Does Maca Increase Testosterone Levels?

Maca root has been used traditionally for its nutritional properties. Indigenous Peruvian cultures have utilized maca for centuries to support fertility, stamina, and overall health. 

In recent years, maca has gained popularity in the global supplement market, particularly for its potential to support testosterone levels and enhance sexual function. This article examines the scientific evidence to explore whether maca can influence testosterone levels in humans.

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What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone responsible for male sex characteristics, spermatogenesis, fertility, muscle mass maintenance, red blood cell production, and bone density. In men, testosterone is produced in the testicles and plays a key role in skeletal muscle growth, deepening of the voice, growth of body hair, and libido. 

In women, testosterone is produced in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. For women, testosterone plays a significant role in sexuality, mood, body composition, and immune health. Testosterone is essential for overall health in both men and women, contributing to healthy energy levels and mood regulation (30). 

Causes & Symptoms of Low Testosterone

The following are common causes of low testosterone:

• Primary hypogonadism (testicular function abnormalities) due to Klinefelter syndrome, mumps, hemochromatosis, cancer treatment
• Obesity
• Stress
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Medications such as glucocorticoids, ketoconazole, and opioids
• Malnutrition: decreased levels of vitamin D and zinc
• Hypothyroidism
• Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, processed sugar
• Poor gut health

The following are signs & symptoms of low testosterone: 

• Reduced libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced muscle mass & strength
• Increased adiposity
• Low bone mass/osteoporosis
• Depressed mood
• Fatigue

(19)

What Is Maca?

Lepidium meyenii (maca) is an herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family that has gained increasing attention in the world of supplements due to its adaptogenic properties. Maca contains several nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. The dried root contains:

• Amino acids
• Vitamin A, B2, and B6
• Copper, magnesium, and potassium
• Phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, which are structurally similar to steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone. The phytosterols in maca are thought to support hormone production (29). 

Three different colors of maca root are responsible for its biological activity. 

• Yellow maca is the most widely used and most researched form of maca. Yellow maca is known to support energy and promote hormonal balance.
• Red Maca accounts for approximately 25% of the annual harvest and is often used by post-menopausal women due to its potential to support hormonal balance and bone health. 
• Black Maca is the rarest form of maca; however, it is often used to support muscle gain, endurance, libido, and mental focus in men (33). 

Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

Maca root is native to Peru and has been cultivated for at least 2,000 years. It is grown at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes and has traditionally been used as a food source, providing essential minerals and vitamins. Over time, maca has been used to support energy levels and promote fertility and stamina. 

Maca is believed to support hormonal balance, assist in stress reduction, and promote sexual drive, memory, and mood (29).  

Does Maca Influence Testosterone Levels?

Maca root is classified as an adrenal adaptogen. Adaptogenic herbs may impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially assisting in hormone modulation and immune system health. Some research suggests that maca may influence the pituitary gland, which could aid in supporting estrogen and testosterone levels. 

Maca also helps nourish the adrenal glands, which may support testosterone levels in both men and women. More research is needed to confirm a direct rise in serum testosterone levels with maca use. However, there is some evidence suggesting increased testosterone levels in the semen of men using maca (2,29). 

Contradictory Evidence and Limitations

Many studies have shown that maca may enhance sexual function and libido. However, these results are independent of any changes in testosterone and estrogen levels. Most of these studies used a combination of red, yellow, and black maca, which may explain the lack of observed increase in testosterone levels. 

Another explanation for the lack of evidence supporting maca's ability to increase testosterone is the dosage used in the studies. Maca is considered a food, and many sources suggest that 10 grams per day is safe and may be beneficial. Most studies used much lower doses, possibly explaining the lack of changes in serum testosterone levels (2). 

Additional Benefits of Maca 

Maca also has other benefits. Here are some of the most notable:

Libido and Sexual Function

Maca root is thought to support hormonal regulation, libido, and sexual function in both men and women. In women, maca may help regulate progesterone and estrogen, which could support healthy libido, fertility, and menstruation. 

In men, maca root may support sperm quality and count and help protect against oxidative stress. The improvement in sperm count has shown potential benefits in libido and sexual function (26,29).

Improved Energy Levels

Maca is most widely known for its potential to support energy levels. Among the different variations of maca, red maca is associated with the best improvements in energy. One study examined the ability of black, red, and yellow maca to support energy levels. Among the participants, 90% showed an increase in energy after 12 weeks (23). 

Other Health Benefits

Maca supplementation is widely used among athletes because it may support stamina and athletic performance. Maca is thought to improve physical performance by increasing oxygen consumption. These properties of maca have been shown to potentially increase performance time amongst professional cyclists and soccer players. Maca is also associated with overall increased well-being and improved mood in both men and women (33).

Recommendations for Using Maca

There is no official recommendation on the effective dose for maca. However, research suggests that 2-10 grams per day in divided doses may be optimal. Many supplements recommend lower doses, but research points towards higher doses (around 10 grams) being potentially more effective. 

Maca root is sold in powder, capsule, tablet, and extract forms. Studies comparing capsules and dried root powder show no difference in efficacy. Gelatinized maca is easier to digest and may decrease side effects such as bloating, indigestion, and gas; however, due to the extraction process, it may have lower nutrition profiles (2). 

Safety and Side Effects

Maca is considered a safe herb with minimal adverse effects. Due to a lack of efficacy data, it is recommended not to take maca during pregnancy and lactation. In several studies, maca shows no adverse effects. 

Some reports have shown that maca may increase blood pressure in those with metabolic syndrome. However, many studies suggest that maca may have anti-hypertensive effects in healthy adults (2). 

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Key Takeaways

• Maca root is native to Peru and has traditionally been used to support fertility, strength, libido, and endurance.
• Maca may influence testosterone levels by acting on the HPA axis to modulate hormones.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before implementing any new supplement regimen, particularly for hormone-related issues, to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual health needs.