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Dietary supplement

Royal Maca Superfood Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Whole World Botanicals

Powder Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Royal Maca Superfood is a dietary supplement by Whole World Botanicals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low libido and sexual function, energy and stamina, menopause symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 321 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selenium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Royal Maca Superfood contains 2 active ingredients: maca root concentrate and selenium. Maca root is a plant used traditionally to support various aspects of health, though the evidence for most uses remains insufficient.

Selenium is a mineral essential for thyroid function and immune health. There are no inactive ingredients listed for this product.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: vitality, libido and hormone balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Sexual desire, Age-related testosterone deficiency, Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Male infertility, Postmenopausal conditions, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Maca is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maca is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postmenopausal conditions, Sexual desire, Age-related testosterone deficiency, Male infertility.
  • Also on file: Selenium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Male infertility.

The evidence for maca root is still developing. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for amenorrhea (absent periods), anemia, antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction, athletic performance, or bone health.

For selenium, the picture is clearer: it's likely effective for selenium deficiency itself, and possibly effective for Kashin-Beck disease (a joint condition) and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy. However, selenium is rated possibly ineffective for high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maca Selenium

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Maca root is generally well tolerated as a food, but supplement safety hasn't been studied long term. One caution: fresh, uncooked maca may cause stomach pain.

The safety data advises against using maca in supplement amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough data to know it's safe. Selenium is safe in the recommended dietary amounts (up to 400 mcg daily), but excess selenium can be toxic.

The most common side effects at normal doses are gastric discomfort, headache, and rash. At very high doses, selenium can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nail changes, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Rarely, excessive intake has caused serious organ damage. Avoid high-dose selenium supplements unless your doctor advises it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maca Selenium

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Selenium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 321 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) or warfarin, check with your pharmacist before starting this product — selenium may increase bleeding risk or interfere with warfarin's action. Also double-check if you're on immunosuppressants, barbiturates, or niacin supplements, as selenium can affect those too.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is worth considering if you're interested in maca root for its traditional uses, though the science isn't settled yet on whether it works. If you take blood thinners, warfarin, immunosuppressants, barbiturates, or niacin, you'll need to talk with your pharmacist before adding this — selenium can affect how those medications work.

Anyone on prescription medications should check first.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2024.

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 Royal Maca Superfood, straight from the product label.

Brand Whole World Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 691195001523
Net contents 57 Gram(s); 2.01 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2024
DSLD ID 314704
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Seniors/Mature (>50 Years), Gluten 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 Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals, 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:
208.25 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
2499 mg
Servings per container
67
UPC/BARCODE
691195001523
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates0.55 Gram(s)1%
Maca Root Concentrate833 mg--
Selenium2.49 mcg5.6%

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.
Formulation

Certified Organic by BIO Latina: Grown & Processed in Peru. USDA Organic

Certified Organic by BIO Latina: Grown & Processed in Peru. Sun-dried. Royal Maca powder concentrate is prepared by a flash heat-extrusion process called Gelatinization.

Non-GMO. Gluten-free. No additives. Not Irradiated.

Vegan.

For vitality, libido & hormone balance

General Statements

Native Peruvians never eat raw maca.

Fair Traded.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formula

Lepidium meyenii/peruvianum

Maca Root

Bottle Contains 22.5 tsp.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Sensitive or petite people: Start with 1/12 - 1/6 tsp. daily. For energy & well being: 1/4-1/3 tsp. daily. Over 50: 1/2-1 tsp. daily. If you get "side-effects" you are taking too much.

Precautions

Warning: Consult physician if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with Tamoxifen or Lupron.

Storage

Do not refrigerate.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the F.D.A. This product is not intended to prevent, diagnose, or treat any disease.

See for yourself

Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size208.25 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container67 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Maca Root Concentrate

No known
interactions
833 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 Concentrate monograph & interactions

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
2.49 mcg per serving Form: Maca

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Royal Maca Superfood?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
321Drugs
288 Moderate 33 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Selenium 321

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Royal Maca Superfood with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

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

Whole World Botanicals

See all Whole World Botanicals products
Name
Whole World Botanicals, Inc.
City
NY
State
NY
ZipCode
10032
Phone Number
(646) 290-8651
Web Address
www.wholeworldbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Royal Maca Superfood by Whole World Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Royal Maca Superfood has a known interaction with 321 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Royal Maca Superfood contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 root safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against using maca in supplement amounts during pregnancy because there isn't enough reliable information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is maca root safe while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on safety while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Can this product help with sexual dysfunction?
Maca root is used traditionally for this, but our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate whether it actually works.
What happens if I take too much selenium?
Excess selenium can be toxic. Stay under 400 mcg daily. High doses can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nail changes, nausea, and in rare cases, serious organ damage. Avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor directs it.
Why does fresh maca sometimes cause stomach pain?
Uncooked maca root may irritate the stomach. If you experience discomfort, mention it to your pharmacist — they can advise whether to take it with food or try a different form.

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

Not sure if Royal Maca Superfood is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

Royal Maca Superfood label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Royal Maca Superfood'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 37 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 →

Selenium 36 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  2. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  3. Trafikowska U, Zachara BA, Wiacek M, et al. Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85:1143-5. PubMed
  4. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Slate EH, Reid ME, et al. Selenium supplementation and secondary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1477-81.. PubMed
  5. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  6. Schiavon R, Freeman GE, Guidi GC, et al. Selenium enhances prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells: possible explanation for increased bleeding times in volunteers taking selenium as a dietary supplement. Thromb Res 1984;34:389-96. PubMed
  7. Davila JC, Edds GT, Osuna O, Simpson CF. Modification of the effects of aflatoxin B1 and warfarin in young pigs given selenium. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:1877-83. DOI
  8. Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
  9. Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7. PubMed
  10. Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32. PubMed
  11. Contempre B, Dumont JE, Ngo B, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation in hypothyroid subjects of an iodine and selenium deficient area: the possible danger of indiscriminate supplementation of iodine-deficient subjects with selenium. J Clin Endocrinol PubMed
  12. Hofbauer LC, Spitzweg C, Magerstadt RA, Heufelder AE. Selenium-induced thyroid dysfunction. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:103-4. PubMed
  13. Debski B, Milner JA. Dietary selenium supplementation prolongs pentobarbital induced hypnosis. J Nutr Biochem 2004;15:548-53. PubMed
  14. Ishikawa M, Sasaki M, Koiwai K, et al. Inhibition of hepatic mixed-function oxidase enzymes in mice by acute and chronic treatment with selenium. J Pharmacobiodyn 1992;15:377-85. PubMed
  15. Lippmann SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). JAMA 2009;301:39-51. DOI
  16. Reid SM, Middleton P, Cossich MC, Crowther CA. Interventions for clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(7):CD007752. PubMed
  17. Vinceti, M., Wei, E. T., Malagoli, C., Bergomi, M., and Vivoli, G. Adverse health effects of selenium in humans. Rev.Environ.Health 2001;16(4):233-251. PubMed
  18. Abrams, C. K., Siram, S. M., Galsim, C., Johnson-Hamilton, H., Munford, F. L., and Mezghebe, H. Selenium deficiency in long-term total parenteral nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 1992;7(4):175-178. PubMed
  19. Spiller, H. A. and Pfiefer, E. Two fatal cases of selenium toxicity. Forensic Sci Int 8-24-2007;171(1):67-72. PubMed
  20. Negro, R., Greco, G., Mangieri, T., Pezzarossa, A., Dazzi, D., and Hassan, H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2007;92(4):1263-1268. PubMed
  21. Alexander, J. Selenium. Novartis.Found.Symp 2007;282:143-149.
  22. Salonen, J. T., Salonen, R., Seppanen, K., Rinta-Kiikka, S., Kuukka, M., Korpela, H., Alfthan, G., Kantola, M., and Schalch, W. Effects of antioxidant supplementation on platelet function: a randomized pair-matched, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
  23. Kupka, R., Mugusi, F., Aboud, S., Msamanga, G. I., Finkelstein, J. L., Spiegelman, D., and Fawzi, W. W. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of selenium supplements among HIV-infected pregnant women in Tanzania: effects on maternal and chil
  24. Kamble, P., Mohsin, N., Jha, A., Date, A., Upadhaya, A., Mohammad, E., Khalil, M., Pakkyara, A., and Budruddin, M. Selenium intoxication with selenite broth resulting in acute renal failure and severe gastritis. Saudi.J Kidney Dis.Transpl. 2009;20(1):106
  25. Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., and Famaey, J. P. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1323-1328. PubMed
  26. Kumpulainen, J., Salmenpera, L., Siimes, M. A., Koivistoinen, P., and Perheentupa, J. Selenium status of exclusively breast-fed infants as influenced by maternal organic or inorganic selenium supplementation. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1985;42(5):829-835. PubMed
  27. Han, L. and Zhou, S. M. Selenium supplement in the prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension. Chin Med J (Engl) 1994;107(11):870-871.
  28. Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L., Roy, M., Wishe, H. I., Cohen, M. W., and Stotzky, G. Supplementation with selenium and human immune cell functions. II. Effect on cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;41(1-2):115-127. PubMed
  29. Srivastava, A. K., Gupta, B. N., Bihari, V., and Gaur, J. S. Generalized hair loss and selenium exposure. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1995;37(5):468-469.
  30. Sudfeld CR, Aboud S, Kupka R, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation on HIV-1 RNA detection in breast milk of Tanzanian women. Nutrition 2014;30(9):1081-4. PubMed
  31. Rees K, Hartley L, Day C, et al. Selenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD009671. PubMed
  32. Thompson PA, Ashbeck EL, Roe DJ, et al. Selenium Supplementation for Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas and Risk of Associated Type 2 Diabetes. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016;108(12). PubMed
  33. Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid 2016;26(12):1681-92. PubMed
  34. Vinceti M, Filippini T, Rothman KJ. Selenium exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Sep;33(9):789-810. Epub 2018 Jul 5. Review. PubMed
  35. Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Contraception. 2009;80(1):40-3. PubMed
  36. Malpas CB, Vivash L, Genc S, et al. A Phase IIa Randomized Control Trial of VEL015 (Sodium Selenate) in Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;54(1):223-232. PubMed

See these in context on the Selenium 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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