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Maca As Sexual Enhancer
Maca's ability to help restore libido for men and women is
probably what it is best known for. It is often described as
an aphrodisiac for both sexes because of its beneficial effect
on testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. Therefore, it
facilitates balance to the hormonal changes of aging. In both
sexes, it restores a healthy functional status in which they
experience a more active libido.
While Maca is often compared to the drug Viagra, it actually
works very differently in regards to its sexual effects.
Viagra's effects are circulatory whereas Maca's effects are
hormonal. As an energizer, Maca also helps to create more
 vigor for sexual activity.
The first known published human study on Maca's effect on
libido and fertility in men was conducted in Peru and
published in the Asian Journal of Andrology. Study data showed
that Maca increased sexual desire (libido) by 180% and
increased sperm count by 200%. Other benefits included
increased sperm mobility, increased DHEA levels, decreased
anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure and a general sense
of well-being.
In the prestigious medical journal Urology (April 2000),
scientists studied the effects of Maca on rats with erectile
disorders and low testosterone levels. The Maca-fed group had
an amazing 400% more copulation than the non Maca-fed group.
Rodents with low testosterone levels demonstrated a
significant increase in sexual activity, indicating a
possibility that men with low testosterone or erectile
dysfunction may experience improvement. In the studies, the
more Maca extract fed to the animals, the greater their
strength, libido and sexual function.
The fertility powers of Maca are highly prized by couples in
the Peruvian highlands. Men and women who fail to conceive a
child often eat Maca on a regular basis until conception
occurs. It is the actions of alkaloids and isothiocyanate
p-methyl benzyl that have been shown to increase fertility in
humans.
Maca alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and the
adrenals. These areas of the body produce hormones as well as
energizing substances like adrenaline. The end result is an
increase in energy, vitality, and virility. There are numerous
physicians' claims that Maca positively affects ovarian
function in women, and sperm count and quality in men.
In studies with rats, females given either Maca powder, or
alkaloids isolated from Maca root, showed significantly
increased Graaf follicles and other favorable endometrium
characteristics, which indicate a higher fertility level. Male
rats had significantly higher sperm production and motility
rates than in control groups. The effects were measurable
within 72 hours of dosing the animals.
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