Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Irritability

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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 been used for centuries in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples. Its traditional uses primarily center around enhancing energy, stamina, fertility, and libido. While irritability per se is not always cited as a primary indication in folk medicine, maca has been traditionally consumed to support emotional well-being, balance mood, and cope with stress. This is likely due to its reputed adaptogenic properties, which are said to help the body resist stressors and stabilize mood. There is some overlap in traditional beliefs that consuming maca can improve overall vitality and mental resilience, which may indirectly address symptoms such as irritability, particularly when related to fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or stress.

On the scientific front, evidence supporting maca’s use specifically for irritability is limited and indirect. Some small clinical studies have investigated maca’s potential benefits for mood and symptoms of menopause (such as anxiety and depression), with a few reporting improvements in psychological symptoms, which could include irritability. However, these studies are typically small, not focused directly on irritability, and often use subjective self-report measures. The mechanisms proposed involve maca’s potential to modulate hormone levels and exert mild adaptogenic effects, but robust clinical data are lacking. Therefore, while traditional uses provide some justification, scientific validation is minimal and does not directly support maca as a treatment for irritability.

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