Nature’s Sunshine Maca Capsules | Energy & Vitality

For over 2,000 years, Maca has been cultivated in the harsh, wind-swept highlands of the Peruvian Andes—between 4,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level—where few other crops can survive. Known botanically as Lepidium meyenii and sometimes called "Peruvian ginseng," this member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family has been prized by indigenous Andean peoples as a nutrient-dense food and a traditional support for energy, endurance, and fertility.

Nature's Sunshine Maca capsules deliver a concentrated 4:1 potency extract standardized for macaenes and macamides—two classes of bioactive compounds found only in this remarkable root. With 90 capsules per bottle, this formula is designed to support both the male and female reproductive system, help boost strength, and enhance stamina.

If you're curious whether Maca is a good fit for your wellness goals, our naturopath is available for a free consultation to help you explore your options.

Maca's bioactivity comes from a distinctive group of secondary metabolites. The most notable are macamides—fatty acid amides found exclusively in Lepidium meyenii—and macaenes, which are unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds, introduced during traditional drying practices, are structurally related to anandamide and function as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors, meaning they may modulate neurotransmitter release through the endocannabinoid system.

Maca also contains glucosinolates (particularly benzyl glucosinolate, or glucotropaeolin), alkaloids, sterols such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, along with proteins, polysaccharides, minerals, and amino acids. Research suggests that these phytochemicals work together to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, potentially supporting hormonal balance, mood, and energy.

Importantly, Maca's effects on sexual desire and vitality appear to work through central mechanisms rather than directly altering testosterone or estradiol levels. In one 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy men reported improved sexual desire compared to placebo—without measurable changes in serum testosterone or estradiol.

Maca has traditionally been valued by both men and women, though animal studies have shown it especially benefited male subjects. Nature's Sunshine Maca capsules are formulated to support both the male and female reproductive system.

Men seeking to support sexual vitality: Research suggests Maca may promote sexual desire and support erectile function through central mechanisms rather than direct hormonal changes. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in libido in middle-aged men—its active macamides and macaenes are thought to act on sexual desire without significantly altering testosterone levels.

Anyone looking for energy and endurance support: Whether you're an athlete or simply navigating a demanding daily schedule, Maca has been used in Andean traditional medicine for energy and stamina since pre-Columbian times. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest anti-fatigue effects, and Maca is now classified by researchers as an adaptogen with evidence supporting its role in reducing the effects of stress on the body.

Women during menopause: Preliminary research suggests Maca may help alleviate menopausal discomfort. A pilot study in early-postmenopausal women found Maca supported hormonal balance and was associated with improvements in menopausal symptom scores.

If you're unsure whether Maca is right for your specific situation, our naturopath offers free consultations and can help you determine whether this traditional Andean root fits your wellness plan.

Directions: Take 1 capsule with a meal three times daily.

Each bottle contains 90 capsules (Stock No. 1117-2), providing a full 30-day supply at the recommended serving.

Safety considerations: Maca is generally considered safe, with rare adverse effects. Preclinical studies reveal low toxicity, and human consumption of ≤1 g/kg per day is considered safe. Reported adverse events in clinical trials have been mild and transient—including occasional GI upset and headache—with none leading to study discontinuation.

However, there are a few important cautions to be aware of. Because Maca belongs to the Brassicaceae family (like broccoli and cabbage), excess consumption of its glucosinolates, coupled with low iodine levels, could potentially affect thyroid function. Maca also has a high concentration of vitamin K, so individuals taking anticoagulant medication such as warfarin should exercise caution. Avoidance of Maca use during pregnancy and lactation is recommended due to the lack of safety and efficacy data in those populations.

If you take SSRIs or other antidepressant medications, be aware that Maca has been studied alongside these drugs and potential interactions—including pharmacokinetic effects on CYP enzymes—should be discussed with your healthcare provider. As always, we recommend speaking with a qualified practitioner before starting any new supplement.