Maca Reduces Psychological Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women
Reference:”Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content,” Brooks NA, Wilcox G, et al, Menopause, 2008 September 6; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria, Australia).
Summary:In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving 14 postmenopausal women, supplementation with powdered Maca (Lepidium meyenii), at a dose of 3.5 g/d, for a period of 6 weeks was found to significantly reduce psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and to reduce sexual dysfunction, independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity. No significant effects on serum concentrations of estradiol, FSH, LH, and sex hormone-binding globulin were observed. No physiologically significant androgenic or alpha-estrogenic activity was found to be present in the Maca, according to yeast-based assays of Maca extract (up to 4 mg/mL, equivalent to 200 mg/mL Maca). The results of this study suggest that supplementation with the herb, Maca, may reduce anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Additional research is warranted.