Maca

Patient sheet

Maca is a root vegetable native to Peru. It grows in harsh climates at around 4000 metres above sea level. The maca root contains a variety of compounds, including sugars, proteins, fatty acids, and sterols, as well as several vitamins and minerals. It is used for its hormonal, aphrodisiac, stimulant, and antioxidant properties, among others. When used for medicinal purposes, it is usually taken orally in capsule or powder form.

Other names

• Lepidium meyenii
• Lepidium peruvianum
• Peruvian ginseng
• Ayak chichira
• Ayuk willku
• Maca maca

Common uses

• Improving energy and athletic performance
• Low libido
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants
• Infertility
• Menopause symptoms (e.g., anxiety, mood swings, sexual dysfunction)

This non-exhaustive list presents the most frequent applications.

Recommended doses of natural health products may vary depending on several factors, including which part of the plant is used and the product's form. To avoid confusion regarding dosage, read the information on the product's packaging and seek advice from your health care provider.

Side effects

Maca is generally well tolerated, although cases of menstrual cycle changes, mood changes, digestive problems, and insomnia have been reported. If you think you're experiencing side effects, speak to your health care provider.

Warnings

Natural health products are not without risk. They may be incompatible with certain health issues or interact with your medications. Always speak with a health care professional before taking this product, especially in the following cases:

• You're taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
• You have cancer
• You have endometriosis or a uterine fibroid

Always inform your health care providers of your existing health issues, and make sure to mention any medications that you're taking, either on a regular or irregular basis, including non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and natural health products.

If you're taking a medication for a specific health condition, do not attempt to replace it with a natural health product without first consulting a health care professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist.

General notes

Make sure to inform your health care providers if any of the following applies:

• You have allergies (e.g., medication, food)
• You're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or you're breastfeeding
• You use tobacco, cannabis or cannabis derivatives, or recreational drugs

Keeping a list of your current medications with you at all times is strongly recommended. It may come in handy if you need to see a health care professional or call emergency services.

As with medication, store your natural health products out of reach of children and pets, and return unused or expired products to the pharmacy for safe disposal.