For Health Professionals Who want to know more about maca and its benefits

Species & Scientific Name:
(Lepidium peruvianum Chacon)

Parts Used and Where Grown: Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes between 11,000 to 14,000 feet. It grows as a mat-like stem system. Maca leaves grow close to the ground and the plant produces a small self-fertile off-white flower typical to the mustard family, which it belongs to. The part we are interested in, is the pear-like tuberous root of about 8cm in diameter and of a pale-white color. Although it is a perennial, it is reproduced by seeds which require approximately 7-9 months for harvesting.

The habitat of Maca is the inhospitable land of the high Andes, where in fact nothing grows anymore. The land is exposed to intense sunlight, violent winds and a rough climate below freezing temperatures. conditions. Due to the rocky soil, it's extreme weather conditions, this land belongs to the poorest and worst farmlands of the world, but over the course of time the Maca plant learned to grow under these conditions and is the only such plant in all of South America that can grow under these harsh conditions.

Historical and Traditional Uses: Maca's history as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer and libido-fertility herb stretches back well over five hundred years. Maca is a powerful adaptogen, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body's systems. Maca can raise low blood pressure and lower high blood pressure. Adaptogens also boost immunity and harmonize the body's overall vitality. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, Adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole system of the body.

During the height of the Incan Empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them fiercely strong. But after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca, to protect the conquered women from their powerful sexual impulses. Thus from as far back as five hundred years ago, Maca's reputation for enhancing strength, libido and fertility was already well established in Peru and other countries.

Active Constituents: Dried maca weighs in at about 60% carbohydrates (starches and sugars), 9% fiber, and slightly more than 10% protein. It has a higher lipid (fat) content than other root crops (2.2%), of which linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid are the primary fatty acids, respectively. Maca is also a rich source of sterols, including sitosterol, campestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol, and ergostadienol. From a mineral standpoint, maca exceeds both potatoes and carrots in value, and is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine.

How Much Should Be Taken? Imperial Gold Maca™ is a food. Its designation as an herb food imparting specific health benefits is also true, but primarily maca is eaten as a food by very poor people living in a harsh environment where there is little else. Recommended dosages are three - four 550-milligram capsule of pure organic premium quality Imperial Gold Maca™ capsules twice daily, equal to 2000 - 3000 milligrams of Imperial Gold Maca™ daily. Again, you can take more, as Imperial Gold Maca™ is a very safe food herb product.

Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects. In animal studies, the more maca animals consumed, the stronger and more sexually active they become. It is also noted that women may experience some breast tenderness which is an indication to cut back on dosage size since hormonal stimulation as been increased substantially. There are no known other side effects.

Other Reported Traditional Uses: Archeological evidence has been found, that Maca was domesticated over 2000 years ago by the predecessors of the Incas and primitive cultivars of Maca were even found in places dating back to 1600 years before Christ.

For the indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, Maca is a vital and valuable commodity. Because so little grows in this region, Maca is often used for trading against other staple food like beans. rice, corn and sugar. It had been used over the ages for its nutritious and medicinal advantages. Maca is rich in sugar, proteins, starches and important minerals, especially in iron and iodine. See Scientific Data

Maca can be consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are roasted over fire or in ashes similar to the preparation of the sweet potato (batata) Even a fermented drink chicha is prepared in some regions of Peru. See Growing Fields

Research On Maca: Peruvians claim that maca improves memory, combats anemia, and fights depression. Some researchers note that when the body is well-nourished, libido rises and depression abates; Maca's nutrient value could explain some of these purported actions. The root, which tastes like butterscotch when it's roasted like a potato, can also be prepared into jam, broth, puddings, and juices, and contains five times more protein than a potato, four times more fiber, and less fat. It contains linoleic and oleic oils (two types of essential fatty acids) and essential amino acids.

Many medical professionals are conducting studies throughout the world, however none have been published in medical journals to take accept for Urology Vol 55 Issue 4 (April 2000) 598-602. See Clinical Study

Maca's actions on sexual function are far better researched than its effects on mood and memory. A 1961 study showed that maca increased fertility in rats. Then came studies of guinea pigs, rams, and cows, each of which corroborated Maca's fertility-enhancing effects. For example, maca significantly increased ram semen volume and sperm count. Human being are now reporting similar results with continued maca use.

Researchers consider plant sterols, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates to be Maca's active constituents. The sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol; this can positively affect erectile response if erection is compromised by artery clogging fats. And the isothiocyanate p-methyl benzyl has been shown to increase fertility in humans. Advance word has it that animal research will soon be published in a major medical journal that identifies Maca's secret agents of sexual desire and energy. See Composition See Gelatinized Maca

The actions of four alkaloids from maca root may also serve to increase animal fertility. One of the researchers heading current studies on maca, Peruvian biologist Gloria Chacon de POPOVICI, Ph.D., suggests that maca alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and the adrenals. These areas of the body produce hormones as well as energizing substances like adrenaline. The end result could be an increase in energy, vitality, and virility. Still, no studies of maca itself have been conducted on human sexual response, despite physicians' claims that maca positively affects ovarian function in women, and, as mentioned previously, erectile function in men.

Today maca is becoming increasingly popular in Peru among native and non-native people, and the effects of maca are creating market demand world wide and the United States. Maca cultivation is on the increase, a number of government experts and agencies are actively promoting maca agriculture and development, and maca is poised to be a major botanical product on the international herbal scene.

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