Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru and has a long history of traditional use as a food and herbal remedy. In traditional Andean medicine, maca has been used to enhance energy, stamina, and resilience to physical and mental stress. The concept of "Adrenal Fatigue" itself is not a recognized medical diagnosis in conventional medicine, but it is a term used in alternative health circles to describe symptoms believed to result from chronic stress and purportedly "exhausted" adrenal glands. Maca is sometimes recommended in these contexts due to its reputation as an "adaptogen"—herbs believed to increase the body's resistance to stress. However, the scientific evidence supporting maca's adaptogenic effects is limited, with few human studies directly examining its effects on stress hormones or adrenal function. Most research has focused on maca’s potential effects on libido, mood, and energy, with inconclusive results. There are no high-quality clinical trials directly linking maca use to improvement of symptoms labeled as "adrenal fatigue." Thus, its use for this purpose is based primarily on traditional beliefs and anecdotal reports, rather than rigorous scientific validation.

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