Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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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, traditionally consumed for its purported health-promoting effects, including enhanced stamina, fertility, and resilience to stress. In the context of mental illness, traditional use and anecdotal reports have described maca as a "tonic" that may help with symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and poor cognitive function, especially in stressful environments. These traditional uses, however, are not specifically aligned with the modern clinical definitions of mental illness (such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis), but rather reflect a broader concept of psychological well-being and vitality.

Scientific research into maca's effects on mental health is limited, with most studies being small and of low methodological quality. Some animal studies suggest that maca extracts may have antidepressant-like and anxiolytic effects, possibly due to their influence on neurotransmitter systems or their antioxidant properties. A few small human studies have reported improvements in mood and feelings of well-being in participants taking maca supplements, particularly in populations experiencing stress or menopause-related symptoms. However, these studies often lack rigorous controls, have short durations, and use subjective outcome measures.

Overall, while traditional uses of maca encompass support for psychological health, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating clinically diagnosed mental illnesses. The evidence base is currently rated as low (2/5), relying more on tradition and preliminary findings than robust clinical validation.

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