Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Mood Swings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a root native to the Andes, has a long history of traditional use in Peruvian folk medicine for enhancing vitality, fertility, and overall well-being. Among its purported benefits, maca is often used to support mood and emotional balance, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation such as menopause or PMS. The traditional rationale is partly based on maca’s adaptogenic properties—herbs believed to help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors—which may indirectly impact mood.

While there is a growing body of preliminary scientific research investigating maca’s effects on mood, the evidence remains limited. Several small clinical studies have reported that maca supplementation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in menopausal women. For example, a 2008 study published in Menopause found that postmenopausal women who took maca experienced reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, compared to placebo. However, these studies are often small-scale, short-term, and sometimes lack rigorous controls.

Overall, the traditional use of maca for mood swings is well-established in indigenous Andean cultures, and some initial scientific findings are promising. However, the strength of evidence is moderate at best (rated 2 out of 5), and more robust clinical trials are needed to conclusively determine maca’s efficacy for mood regulation.

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