Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Erectile Dysfunction

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru and has a long history of use as a traditional remedy to enhance fertility and sexual function, including in men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). In traditional Andean medicine, maca is valued as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac, believed to improve stamina, energy, and sexual health. Its use for ED is mostly rooted in these historical and cultural practices rather than robust scientific validation.

A handful of small clinical studies have explored maca’s effects on sexual function. For example, a 2002 randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in Andrologia found that men who consumed maca for 12 weeks reported improved subjective sexual desire compared to placebo, though the study did not directly measure erectile function. Another study in 2009 in the journal CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics suggested possible benefits for sexual well-being in men with mild ED, but the sample size was small and the effect modest. Overall, while there is some preliminary evidence suggesting maca may have positive effects on libido and sexual satisfaction, the data specifically regarding erectile function are limited and inconclusive.

In summary, maca’s use for ED is primarily justified by traditional use, with some weak scientific evidence suggesting a possible benefit. More rigorous clinical research is needed to establish its efficacy and mechanism of action for erectile dysfunction.

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