What is the recommended dose of Maca?

- **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 ...

Is Maca safe to take daily?

Maca is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. - 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

Does Maca interact with any medications?

Maca has 1 known drug interaction, including interactions with Hormone-sensitive medications. Check with your doctor before combining with prescription medications.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Maca

MODERATE EVIDENCEAdaptogenLast updated April 2026

AVELOR 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)

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

Fertility (sperm parameters)Preliminary positive (PMID: 11753476)

C+

Testosterone levelsConsistently does NOT raise testosterone

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 AVELOR 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

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

PMID: 20090350

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

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

PMID: 11753476

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated: April 2026

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

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