No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Maca Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

Capsule Category: Botanical
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Maca Root is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low libido and sexual function, energy and stamina, menopause symptoms.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: maca root and tubers powder. Maca is a plant native to South America, traditionally used for various purposes.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose and cellulose (inactive ingredients that hold the powder together).

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Maca product and its label doesn't state a use — see Maca's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that maca works for the conditions it's marketed for. The data shows insufficient reliable evidence for amenorrhea (absent periods), anemia, antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction, athletic performance, and osteoporosis.

That means the research so far isn't strong enough to say whether it helps or doesn't.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maca

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Maca is generally well tolerated when used as a food, but long-term safety as a supplement hasn't been well studied. Fresh, uncooked maca may cause stomach pain.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough reliable information to know it's safe in those situations — talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing before taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maca

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for maca root. That said, this isn't a guarantee that none exist — it simply reflects what's been studied and reported.

Always run your exact medications through the checker on this page or confirm with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Maca root is a traditional plant product with limited research backing its use for any specific condition. If you're curious about it as a general wellness supplement, it's generally well tolerated — but check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take any medications.

The evidence for whether it actually works for any particular purpose isn't strong enough to make a clear recommendation either way.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Maca Root, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb
Barcode (UPC) 048107108557
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 18345
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107108557
IngredientAmount% DV
Maca root and tubers powder525 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

No Sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

CODE 187811 DNG

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Whole Herb

Brand IP Statement(s)

GNC HERBAL PLUS(R) WHOLE HERB

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule.

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Formula

525 mg

See for yourself

Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Maca root and tubers powder

No known
interactions
525 mg per serving

Maca is a nutrient-rich Andean root often used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. Early studies suggest it may modestly help sexual desire an...

Maca root and tubers powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Maca Root. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Maca Root, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

See all GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb: Common Questions

Does Maca Root by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Maca Root. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Maca Root contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is maca safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough reliable information to know whether it's safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual situation before taking this product if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Can maca really help with sexual dysfunction from antidepressants?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to say whether it works for that. The research available isn't strong enough to show it helps or doesn't help with antidepressant-related sexual side effects.
Will this help with my low energy or athletic performance?
The data we have shows insufficient reliable evidence for athletic performance. That means we can't say whether maca helps with that based on the research available.
What if I eat fresh maca instead of taking a supplement?
Fresh, uncooked maca may cause stomach pain. The safety notes we have focus on the supplement form and long-term use — food safety may be different, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Maca is generally well tolerated as a food, but long-term safety as a supplement hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about taking it for months or years, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Maca Root is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Maca Root label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Maca Root’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Maca Root's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 1 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Maca 1 reference
  1. Valerio, L. G., Jr. and Gonzales, G. F. Toxicological aspects of the South American herbs cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Maca (Lepidium meyenii) : a critical synopsis. Toxicol.Rev 2005;24(1):11-35. PubMed

See these in context on the Maca monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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