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Black Maca Root Juice Powder

Also known as: Black maca, Peruvian ginseng, Maca root, Lepidium meyenii Walp., Lepidium meyenii (Black Maca)

Overview

Black maca is a variety of *Lepidium meyenii* cultivated in the high Andes of Peru, distinguished by its dark color. It's available as a powder or juice extract and is traditionally used for energy, stamina, fertility, and mood enhancement. Modern applications focus on physical performance, inflammation, and reproductive health. It contains unique bioactive compounds, including macamides and macaenes, not found in other maca varieties. Research on black maca is moderately mature, with several RCTs and systematic reviews, though sample sizes are often limited. Evidence is mixed, with some positive findings for specific outcomes, but overall quality is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity in study design. It is considered an adaptogenic herb and functional food supplement.

Benefits

Limited evidence suggests potential benefits in physical performance, particularly for athletes, with one RCT showing changes in plasma components like lactic acid and CRP after 8 weeks of supplementation. However, not all changes were favorable. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show mixed efficacy for improving semen quality, with no significant benefit over placebo for sperm concentration. Anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits for mood and energy, but this is not robustly supported by RCTs. Most studies report effects after 8–16 weeks of supplementation. Overall, effect sizes are small or non-significant in most outcomes, and clinical significance remains uncertain.

How it works

Black maca's mechanism of action involves several biological pathways. It may exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. It may also have endocrine modulation effects, potentially influencing hormone balance, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. In athletes, it may influence energy metabolism, affecting lactic acid and lipid metabolism. It interacts with inflammatory, endocrine, and possibly reproductive systems. While macamides and macaenes are thought to be bioactive, their pharmacokinetics are not well studied, and specific molecular targets are not well-defined, though interactions with steroid hormone receptors and inflammatory pathways are possible.

Side effects

Black maca is generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults. Common side effects are rarely reported, but mild gastrointestinal upset is possible. Uncommon side effects are not well documented in clinical studies. Rare side effects have not been reported in available literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to a lack of safety data. Safety has not been established in children, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Long-term safety data are lacking.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of black maca is not well established, but most studies use 1–3 g/day of maca powder. The optimal dosage range is also 1–3 g/day of powder or equivalent extract. The maximum safe dose is not established, but up to 3 g/day appears safe in clinical studies. It is typically taken daily, with or without food. Powder or extract forms are most studied, while juice powder is less studied but likely similar. Absorption factors are not well studied, but absorption may be enhanced with food. No required cofactors have been identified.

FAQs

Is black maca safe?

Black maca is generally safe for most adults for short-term use, but long-term safety is not established. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

When should I take black maca?

Daily dosing is typical, and the timing does not appear critical. You can take it with or without food, depending on your preference and tolerance.

What results can I expect from taking black maca?

You may experience modest improvements in physical performance or inflammatory markers. The benefit for fertility is unclear. Effects are modest and inconsistent across studies.

Is black maca a proven aphrodisiac?

No, black maca is not a proven aphrodisiac or fertility enhancer. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the evidence is modest and inconsistent.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892513/ – This study investigates the impact of black maca on metabolic parameters and body composition. It provides insights into the potential effects of black maca on various health markers, contributing to a better understanding of its overall benefits and mechanisms of action.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10097151/ – This research explores the effects of maca on exercise performance and recovery. It examines how maca supplementation can influence physical endurance, muscle fatigue, and post-exercise recovery processes, offering valuable information for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/1/107 – This review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional and health benefits of maca. It summarizes the existing evidence on maca's effects on various aspects of health, including energy levels, mood, and reproductive function, highlighting its potential as a functional food.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511 – This article from Medical News Today discusses the potential health benefits of maca root. It covers various aspects, including its traditional uses, scientific evidence, and potential side effects, providing a balanced perspective on its role in health and wellness.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.934740/full – This study reviews the effects of maca on sperm parameters and reproductive hormone levels. It analyzes the available evidence on maca's impact on sperm quality and hormone balance, offering insights into its potential role in male fertility.