blind study enrolled 60 subjects who were allocated to consume maca extract or placebo for 4 weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue was used to evaluate the results. Blood variables and adverse events were used to assess safety.Results: In both groups, the VAS of fatigue was decreased after 4 weeks compared with that before consumption. On stratification analysis, in subjects younger than 45 years, the VAS was significantly lower in the maca group, and the change between before and after supplementation was significantly larger in this group. Conclusions: It was suggested that intake of maca extract containing benzyl glucosinolate may have anti–fatigue effects in young women. So, maca supplements containing benzyl glucosinolate represent a food and drug candidate for reducing fatigue.Keywords: maca, Lepidium meyenii, benzyl glucosinolate, daily fatigue, visual analogue scale

Maca's therapeutic effects

The maca plant (Lepidium meyenii), native to the Andes of central Peru, has traditionally been used as a staple crop as one of the few plants that successfully grow in that harsh climate. But over the last decade, interest in maca has increased worldwide and it has been advertised as a superfood with the ability to balance hormones, improve concentration, enhance fertility, and increase energy and stamina. Maca is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, and cabbage that is rich in protein and fiber as well as many essential amino acids. Maca boasts high amounts of vitamin C, iron, calcium, and copper, and various plant compounds believed to be the source of maca's beneficial effects on vigor. Maca's glucosinolates have an antibiotic-like effect and help ward off bacterial, viral, and fungal infection in the intestines. Maca's polyphenols are considered the source of improved digestion, brain function, and blood sugar levels, and offer protection against blood clots, heart disease, and certain cancers. The antifungal action of maca extract is thought to be related to the presence of imidazole alkaloids chemically similar to antifungal azoles. There are many studies assessing maca's medicinal benefits regarding sexual dysfunction regulation; neuroprotective effects; memory enhancement; and the root's antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2012 review by Gonzales in Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine assessed evidence from 75 clinical studies for the effectiveness of maca. The authors found that though further research is required, available data suggest that maca shows significant positive effects on fertility, mood, memory, osteoporosis, metabolism, and the treatment of some tumors. Most studies of maca focus on fertility and libido, and have shown there is some evidence that maca root affects men's fertility. A small number of studies have shown an improvement in some menopausal symptoms. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published in Maturitas in 2011 found that maca eased menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and interrupted sleep. A highly cited 2006 clinical study by Meissner et al. in International Journal of Biomedical Science evaluated the therapeutic effects of maca as a non-hormonal alternative to hormone replacement therapy in perimenopausal women. Results revealed that in addition to reduction in body weight and blood pressure and an increase in serum high-density lipoprotein and iron, maca balanced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, prostaglandin, and adrenocorticotropic hormones. The researchers reported that maca significantly reduced frequency of hot flushes, incidence in night sweating, interrupted sleep pattern, anxiety, irritability, depression, and heart palpitations. Peruvians in the central Andes dry maca root and consume 20 g to 100 g maca powder daily in porridge or a sweet drink. Doses up to 3 g daily for up to 4 months have been found to be safe in clinical trials. Maca is generally sold as a powder, in capsules, or liquid extract, available from health food stores and online markets. The taste and aroma of maca is reminiscent of caramel or butterscotch. Maca is often included in smoothies, sprinkled on oatmeal, or included in no-bake desserts. In general, maca is considered safe and there is some evidence for beneficial pharmacological effects, but more studies presenting robust data are needed as the overall evidence is too limited to draw firm conclusions. There are no reports of adverse reactions after consuming maca. Maca has a high vitamin K content. Patients who take warfarin should be informed that more frequent INR monitoring may be required when taking maca.

Decoding Multiple Biofunctions of Maca on Its Anti-allergic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-thrombotic, and Pro-angiogenic Activities.

Four active partition layers and ten isolates, including (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone A (1a, 1b), and four new alkaloids, (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone B (2a, 2b) and macapyrrolins D, E (3, 4), were isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), an indigenous food plant from Peru. Derived from the n-hexane layer, the macamide-rich fraction exhibited pro-angiogenic activity on EPC and HUVEC cells. Anti-thrombotic activity was displayed by the polar part of maca extracts (n-butanol and water layers). Both 75% methanol aq. (midlower polar part) and n-hexane (low polar part) layers, which showed signs of fatty acid content, markedly inhibited superoxide and elastase release in an anti-inflammatory assay. The 75% methanol aq. layer showed strong anti-allergic activity, and macapyrrolin A (5) was found active based on β-hexosaminidase release inhibition assays and a ChemGPS-NP experiment. These valuable bioactivity results suggest that maca is a food plant with good benefits for human health.