Maca Bio

Description

• Increases the libido
• Supports the fertility
• Treats sexual dysfunctions
• Stimulates the immune system
• Tones the organism, increases the energy
• Reduces the menopause symptoms

What is Maca?
Named the “Peruvian Ginseng”, Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an herbaceous biennial plant which grows in the high mountains of Peru. For centuries it has been consumed as food and within traditional medicine for treating impotency, menopause and sterility. Its tuber is used raw, cooked or dried. Maca is delicious with a soft taste and a caramel aroma. Rich in nutrients, its dried root encloses proteins, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), dietary minerals (selenium, iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, copper) and vitamins (C, E and of group B). Maca contains also alkaloids (macamids and macaenes), isothiocyanates and other bioactive molecules endowed with aphrodisiac and tonic proprieties. Due to its high nutritive value, Maca increases considerably the energy and physical tonus. Furthermore, it improves mood and memory. During the Inca period, Maca was a sacred nutrition reserved for the nobility which obtained strength and fertility.

Why take Maca?
Allows a better libido, fights against sexual impotency, improves the fertility.
Libido: Maca, besides its hormone harmonizing action, increases the libido in a stunning way. Its tuber encloses a bioactive molecule ((1R, 3S)-1-methyltetrahydro-carboline-3-carboxylic), which, following certain researchers, could act on the central nerve system and stimulate in this way the sexual activity. Maca, in other words, would have a action on the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, modulating the secretion of certain hormones (LH, FSH, HCG and prolactin). Consequently, it manages the good function of other endocrinal glands such as the ovaries, testicles, adrenal glands, pancreas and thyroid. Furthermore, Maca contains diverse amino acids, of which are arginine and histidine; two substances linked to the metabolism of the sexual activity. It thereby improves the circulation and the blood irrigation of the sexual organs, follow by the increased oxygenation and the rapid relaxation of the smooth muscle of the cavernous body of the penis. Erections are easier and more long-lasting. Maca is also well-known as an aphrodisiac because it increases the intensity of the organs.

Fertility: Libido and fertility are 2 distinctive subjects. Nevertheless, a satisfying libido is a supplementary chance to improve the fertility and increase the frequency of the intercourses. Within people suffering from hypofertility or sterility, Maca improves the fecundity within women and the sperm production within men. Several researches have demonstrated that this root stimulates the spermatogenesis and increases the “sexual appetite”. During a study, voluntary men received some Maca tablets (1500 or 3000 mg/ day) during 4 months. At the end of this period the researches studied the quality of their sperm and the levels of certain hormones (testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones). After the intake of Maca, people noticed a significant increase of the volume of their seminal liquid and of the quantity of sperm during the ejaculation. A Maca supplementation has improved the sperm quality and mobility. It has been also demonstrated that Maca possesses a stimulating effect on the sexual function, brought to light by the increase of numerous complete penetrations and succeeded inseminations. Regarding women, Maca treats frigidity and increases the sexual desire. It improves the fertility thanks to its regulating influence on the ovarian functions.

Supports the Menopause:
A hormonal unbalance is a major problem linked to menopause. While the estrogen levels collapse, the blood vessels of a menopaused woman weaken and the bone density drops. The brain secrets less serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter contributing to relaxation and serene slumber. To compensate a feminine hormone shortage, classic medicine suggests substitutive hormonotherapy (HTS). But, following certain researchers, Maca could improve the production of adequate quantities of hormones. It is a healthy and natural alternative for soothing distinctly the symptoms of pre-menopause, menopause and post-menopause (hot flash, mood swings). Maca improves the aspect of the skin, diminishes vaginal dryness, increases the sexual desire, restores the emotional balance and overcomes depression. Because of its high level of calcium, Maca is actually studied for fighting osteoporosis.

Physical Tonus, Energy and Strength
Athletes, throughout the whole world consume Maca root. Due to its influence on the hormonal system, Maca supports the adrenal glands producing adrenaline. By this manner it amplifies the energy and robustness. Thanks to Maca, athletes notice a very strong diminution of muscular soreness and increase of the resistance to effort. These two cumulated effects allow developing the physical training and therefore the final performances of the athlete. The antasthenic proprieties of Maca have lead bodybuilders to use it successfully as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids.

Best combinations :
Libido, sexual performances, athletic stamina : maca + tribulus, maca + L-arginine ;
Fertility and fecundity : maca + zinc ;
Menopause : maca + evening primrose oil.
Not indicated in : cases of hormonal treatments (breast and endometrial cancer).

References :
1. Zheng BL, He K, Kim CH, Rogers L, Shao Y, Huang ZY, Lu Y, Yan SJ, Qien LC, Zheng QY. Effect of a lipidic extract from lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology. 2000 Apr; 55(4):598-602.
2. Gonzales, G. F., et al. “Lepidium meyenii (maca) improved semen parameters in adult men.” Asian J. Androl. 2001; 3(4): 301–3.
3. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002 Dec; 34(6):367-72.
4. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J Endocrinol. 2003 Jan; 176(1):163-8.
5. Bogani, P., et al. “Lepidium meyenii (Maca) does not exert direct androgenic activities.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr; 104(3): 415-7.
6. Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, Farabaugh A, Sonawalla S, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall; 14(3):182-91
7. Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec; 15(6):1157-62.