Peruvian ginseng-Maca
Maca herb (Lepidium meyenii) is a root-like vegetable shaped like a radish. It is also called Peruvian Ginseng. Most botanists now consider the widely cultivated Maca of today to be a newer domesticated species: Lepidium peruvianum. The Maca is related to the radish and the turnip, and this shows in the growth habit, size, and proportions of the root.
The main active constituents in Maca root that cause the reputed sexual actions are the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine and a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which has reputed aphrodisiac properties.
Introduction
Maca herb grows high in the harsh climate of the Andes Mountains in South America at elevations up to 15,000 feet. It is one of the few plants that can be cultivated here. For more than two millennia, native Peruvians have used Maca root as food and medicine, to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility.
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Photo: The Maca is similar to a radish, but off-white to yellow in color. The root of the Maca is used for medicinal purposes, and it is the edible part of the plant. |
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Photo: Most commonly the Maca is dried and ground for usage. Maca is the only cultivated cruciferous species which produces starch. |
Applications
From the Maca plant it is mainly the roots that are used. These roots are highly nutritious with about 11% protein content. When Maca is harvested, the roots are traditionally dried by exposing them to sunlight for 4-6 days. After they have been dried, they can be stored in cool, dark places for several years. For consumption, the dried roots are rehydrated by boiling them in water until they are soft. They can also be baked, roasted, prepared as a porridge, and have been used for making a fermented drink. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are baked or roasted in ashes (in the same manner as sweet potatoes).As far as known, Maca is used only internally.
Medicinal action
Feeding Maca root extracts to normal male mice increases the frequency with which they couple with female mice. Human studies with this herb indicate supplementation leads to enhanced sexual desire and may be helpful in women after menopause. In the latter case the herb is used to regulate changes in menstruation and the menopause, and alleviates insomnia and the loss of hearing and vision. Maca has been traditionally used in Peru to enhance fertility of both people and animals.The most commonly known applications of Maca are:
- a sex stimulator for men as well as women;
- helpful during menopause;
- keeping and containing the balance of the hormonal system;
- the increase of energy levels.
Industrial application
So far there are no known industrial applications for Maca.Dosage
Today, dried Maca root is ground to powder and sold in capsules as a food supplement. In herbal medicine, dried Maca roots are generally recommended at dosages of 5-20 gram daily. From more concentrated extract powders (with an extract ratio 5:1) a daily dosage of 1-2 gram or as a therapeutic dosage approximately 4-5 gram per day is advised.There is no evidence that Maca is dangerous in larger quantities.
Contra-indications
The described uses of Maca have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.Contraindications:
- The administration of this product in doses over 2 g/kg of weight may be contraindicated in hypertensive individuals;
- Use of Maca may be contraindicated in patients with fibroids, estrogen receptor-related cancer risk, endometriosis, or prostate cancer;
- Drug Interactions are not reported;
- Large amounts of Maca may cause intestinal gas.
More information / news
| 2010-08-06 | Maca -Ledidium meyenii- for improving sexual functions |
| 2010-07-12 | Maca for Men |
| 2010-01-14 | Peru's maca found beneficial to improve memory and learning |
| 2009-03-27 | Maca - Peru's answer to Viagra |
| 2008-02-23 | Talking SEX - Give your love life a boost |
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