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Rainforest Research Report
By Christian Drapeau, BSc., MSc.

MACA
Lepidium Meyenii

This energizing plant is also referred to as Peruvian Ginseng, although Maca is not in the same family as Ginseng.

Common Names:
Maca, Peruvian Ginseng

Part used:
Tuber, root

Description and Habitat:
Maca is a small, hardy perennial plant growing in the Andes Mountains at altitudes from 11,000 to 14.500 feet. In fact, Maca grows in some of the most inhospitable regions characterized by intense sunlight, violent winds and below freezing weather. It is probably the plant that is most resistant to frost.

The nutritional wealth of Maca is attested by the fact that farmers growing Maca must constantly rotate their plantations as Maca may completely deplete the soil of minerals in just a few seasons. This nutritional wealth is accumulated in Maca's tuberous root which is pear shaped, up to eight centimeters in diameter and off-white in color. Unlike many other tuberous plants, Maca is propagated by seed. It takes seven to nine months from planting to produc the harvested roots.

Indigenous Traditional Use:
The legend says that native shepherds in the high Andean plateau observed that as they grazed their herds in higher elevations, where Maca grows naturally, the herds became healthier with more stamina, and became much more sexually active. The Andean Herb People then included Maca in their diets, and found that it could help promote increased energy and stamina for themselves.

It is believed that Maca began to be domesticated by the inhabitants of the high Andean plateau as early as 1600 B.C., as this God-sent plant was providing them with energy and stamina in a region characterized by the harshest weather. Proof of such domestication is found in the vestiges of irrigation channels, fences, ridges and terraces found today in regions where nothing else can be cultivated.

Records from the early Spanish conquest alrady mention the use of Maca for enhancing physical energy and fertility. According to chronicles from the period, when the Spaniards arrived in Peru, the local Indians did not seem to value Maca's fertility power for themselves, but they did use it successfully to improve the fertility of the mares. However, it was reported that Inca troops were fed "Maca" because it was believed to give vitality and physical strength to warriors.

Today Maca is still an important staple in the diets of highlanders, as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown in high altitude. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential minerals, especially iodine and iron. The nutritional value of dried Maca root is high. It resembles that of cereal grains such as wheat, rice and maize. Traditionally Maca is sun-dried to be later boiled in water or milk to be made into porridge, though the fresh roots can be baked or roasted like sweet potatoes. It is also made into a popular sweet, fermented drink, Maca Chicha. In some regaions of Peru, Maca is even made into jam and pudding. The tuberous roots found in Maca have a flavorful, sweet taste and an aroma very similar to butterscotch.

Scientific Studies - Mechanism of Action
Today, in the northern hemisphere, Maca is mostly known for its effect on male sexual energy and female hormonal balance. Many studies have been carried out describing Maca's benefits in these domains.

Indeed, many studies have documented the effect of Maca on male sexual energy. In animals, Maca has been documented to improve virtually every parameter of sexual performance, from copulatory frequency to sperm count. Yet, interestingly, Maca reduced locomotion, indicating some relaxing properties. In men, Maca was shown to improve sperm production and sperm motility. It is important to mention that this increase in sexual performance was not related to any changes in the production of male sexual hormones, eliminating the concern thzt excessive utilization might fatigue the adrenals and the normonal system.

Regarding the ability of Maca to balance the female hormonal system, though the effect has been widely reported by consumers, there is little scientific documentation. Typically, women report benefits with menstrual irregularities and hormone imbalances, including menopause and perimenopause. Women with menstrual irregularities have reported greater consistency, while women with hot flashes, mood swings and symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause have reported striking improvements.

Aside from its effect on the hormonal system, Maca can be used effectively, like the natives of the highland of Peru, for stamina and physical energy. Its nutritional value has been attested by scientific studies, establishing its high content in minerals and complex carbohydrates. Maca's nutritional value was also established in animal studies in which Maca promoted robust growth in the young, without overweight, even in the second generation.

The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you have any health concern, it is recommended that you seek the advise of a certified health practitioner.

Christian Drapeau, BSc., MSc., is a neurophysiologist with over 13 years research experience in the fields of natural foods and nutrition. He is the former Chief Scientist at Cell Tech where he directed research on Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, and is currently Chief Scientist for Desert Lake Technologies, Oregon. Mr. Drapeau received a BSc. in Neurophysiology from McGill University, Montreal, and a MSc. from the Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal.

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See also:
- Amazon Herb formulas containing Maca:
ChocaMaca™, Sumacazon™