Does Maca Extract Work for Sex?

We may be curious about the benefits of maca extract for sex improving, right?
Let’s learn more about it now!

The mythical “Peruvian Ginseng”

Maca is a cruciferous plant native to the Andes Mountains of South America. It belongs to the same family as radish, and the root shape is very similar to that of round radish. The root of maca is a local vegetable that can be eaten by both humans and animals. However, the proponents of maca products are clearly not content to treat it as a new exotic vegetable. We may learn from magizines that “Because MACA is rich in high unit nutrients, it has the function of nourishing and strengthening the human body. People who have eaten it will feel full of energy, energetic and not tired; MACA can also promote metabolism, resist stress, reduce fatigue, improve human and animal sexual ability, and can eliminate menopausal disorders, slow down aging, increase brain vitality etc.” Highlighting the miraculous effects of maca, maca extract, people also added the titles of “Peruvian Ginseng” and “Plant Viagra” to it.

The slogan is so beautifully written, but its authenticity is very questionable. Is this South American plant really that amazing for human health? Can Maca supplement Improve Sexual Function? Among the various promotions for Maca’s “magical effects”, “improving sexual performance” is the most eye-catching. In many advertisements, Maca extract has become a panacea for improving sexual health: merchants claim that it can “improve male libido, improve sexual function, and treat infertility”; for women, it also “improves sexual function and treats infertility.” , irregular menstruation, improve menopausal symptoms” and other claims. The same plant can not only improve male reproductive function, but also improve female reproductive function, and it seems too “intelligent”. In fact, there is very little evidence to support the effects of Maca root powder or supplement on reproductive function. At present, most of the relevant studies are only carried out in experimental animals, clinical data are scarce, and the research quality is not high enough.

From the previous clinical studies of maca and sexual function, the authors searched and found only four studies that met the requirements. The numbers of subjects in these studies were small (50-plus, as few as 8), and their definitions of “sexual ability” varied: some used the Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5) As an indicator, some evaluated changes in subjects’ self-reported sexual desires. Two of the four studies showed efficacy, and the other two found no difference between subjects who took maca and the placebo group. The authors of the paper believe that the current research data on maca and sexual function is really limited, and it is difficult to explain what the problem is. In addition, one study reported that men’s sperm count and function improved after taking maca for four months. However, the sample size of this study is too small (only 9 people), and there is no control group, which really does not explain much.

As for female fertility, there is no relevant clinical research data. NYU Langone Medical Center pointed out that although Maca Extracts and supplements have always appeared to the public as a “magic drug” for improving sexual performance, there is currently no reliable evidence that it really has such a role.

According to legend, Maca root extracts has one or twenty “functions”, but from the literature, almost every one of them is “not enough evidence to make an evaluation.” The only advantage of Maca supplement is that it is relatively safe. If it is Maca extracts without any other “functional ingredients”, you basically don’t have to worry about safety issues.

Best Nutras is producing both maca extract powder and maca supplements for customers’ choices. We could also work at private label and OEM your brand service. Please feel free to send us your inquiry at [email protected].