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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry"; Medicinal Plants from Peru: A Review of Plants as Potential Agents Against Cancer; Gonzales and Valerio; 2006
- "Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry"; Medicinal Plants from Peru: A Review of Plants as Potential Agents Against Cancer; Gonzales and Valerio; 2006
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Maca & Cancer
Maca is a root that grows in the highlands of South America that is used as a food and in traditional medicine. Chemicals found in maca called glucosinolates are thought to be able to alter hormone signaling. Though in theory maca should be beneficial for hormone-related cancers, no research studies in humans or animals support maca as an alternative treatment for cancer.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
About Maca Root
The maca plant is native to Peru and related to cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, but contains higher levels of phytochemicals including glucosinolates. Traditional medicine has used maca root to enhance fertility, sexual performance and to stabilize hormone levels during menopause. Mace is also rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, fiber and fatty acids.
Biological Effects
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Maca appears to exert some effect on androgens and estrogens in the body. Although purported to improve libido, sexual performance, infertility and menopause, only weak evidence supports these claims. Maca has not been shown to affect circulating hormone levels in the blood but may affect the action of receptors for these hormones. Maca may also be beneficial in increasing strength and endurance, although no human clinical trials have been conducted.
- Maca appears to exert some effect on androgens and estrogens in the body.
Cancer Benefits
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, while maca may be beneficial in improving overall health and wellness in cancer patients, it has not been shown to be effective in treating cancer itself 1. Glucosinates in maca may be processed by the body into isothiocyanates, chemicals shown to inhibit some cancer in lab animals. It is unknown whether this occurs in humans.
Safe Supplementation
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Reported studies used 1,500 to 3,000 mg of powdered maca root per day. Maca is also available as various extracts, but there is little known about its effectiveness, dosing or toxicity. Maca has been used as a food for centuries and the powdered root is likely safe in small amounts. It is unknown if maca will interact with any medications or medical conditions. Do not substitute maca for medication or medical treatment. If you are currently being treated for cancer or another medical condition, consult with your doctor before starting maca.
- Reported studies used 1,500 to 3,000 mg of powdered maca root per day.
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References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Maca
- "Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry"; Medicinal Plants from Peru: A Review of Plants as Potential Agents Against Cancer; Gonzales and Valerio; 2006
- Ley, BM. Maca! Adaptogen and Hormonal Regulator. Minneapolis, MN: BL Publications: 2003.
- Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44
- Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002;34(6):367-72. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x
- Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036
- Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369
- Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B, et al. Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):69-78. doi:10.3109/13697137.2014.929649
- Oshima M, Gu Y, Tsukada S. Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on blood levels of estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and the rate of embryo implantation in mice. J Vet Med Sci. 2003;65(10):1145-6. doi:10.1292/jvms.65.1145
- Loria, K. How to choose supplements wisely. Consumer Reports. Updated October 30, 2019.
- Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi: 10.1155/2015/949036
- Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002;34(6):367-72.
- Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi: 10.1155/2015/324369
- Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, et al. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-44.
- Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B, et al. Maca Reduces Blood Pressure and Depression, in a Pilot Study in Postmenopausal Women. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):69-78. doi: 10.3109/13697137.2014.929649
Writer Bio
Chris Daniels covers advances in nutrition and fitness online. Daniels has numerous certifications and degrees covering human health, nutritional requirements and sports performance. An avid cyclist, weightlifter and swimmer, Daniels has experienced the journey of fitness in the role of both an athlete and coach.