Skip to main content
Skip to content
← Encyclopedia

Maca

Adaptogen

Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Maca Root, Peruvian ginseng, Maca Root Extract (Lepidium meyenii), Maca

B
Grade B
💊 1500-3000mg powder or 450-500mg extract🎯 10 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Compare Check interactions
Levels upStress & Resilience+50 pts

Overview

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable from Peru traditionally used for fertility and sexual function. Clinical evidence supports modest benefits for sexual desire and erectile function in some populations, though effects are generally moderate.

Primary Uses
EnergyLibidoHormone balanceMoodMenopause symptomsMood balanceSexual function and libidoFertility supportEnergy and enduranceHormonal balance

Frequently Asked About Maca

How much Maca should I take?
The typical effective range is 1500-3000mg powder or 450-500mg extract. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Maca?
Morning with breakfast. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Maca with food?
Yes.
Does Maca interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Hormone therapies. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Maca.
What does Maca pair well with?
Maca stacks well with Ashwagandha and Tribulus — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Maca?
Maca should be avoided or used with caution by people with Hormone-sensitive conditions (research ongoing). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Maca?
Most people tolerate Maca well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset raw form, Insomnia late, and Jitteriness. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range
1500-3000mg powder or 450-500mg extract
Timing
Morning with breakfast
With food
Yes
Duration

Cycle 2-3 months on/off

Special Populations

Energy, libido, menopause

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Macayet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Maca research
PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trialsPubMed (all) ↗Full literatureCochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviewsExamine.com ↗Research summaries
Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

  • • Contains macamides
  • • Hormone-balancing indirectly
  • • Nutritionally dense

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade B

Good evidence for energy and libido

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • • May affect thyroid
Contraindications
  • • Hormone-sensitive conditions (research ongoing)
Common Side Effects
  • • GI upset raw form
  • • Insomnia late
  • • Jitteriness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid

Liver & Kidney Notes

No concerns

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • • Hormone therapies
🧪 Supplements
  • • Other adaptogens
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
  • • Can cook with it

Stacking & Synergies

Avoid Combining With
Nothing specific
Best Goal Synergies
Energy + libido

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • • Gelatinized
  • • Color specified
Standardization Markers
Macamides contentColor specified
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
  • • Black: men, Red: women, Yellow: general
  • • Gelatinized gentler
  • • Does not affect hormone levels
  • • Good for libido and energy
  • • Red maca traditional for women
Tags
adaptogenenergylibidohormonemenopausesexual-healthfertilitytraditional-medicineadaptogenicplant-based

Top Products with Maca

Highest-scored catalog products containing Maca, ranked by our scoring engine.

Browse all Maca products →

Related Guides

In-depth guides covering Maca — protocols, comparisons, and use cases.

More in Adaptogen

Other ingredients in the Adaptogen category.

Cordyceps
Energy and performance mushroom that also supports immune function, respiratory health, and adaptogenic resilience.
B
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Classic adaptogen for physical and mental stress, supporting adrenal resilience.
B
Ginseng
A well-researched adaptogenic herb used for centuries in traditional medicine, shown to support energy, cognitive function, immune health, and stress resilience.
A
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Ayurvedic herb specifically effective for cortisol reduction and stress adaptation.
B
Licorice
Root that inhibits cortisol breakdown, extending its effects—useful for low cortisol states.
B
Maca (Women's Formula)
Peruvian adaptogen supporting women's hormonal balance, libido, and menopause symptoms.
B
Browse all Adaptogen ingredients →
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Maca — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/maca

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.