Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the body system: Testosterone

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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 mountains of Peru and has a long history of traditional use as a food and herbal remedy. Traditionally, maca is believed to support energy, stamina, fertility, and sexual function, which has led to its modern association with supporting testosterone and male reproductive health. However, the evidence for maca’s impact on testosterone levels is limited. Most scientific studies have not demonstrated a significant increase in testosterone concentrations after maca supplementation. Instead, research suggests that maca may enhance libido and sexual well-being in both men and women, possibly via mechanisms not directly linked to testosterone. For example, a 2002 study published in "Andrologia" found increased sexual desire in men using maca, but no change in serum testosterone or other hormones. A 2010 systematic review in "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" concluded that while maca shows promise for improving sexual function, evidence for its effects on testosterone is lacking. Thus, while its use is rooted in tradition and there is some scientific support for sexual health benefits, maca is not validated by robust scientific evidence to support its use specifically for increasing testosterone levels.

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