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Maca a herb used for enhancing sexual desires in women: A study
– Reported, October 20, 2012
Maca is also called the Peruvian ginseng (although it is not of ginseng family) because its benefits, effects and uses are similar to ginseng which is to increase stamina, boost energy and enhance sexual function.
There are many claimed traditional health benefits from maca with which many are lacking in scientific evidence. Among the many health benefits and uses of maca are the treatment, prevention and control of the following health conditions:
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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Anemia
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Enhance physical endurance and strength
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Improvement of memory
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Leukemia
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Infertility
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Depression
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Osteoporosis
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Menstrual problems
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Erectile dysfunction
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Boost immune system
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Menopause symptoms
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Stomach cancer
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HIV and AIDS
Maca contains glucosinolates that can be processed by the body to isothiocyanates which have been known as anti-cancer compound with chemopreventive effects. However, there were no studies made to investigate these effects on humans.
If you want to boost energy — increase libido — fight stress and reduce the risk for conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, then maca is for you.
In Peru, maca is a root vegetable thats roasted or used in baking. Here in the US, this super food is available in supplement form and as a powder that you can blend into beverages or sprinkle on foods.
The root of the maca (Lepidium meyenii) is shaped like a large radish. It is a cousin to other cruciferous plants, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. In addition to its healthful fiber, complex carbohydrates and protein, maca provides numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, iodine and copper… vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E… nearly 20 amino acids, including linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid… as well as various plant sterols, which are natural cholesterol-lowering agents. All of these nutrients have been shown to promote health in a multitude of ways.
Legend holds that in the era of the Incan empire, battle leaders provided maca to warriors to enhance their strengththen cut off the supply after the fighting ended to protect women from the warriors maca-heightened libidos.
Benefits Of Maca In Enhancing Sexual Desires In Women
A systematic review for the benefits of maca in improving sexual function in men and women was published in the Journal of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, August 2010. Two randomized controlled trials suggested a significant positive effect of maca on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women and healthy adult men. Although other RCT reported no significant results, further studies were recommended.
Modern research has suggested that maca does indeed increase sex drive in men. One double-blind, randomized study published in the journal Andrologia examined the effect of maca on sexual desire in 57 men, ages 21 to 56. Participants took either placebos or 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca daily. After four, eight and 12 weeks, they reported on their sex drive levels. Placebo users experienced no change in libido, while the men taking either quantity of maca reported heightened sexual desire starting at eight weeks and continuing throughout the study.
How it works: Macas libido-enhancing powers are attributed primarily to its amino acids and sterols, among other properties. Blood tests indicated that maca did not affect the mens levels of the hormones testosterone or estradiol (a form of estrogen present in women and men). This is just one of macas virtuesit does not change hormone regulation in men.
A small study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology yielded some interesting results, indicating that maca also improves male fertility. Nine men, ages 24 to 44, received either 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca per day. Compared with tests done at the outset of the study, semen analysis performed at the end of the four-month research period demonstrated that maca increased semen volume, sperm count and sperm motility at both dosage levels. Again, maca achieved these results by unknown mechanisms that were not related to increases in testosterone or other hormones.
Benefits Of Maca In Enhancing Sexual Desires In Men
A study published in Andrologia Journal December 2002 reported the benefits and effects of maca on sexual desires for men 21 to 56 years old. The study was a 12 week double blind placebo controlled, parallel trial. Results have shown that the effects of maca on the perception of sexual desire have increased since the 8th week of treatment although there is no significant increase in testosterone level. This study confirmed the aphrodisiac effects of maca although further investigation was recommended.
Benefits Of Maca Root In Menopausal Women
In the Menopause Journal, November 2008, a report has been made about the study done in School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Victoria University, Australia on the benefits and effects of lepidium meyenii (maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Preliminary findings show that Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
Prostate Gland Reducing Benefits From Red Maca
In a study done in the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru and was published in the Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, January 2005, reported that red maca (Lepidium meyenii) has reduction effects in the size of ventral prostate in rats. In the study, male rats are given testosterone enanthate to induce ventral prostate growth. The red maca aqueous extract has a reduction effect likewise preventing further increase in weight of ventral prostate. The study suggested the potential ventral prostate reduction benefit from maca root extract and further study in human samples is recommended.
Where To Buy Maca Medicine
Maca is mostly available in health food stores. Maca may be bought in standard preparations in dry powdered form, to be mixed with drinks and food or maca can also be bought in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms.
If you can find maca root, you can have it baked or roasted, prepared as a soup, or you can make a fermented drink called maca chicha.
Maca can also be bought online from herbal sites. Amazon.com carries a number of maca products where you can compare products based on price, manufacturers reputation and reviews.
Maca Safe Dosage, Side Effects And Warnings
Maca is considered safe for most people when taken in amounts found in foods. Maca supplements and medicine preparations are considered safe when taken as directed. There are no reported side effects for maca.
There are no sufficient studies done to determine the side effects of maca to pregnant women and breast feeding mothers. Use of maca as medicine is discouraged.
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