Maca

Lepidium meyenii

Edible plant

South American

Photo credit: Gust4vo

Safety information

Toxicity: Very low. No toxic effects in rat studies; human trials report it safe with minor transient GI symptoms and headache (LiverTox score E). One isolated acute-hepatitis case linked to a 'maca medicinal liquor' (alcohol vehicle, not maca food).

Contraindications: No well-established absolute contraindications; caution in pregnancy/lactation (lack of data); theoretical caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Interactions: None well documented.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Caution in pregnancy/lactation (lack of data).

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

gelatinized powder, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Clinical

dried root boiled/cooked traditionally · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: nutritious food; enhance energy, fertility (humans and livestock), sexual function

Proposed mechanism: macamides/macaenes, glucosinolates, sterols; reproductive claims not yet justified by robust human data

Evidence:Clinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

energy fatigue Female fertility / PCOS Menopausal symptoms sexual function

Edibility

Edible parts: Root (hypocotyl), cooked (boiled/roasted; also dried/powdered).

Toxic lookalike warning

A Brassicaceae root resembling a small radish/turnip — never consume an unidentified wild tuber; use only verified cultivated maca.

Nutritional notes

Nutrient-dense dried root — carbohydrate, protein, essential amino acids, iron, calcium; glucosinolates, sterols, unique macamides/macaenes.

Healing traditions

South American

Sources (2)

Gonzales GF, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012
Maca — LiverTox, NIH/NIDDK (NBK548552), 2019

All sources →