Maca Root Extract

Species Name: Lepidium meyenii

Also Known As: Peruvian ginseng, maca

Maca is a type of plant that is commonly found in Peru, though it is available in other areas of the world as well. The plant has a radish type of root to it.

In its native countries, the root is used as a food source. It has also been used heavily as a medicinal treatment for various illness.

It is important to note that although it has the common name of Peruvian ginseng, there is no connection with this root to any ginseng family plant.

That name was given to the plant as a nod to the ancient folk remedies this root is commonly associated with, such as improving sexual function, stamina, and increasing energy levels.

Home Remedies Using Maca Root Extract:

Benefits of Maca Root Extract:

Since ancient times, according to local folklore, the Incan warriors have used maca root extracts or eaten the root itself, prior to leaving for battle.

It was said that the root would make the warriors physically stronger. However, in the years after this, the use of maca root was strictly prohibited from Incan warriors using it whenever there were conquered women due to the improvements in their sexual health.

Modern science has since studied these claims and has found that the quality of semen produced by men who have taken the maca root extracts was higher. The volume of sperm was higher and the sperm motility was improved.

Many of the benefits of maca root extracts are centered on this heightened libido benefit. In numerous herbal remedies, maca root extract is used to help men who struggle with infertility or sexual dysfunction.

Some studies have shown that the use of this extract on rats has reduced enlarged prostate glands. However, there are no studies that link it to this in humans as of yet.

Side Effects of Maca Root Extract:

Maca root extract does not have any known negative side effects, but there is some concern that it can lead to problems due to the glucosinolates found in it. This can cause goiters when it is consumed in a large doses when the individual has a diet that is low in iodine.

Maca roots that are darker in color, such as those that are purple and black, do have a high amount of natural iodine in them. Some people may also find that they are allergic to maca root, especially if they are allergic to similar types of food.