Maca Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Maca

Maca

Also known as
  • Lepidium meyenii
  • Lepidium peruvianum
  • Ayak Chichira
  • Ayuk Willku
  • Ginseng Andin
  • Ginseng Péruvien
  • Maca Maca
  • Maca Péruvien
  • Maino
  • Maka
  • Peruvian Ginseng
  • Peruvian Maca
Maca Maca is a root vegetable native to the Andes region of South America and is rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is also a good source of fiber. Maca has been used in traditional medicine to improve energy, stamina, and sexual function. It is also purported to help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce the symptoms of menopause. Dietary supplements containing maca utilize the root of the plant and are sometimes standardized for two types of compounds found in it, macaenes and macamides.
There are 0 drugs known to interact with Maca

Additional Details

Is Maca Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Maca is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts. Short-term use of maca supplements in appropriate doses is also likely safe. However, there is insufficient information available about the safety of maca during pregnancy and lactation, so it's best to avoid using it in these situations.

How Does Maca Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Maca works through various mechanisms in the body. The root of the maca plant contains carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, lipids, sterols, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. It also contains specific compounds called macaenes and macamides, which act as marker compounds. Maca has been found to have anticancer, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, and cognitive effects. It may also influence fertility, bone health, and the central nervous system. The exact mechanisms behind these effects are still being studied.

Pharmacokinetics

There is limited information available about the pharmacokinetics of maca, including its absorption, metabolism, and elimination from the body. Further research is needed to understand these aspects.

Interaction Overview

Currently, there are no known interactions between maca and drugs or supplements. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications or other supplements to ensure there are no potential interactions.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

No adverse effects have been reported with the medicinal use of maca when taken orally. However, comprehensive safety evaluations have not been conducted, so it's important to monitor your body and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Are Maca Supplements Standardized?

The standardization of maca supplements varies among products. The marker compounds used for standardization are macaenes and macamides. The percentage of these compounds can vary in different maca preparations. It's advisable to choose reputable brands that provide information about the standardized content of their maca supplements.

What is Maca Typically Used For?

Maca is traditionally used for a variety of purposes. It is commonly consumed orally as a dietary supplement. Some of the uses of maca include:

  • Improving energy levels and reducing fatigue
  • Enhancing athletic performance
  • Supporting fertility and addressing male infertility
  • Promoting sexual desire and addressing sexual dysfunction
  • Managing symptoms associated with menopause
  • Supporting cognitive function and memory
  • Alleviating symptoms of depression
  • Promoting bone health and addressing osteoporosis
  • Supporting the immune system
  • Managing symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Addressing anemia of chronic disease
  • Supporting overall well-being and adaptability to stress

It's important to note that while maca has been traditionally used for these purposes, there is insufficient reliable evidence available to fully support its effectiveness in these areas. Further research is needed to determine the true benefits of maca for these specific uses.

Drugs that interact with Maca

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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