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

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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, traditionally used for its supposed energizing and adaptogenic properties. Its use in supporting the "Cortisol body system"—referring to the body's physiological response to stress and regulation of cortisol, the primary stress hormone—is rooted in traditional medicine, where maca has been consumed to enhance stamina, reduce fatigue, and improve resilience to stressors. However, the direct connection between maca and cortisol regulation is not well-established in the scientific literature. Some small-scale studies suggest maca may have adaptogenic effects, potentially helping the body adapt to stress, but these studies often focus on subjective outcomes like mood or energy rather than direct measurement of cortisol levels or stress axis modulation. Reviews and clinical trials specifically investigating maca's impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or cortisol secretion are limited and generally inconclusive. Therefore, while traditional use supports maca as a general tonic for stress and vitality, robust scientific validation for its effects on cortisol regulation or the stress response system is lacking. More rigorous research is needed to clarify its potential mechanisms and benefits in this context.

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