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Maca (Lepidium meyenii): Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy

Quick summary

Maca is a Peruvian root food taken for libido, energy and mood. Small studies suggest a possible libido benefit, but — contrary to the marketing — it does not appear to raise testosterone.

What is Maca (Lepidium meyenii)?

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable grown high in the Peruvian Andes, eaten as a food for centuries and dried into a powder used as a supplement. It comes in colour varieties (yellow, red and black) that some research suggests may differ slightly in effect. It is marketed for libido, energy, mood, fertility and menopausal symptoms, and is popular as a 'natural' alternative to hormonal approaches — though importantly it is not a hormone and does not contain or directly raise testosterone.

What Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is commonly used for

In supplements, Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is most often included for men's vitality & testosterone support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.

How Maca (Lepidium meyenii) works

Unlike many vitality supplements, maca does not appear to work through sex hormones — studies generally show no change in testosterone or estrogen. Its effects on libido and mood, where present, seem to occur through other, less well-understood pathways. This is an important distinction, because much maca marketing implies a hormonal or testosterone-boosting action that the evidence does not support.

What the evidence says

Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Maca (Lepidium meyenii) — including where the evidence is limited.

Typical dosage used in studies

Studies have used roughly 1.5-3 g/day of maca powder or extract, over several weeks. This is research information, not a recommendation.

Side effects and safety

Maca has a long history as a food and is generally very well tolerated; mild digestive effects are occasionally reported. Raw maca contains goitrogens (compounds that can affect the thyroid), so it is traditionally cooked or 'gelatinised' before use.

Medication interactions and who should avoid Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Medication & safety check

People with thyroid conditions should be cautious with large amounts of raw maca because of its goitrogen content, and those with hormone-sensitive conditions sometimes avoid it as a precaution despite the lack of a clear hormonal effect. Pregnancy and breastfeeding data beyond food amounts are limited.

This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, confirm it's safe to combine with Maca (Lepidium meyenii) with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Sources & further reading

The evidence summary above is drawn from these sources. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:

Frequently asked questions

Does maca raise testosterone?

No — studies generally show no change in testosterone or estrogen. Any libido effect appears to work through other pathways, despite what the marketing implies.

What is maca actually good for?

The better (still modest) evidence is for improving sexual desire, including in people on antidepressants, and possibly menopausal symptoms.

How much maca should I take?

Studies use about 1.5-3 g/day of powder or extract.

Do the colours matter?

Some research suggests yellow, red and black maca may differ slightly, but the evidence isn't strong enough to make firm recommendations.

Is maca safe?

It's a food with a good safety record. The main note is that raw maca contains goitrogens, so it's usually cooked or gelatinised, especially relevant for thyroid conditions.

Supplements that contain Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

On FactoWiki, Maca (Lepidium meyenii) appears in these reviewed products. Each review breaks down the full formula, pricing and safety.