Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men

TLDR

The study aimed to determine whether Maca’s effect on sexual desire is mediated by mood or serum testosterone levels. A 12‑week double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, randomized trial enrolled men aged 21–56 who received either 1500 mg or 3000 mg of Maca Gelatinizada or placebo, with sexual desire, depression, and anxiety assessed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Maca significantly increased sexual desire from week 8 onward, an effect independent of changes in mood or hormone levels, while testosterone and estradiol remained unchanged. Summary.

Abstract

Summary. This study was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with placebo. The study aimed to demonstrate if effect of Maca on subjective report of sexual desire was because of effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Men aged 21–56 years received Maca in one of two doses: 1500 mg or 3000 mg or placebo. Self-perception on sexual desire, score for Hamilton test for depression, and Hamilton test for anxiety were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo (P:NS). Logistic regression analysis showed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and this effect is not because of changes in either Hamilton scores for depression or anxiety or serum testosterone and oestradiol levels. In conclusion, treatment with Maca improved sexual desire.