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

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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 and has been used traditionally for centuries as a food and folk remedy. Its use for supporting bone health, including osteoporosis, is rooted mainly in traditional Andean medicine, where maca is believed to enhance vitality and overall strength, including bone strength, especially in post-menopausal women. Some animal studies, such as those using ovariectomized rats (a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis), have shown that maca supplementation can prevent bone loss, potentially due to its phytoestrogen content, which may mimic some effects of estrogen on bone metabolism. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking. Existing evidence is primarily preclinical, and while traditional use and preliminary animal studies suggest a potential benefit, there is insufficient high-quality clinical data to firmly validate maca’s efficacy for osteoporosis in humans. Thus, its use for this purpose remains predominantly traditional with limited scientific support. Until more research is conducted, maca should not be considered a primary or sole therapy for osteoporosis, though it may be used as a supportive supplement in some traditional health practices.

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