hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Maca is a fashion product here in Germany. It seems very good to improve stamina, it's adaptogen, full of proteins and many other good stuff.
Has anyone ever tried it? -------------- Maca, an annual plant from Peru, is the highly nutritious plant that holds a credible reputation for enhancing physical and emotional well being.
Although Maca's popularity has only recently been growing in the United States, its use as a medicine and food that enhances strength and endurance, and which also an aphrodisiac has been noted throughout Peruvian history.
It is grown on some of the worst soil in a place that faces extremely severe weather, however it has learned to adapt, making it the only plant in South America that can survive under such conditions.
Maca's history as a prevailing strength and stamina enhancer and libido-fertility herb extends back far over five hundred years.
During the height of the Incan Empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would eat Maca just before entering into battle, which was said to make them fiercely strong.
Although Incan warriors used Maca in order to increase their strength, it is important to recognize that Maca is a powerful Adaptogen, meaning that it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body's systems naturally for both men and women, and is used uniquely for each person with the bodies own intelligence serving as its guide.
Due to its ability to effectively cater to the unique needs of each body, Maca has been recognized as being able to raise low blood pressure and lower high blood pressure depending on what is needed within the individual's body.
Adaptogen's are also known to boost immunity as well as to harmonize the body's overall vitality. They do not work by simply attending to a specific symptom; instead they are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole system of the body (1).
Maca is recognized as a highly nutritious food and medicine containing about 59% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, and around 10% protein (nutrition values for dried Maca).
It has a higher fat content than other root crops (2.2%), of which linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid are the primary fatty acids. Maca also is a rich source of sterols and contains sitosterol, campesterol, ergosterol, brassicasterol, and ergostadienol.
When comparing the minerals in Maca versus both potatoes and carrots, Maca exceeds both vegetables in value, and is also an excellent source of iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine.
Maca contains fives times more protein than a potato, four times more fiber, and even has less fat (1).
Maca's reported beneficial effects for sexual function are likely to be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients (4).
Unlike other substances known to give its consumer speedy energy, such as caffeine, Maca does not give this same speedy burst of energy, but instead this root produces a feeling of core strength (3).
Maca is believed to stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to create better balance within the entire endocrine system (2).
Since it is so effective in creating hormonal balance, many women use Maca to help with, menopausal problems, irregular menstrual cycles, symptoms of PMS, as well as a means to increase fertility.
Men often use Maca to increase their sperm count, physical strength, as well as endurance.
Currently the country of Peru strongly funding and studying the benefits of the Maca root, and many reports from educational and scientific institutions have shown significant (120-200%) increases in sexual endurance, physical stamina, adaptability to stressful situations, as well as an increase in both the number and activity of spermatozoids (sperm) (5).
Although these powerful results have not yet been thoroughly reviewed or studied outside of Peru, the users' testimonies for the last several years are notable (5).
Peruvian researchers claim that Maca improves memory, combats anemia, and also fights depression. Some of these researchers believe all of these positive effects are due to Maca's ability to nourish the body, because; it is noted that when a body is well nourished, its libido will increase and depression will decrease (1).
Most of the laboratory research done on Maca has been conducted using animals as its test subjects. ``A 1961 study showed that Maca increased fertility in rats. Then came studies of guinea pigs, rams, and cows, each of which corroborated Maca's fertility-enhancing effects.
For example, Maca significantly increased ram semen volume and sperm count'' (1). The plant sterols, isothicynates and glucosinolates are considered to be Maca's active components.
Research has shown that these sterols reduce cholesterol, which can positively affect erectility, if erection is compromised by artery clogging fats (1).
Original animal tests that were done using Maca, show a significant change in ovarian and testicular function (in female and male rats) in just 72 hours.
It appears that Maca works about the level of the hypothalamus/pituitary axis. This is supported by clinical reports and lab tests that show that the test subjects improvement in thyroid and adrenal function, took place in just a few days or a few weeks (5).
Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable used both as food and medicine. It is sometimes called "Peruvian ginseng," not because the plants have any botanical relationship, but because their traditional uses are somewhat similar. Traditionally, maca has been said to increase energy and stamina, and enhance both fertility and sex drive in men and women.
* What is Maca Used for Today? Maca is widely marketed for improving male sexual function , female sexual function , and both male fertility and female fertility . However, at present there is no reliable evidence that it actually provides any benefits at all.
Much of the evidence for maca comes from animal studies. In one study in rats, use of maca enhanced male sexual function. 1 Animal studies have had mixed results regarding male and female fertility. 2-7
There are two published human trials on maca, performed by a single research group.
In one small 12-week, double-blind , placebo-controlled study, use of maca at 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg increased male libido. 8 While this was an interesting finding, the study did not report benefits in male sexual function, just desire. Since loss of sexual function (e.g., impotence) is a more common problem in men than loss of sexual desire, these results do not justify the widespread claim that maca has been shown to act like a kind of herbal Viagra.
Another small study found that 4 months of maca use increased sperm count and sperm function. 9 Unfortunately, this study failed to use a control group, and for this reason its results are essentially meaningless. (For more information on why studies must use a control group, see Why Does This Database Rely on Double-blind Studies? )
There are no human trials on maca for female fertility or female sexual function.
Contrary to widespread reporting, maca does not appear to increase testosterone levels, or, in fact, affect any male hormones. 10
Other animal studies hint that maca might offer benefits for prostate enlargement , 11,12stress , 13diabetes , 14 and high blood pressure . 15 However, this evidence is as yet too weak to justify any claims regarding maca and these conditions. * Dosage The usual dose of maca is 500-1,000 mg three times a day. * Safety Issues In the two reported human clinical trials, use of maca has not led to any serious adverse effects. However, this herb has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
* References
* Cicero AF, Piacente S, Plaza A, et al. Hexanic Maca extract improves rat sexual performance more effectively than methanolic and chloroformic Maca extracts. Andrologia . 2002;34:177-9.
* Ruiz-Luna AC, Salazar S, Aspajo NJ, et al. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) increases litter size in normal adult female mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol . 2005;3:16.
* Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S, et al. Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice. J Vet Med Sci . 2003;65:1145-6.
* Chung F, Rubio J, Gonzales C, et al. Dose-response effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) aqueous extract on testicular function and weight of different organs in adult rats. J Ethnopharmacol . 2005;98:143-7.
* Gonzales GF, Rubio J, Chung A, et al. Effect of alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on testicular function in male rats. Asian J Androl . 2003;5:349-52.
* Bustos-Obregon E, Yucra S, Gonzales GF, et al. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reduces spermatogenic damage induced by a single dose of malathion in mice. Asian J Androl . 2005;7:71-6.
* Gonzales GF, Gasco M, Cordova A, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m). J Endocrinol . 2004;180:87-95.
* Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia . 2002;34:367.
* Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, et al. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian J Androl . 2002;3:301-3.
* Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J Endocrinol . 2003;176:163-8.
* Gonzales GF, Miranda S, Nieto J, et al. Red maca ( Lepidium meyenii ) reduced prostate size in rats. ReprodBiol Endocrinol . 2005;3:5.
* Martinez Caballero S, Carricajo Fernandez C, Perez-Fernandez R, et al. Effect of an integral suspension of Lepidium latifolium on prostate hyperplasia in rats. Fitoterapia . 2004;75:187-91.
* Lopez-Fando A, Gomez-Serranillos MP, Iglesias I, et al. Lepidium peruvianum chacon restores homeostasis impaired by restraint stress. Phytother Res . 2004;18:471-4.
* Eddouks M, Maghrani M, Zeggwagh NA, et al. Study of the hypoglycaemic activity of Lepidium sativum L. aqueous extract in normal and diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol . 2005;97:391-5.
* Maghrani M, Zeggwagh NA, Michel JB, et al. Antihypertensive effect of Lepidium sativum L. in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Ethnopharmacol . 2005 Jun 11 [Epub ahead of print].
Last reviewed January 2006 by EBSCO CAM Review Board
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All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
I have tried it and it keeps me up all night - not a good thing for me to be taking. Others might like it better then I do. I have a friend who lives on the stuff.
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
thanks Sarah and Vanilla.
Vanilla, did you take whole herb in powder or an extract?
----- Rain-tree got more info:
Make no doubt - maca is a wonderful source of natural vital nutrients. The synergy of so many amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in their natural states may increase the assimilation, uptake, and utilization of them in the body.
Consumers however, shouldn't expect "miracle cures" with maca - its rather like taking a multi-vitamin supplement.
Keep in mind that it is, in fact, a root vegetable and a main staple in the Andean indigenous diet (as beans, potatoes, and rice are elsewhere).
Taking a few 500 mg capsules or tablets likely will not be of much benefit - or live up to wild marketing claims bandied about in the market today.
-------
Main Preparation Method: eaten fresh/dried, or in capsules.
Main Actions (in order): 1. tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions), 2. nutritive, 3. fertility enhancer, 4. endocrine function support, 5. anti-fatigue
Main Uses:
as a natural source of nutrients (amino acids, minerals, etc.), to support endocrine function, to reduce fertility problems (both male and female) , to support erectile function , as an aphrodisiac
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: aphrodisiac, fertility enhancer, increases sperm count/motility
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: hormonal, immunostimulant, stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions)
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Hi Selma, Way back when, when I was still feeling miserable, I tried Maca. It didn't do what I wanted it to do.
Now that my body has been all cleaned up, especially the dental aspect of it, I don't need it and just recently tossed it along with several dozen others.
I remain serious about absorbable minerals, the sparkplugs of our cells.
We eat out fresh veggie-fruit mousse made in a few minutes from everything that is in season - the only thing from foreign lands is the pineapple in it.
Yes, the fads are as bad here as they are abroad. Once Costco carries it (your Migro, if I remember correctly), the fad is almost over.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Thank you, Gigi! I haven't yet ordered it, I was just thinking as I've seen this product here and there adverstised together with bee products.
By the way, have you heard of Chlorella sorokiniana?
Tosho (from Poland) took it for S. to test and it tested good.
I wonder if this species could be really better than the pyrenoidosa for binding metals??
It looks better for absorption. But the only sites I found were the ones marketing the product, so I'm not sure how much is based on research or not.
I'm thinking to buy a bit to test! It also comes with CGF inside.
Anyone else on maca? so far, two negative experiences about it....
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Thank you, Gigi! I haven't yet ordered it, I was just thinking as I've seen this product here and there adverstised together with bee products.
By the way, have you heard of Chlorella sorokiniana?
Tosho (from Poland) took it for S. to test and it tested good.
I wonder if this species could be really better than the pyrenoidosa for binding metals??
It looks better for absorption. But the only sites I found were the ones marketing the product, so I'm not sure how much is based on research or not.
I'm thinking to buy a bit to test! It also comes with CGF inside.
Anyone else on maca? so far, two negative experiences about it....
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. It contains 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats.
no good for me
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
Yes, I used Maca (Cdn. organic product called MacaSure by Sequel) the year before my diagnosis of Lyme/TBIDs. I only sparingly use it now (i.e. when I have a long or stressful day ahead) to keep my energy level (physical / mental) up as I don't want to overtax my adrenals due to the ginsing like properties of it. Amazed at how quickly 'Stella got her gove back' after first trying this!
Posts: 7 | From Canada | Registered: Aug 2007
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