Lepidium meyenii
Lepidium meyenii
Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca, is a plant native to the Andean highlands of Peru. Traditionally, its use has not been well-documented in specific medical practices or traditions. Scientific evidence from studies involving black maca nano-emulsion treatment suggests potential benefits for enhancing body weight, testosterone levels, and testicular blood flow in rabbit bucks, along with improved antioxidant defenses. These findings also indicate that supplementation may have some positive effects on sexual-testicular variables, though the impact on corporal or metabolic parameters was not significant. The chemical constituents of Lepidium meyenii include macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and alkaloids, with lepidiline B showing notable cytotoxic potential against neuroblastoma cell lines. No major safety issues have been recorded, nor are there any reported drug interactions associated with the use of this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Black Maca nano-emulsion treatment showed trends towards improved body weight, testosterone levels, and testicular blood flow, alongside enhanced antioxidant defenses in rabbit bucks.
- The study successfully isolated lepidilines A-D from Lepidium meyenii using CPC and HPLC, with lepidiline B showing the highest cytotoxic potential against neuroblastoma cell lines.
- This review highlights the chemical constituents and analytical methods for assessing Lepidium meyenii, emphasizing macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and alkaloids.
- The study found that supplementation with nutraceuticals (WITH and LEPI groups) showed some improvements in sexual-testicular variables compared to the control group, without significant effects on corporal or metabolic variables.
- The study found that the content of macamides and macaenes differed among Maca from Yunnan province, China, and Cerro de Pasco in central Peru, allowing successful differentiation using PCA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lepidium meyenii?
Lepidium meyenii (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Lepidium meyenii?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Lepidium meyenii; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Black Maca nano-emulsion treatment showed trends towards improved body weight, testosterone levels, and testicular blood flow, alongside enhanced antioxidant defenses in rabbit bucks.
How strong is the evidence for Lepidium meyenii?
The strongest finding for Lepidium meyenii carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Lepidium meyenii safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Lepidium meyenii in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Lepidium meyenii interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Lepidium meyenii in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Lepidium meyenii?
Lepidium meyenii is also known as: Мака перуанская, Maca.
Is Lepidium meyenii a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Purification of Lepidilines A, B, C, and D from Lepidium meyenii Walpers by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Followed by Semi-Preparative HPLC and Preliminary Evaluation of Anticancer Activity Against Neuroblastoma Cell Lines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Analysis of Macamides and Macaenes in Maca from Different Origins. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as a Functional Food and Dietary Supplement: A Review on Analytical Studies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutraceutical Supplementation + Holstein Feed Surplus in Rams: Corporal, Metabolic, and Testicular Volumetry-Sperm Variables; The Robin Hood Effect. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Influence of black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) nano-emulsion on growth parameters, circulating testosterone, testicular vascular dynamics, and antioxidant defences in New Zealand white rabbit bucks. literature abstract metadata