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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Maca

MODERATE EVIDENCEAdaptogenLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable with moderate evidence for libido enhancement (both sexes) and sexual dysfunction improvement — notably WITHOUT affecting testosterone or estrogen levels. Our research shows it works through a mechanism that remains unclear (not hormonal), making it unique among "aphrodisiac" supplements and relatively safe for hormone-sensitive individuals.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Libido / sexual desire (both sexes)Moderate — consistent across trials (PMID: 20090350)
B
SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctionSmall positive RCT (PMID: 25954318)
B-
Erectile dysfunctionLimited positive data
C+
Menopausal symptomsSmall trials, positive for mood/anxiety
C+
Exercise performanceVery limited evidence
C
Fertility (sperm parameters)Preliminary positive (PMID: 11753476)
C+
Testosterone levelsConsistently does NOT raise testosterone
D

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • Libido: 1,500-3,000mg/day maca root powder or extract
  • Sexual dysfunction: 3,000mg/day
  • Menopausal symptoms: 2,000-3,500mg/day
  • Duration: 6-12 weeks in most trials
  • Color may matter: black maca for spermatogenesis, red maca for prostate, yellow maca most studied for libido
Scan a supplement containing Maca

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Hormone-sensitive medicationsMinor

Maca does NOT affect hormone levels — generally safe, but theoretical concern for very hormone-sensitive conditions

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated — it's a food crop consumed daily in Peru
  • Mild GI effects, insomnia (rare)
  • May increase energy (anecdotal) — take in morning if sensitive

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Traditional food in Peru during pregnancy, but supplemental doses lack clinical safety data.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Gelatinized maca (starch removed) preferred over raw — better tolerated and more concentrated
Products should specify maca color if claiming specific benefits (black, red, yellow)
"Testosterone booster" marketing with maca: flag — maca does NOT raise testosterone
SSRI sexual dysfunction application: score bonus (evidence exists, unique among natural options)
One of the safest libido supplements — minimal interaction profile

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Shin BC et al. Maca for sexual dysfunction: a systematic review.

PMID: 20090350

2.

Dording CM et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

PMID: 25954318

3.

Gonzales GF et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii on semen parameters.

PMID: 11753476

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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