The Many Virtues of Maca

Organically grown maca root is considered by researchers to be a true ADAPTOGEN and is aggressively touted as the “superfood of the Andes” by the natural products industry.

Working in tandem with the body’s natural rhythms, Maca helps to rebuild weak immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies, and increase energy and endurance.

Why Does Maca Make You Feel So Good?

Each Maca hypocotyl root contains over 55 beneficial phyto-chemicals, that’s why!

These naturally occurring chemicals include important hormonal precursors and sterols proven time and time again to assist the human body in a number of recognizable ways.  Most people feel their mood and energy level lift in an instant.

Simply put, maca makes real differences in people’s lives!

Maca Root:  Used for Over 2000 Years in Peru

Maca was first used by the Incas more than 2000 years ago for energy and endurance and is still commonly traded as a medicine and energy-giving herb throughout the towns and villages of Peru today.

Today maca root is commonly traded as a medicine and an energy-giving herb throughout the towns and villages of Peru. Studying its rich history in Peru is fascinating, because its cultivation goes back perhaps five thousand years.

It was an integral part of the diet and commerce of the high Andes region. When the Incas controlled that South American region, they found maca so potent that they restricted its use to their royalty’s court. When Spaniards conquered the Inca people, they became aware of this plant’s value and collected tribute in maca roots for export to Spain.

Maca was used as an energy enhancer and for nutrition by the Spanish royalty as well. But eventually knowledge of maca’s special qualities died out, being preserved only in a few remote Peruvian communities.

In the 1960s and later in the 1980s, German and North American scientists researching botanicals in Peru, rekindled interest in maca through nutritional analyses of what were designated as “the lost crops of the Andes.”  The publication of a book by that name introduced maca to the world.

Cultivated for thousands of years at elevations over 14,000 feet, Maca had been an important food and medicinal supplement for villagers who inhabited the Peruvian highlands.

Although this rare member of the radish family has been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, many considered Maca to be a “lost herb” to the developing world until recently.

When the Spanish arrived to Peru in 1533, these little plants were hidden away and remained on the brink of extinction for centuries.  In the mid-1980s, The Board of Genetic Plant Resources actually listed Maca as a plant in danger of extinction.

Now everything is changing, as Maca is being eagerly sought after for its extraordinary medicinal powers and attributes.

In today’s modern world, Maca root is eaten up to three times a day by Peruvians and others all around the world, from professional athletes to the elderly, to give them energy and help recover from depression, addictions, traumas, or disease.

Scientist Gustavo Gonzalez of Peru’s Cayetano Heredia University, who led what the scientists say is the world’s first study into maca’s effect on humans, told a news conference the three-month trial involving 12 volunteer men pointed to an 180-200 percent lift in libido and up to a doubling of sperm production.

“It’s a miracle (product),” said Dr. Fernando Cabieses, a professor and authority on maca.  The plant, he said, was a nutritional gem for people of all ages.

The studies were preliminary and not subject to independent review and confirmation, factors which may influence the degree to which the research is accepted by other scientists. But experts said the data so far was promising.

“According to reports from the international medical community, the plant definitely has energy giving properties, boosts physical and sexual performance….  Preliminary reports are promising,” Julio Castro, Dean of Peru’s College of Doctors told Reuters.

Could cruciferous vegetables such as maca, watercress, and broccoli prevent prostate cancer?

A researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) has received a $1.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study prostate cancer prevention by phytochemicals found in cruciferous plants.  Maca, watercress and broccoli are in the same family, maca and watercress being the most closely related.

Shivendra Singh, a professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has previously shown that plant chemicals called isothiocyanates (ITCs) are highly effective in suppressing the growth of human prostate cancer cells, even at concentrations achieved through eating cruciferous vegetables such as watercress.  Note: While broccoli is a crucifer, the same family as maca, watercress is even more closely related to maca, both being in the genus Lepidium.

“Clearly, what we eat has an effect on the development of diseases such as cancer,” said Dr. Singh, also co-leader of UPCI’s cancer biochemoprevention program.  “However, we know little about the mechanisms by which certain edible cruciferous plants help our bodies fight prostate cancer and other diseases.  Our goal with this study is to better understand the function and relationship of substances that appear to be linked to inhibiting prostate cancer growth.”

In his current study, the researcher is hoping to further define the mechanisms by which ITCs induce apoptosis, or cancer cell death, to provide insights into the key structural relationships between ITCs and cell processes, and to indentify potential biomarkers that could be useful for future intervention trials involving ITCs.

“The knowledge we gain from this study will help guide us in formulating practical and effective nutritional strategies for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Singh.

Source:  Nutra USA News and Analysis, 12-23-03

Little Toxicity and Few Contraindications Found

Herbs America’s Maca underwent cytotoxicity evaluation using an in vitro assay involving cultural cell lines.  Maca reached an administrative dose of 1,000 UG/ML without finding any evidence of significant toxicity.

Professor Canales and collaborators evaluated the potential toxicity of Maca tablets in two generations of animals.  These animals received Maca throughout their lifetime.  No signs of toxicity were found.  A. Marcelo et al have evaluated the acute toxicity (lethal dose 50-LD50), reaching doses as high as 16,400 mg/kg in mice, finding no signs of toxicity or behavior alterations.  Salas et al also evaluated the LD-50 of Maca in mice with the same results.

The popular literature and studies of Maca preparations represent the opinion that they are not toxic.  In the absence of studies that prove its safety, however, certain individuals for whom a pituitary stimulator is contraindicated should take caution.  This includes men with a high PSA level or history of prostate cancer, and women with a history of breast cancer or other types of hormone-related cancer.

Medicinal and Curative Properties of Maca Root

Article #1:  Maca as an anti-aging herb for both men and women

Garry P. Gordon, MD, former president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, now Founder and President of the International College of Advanced Longevity Medicine located in Chicago, Illinois, bases his appreciation of maca on his own experience with it.  Dr. Gordon said, “We all hear rumors about various products like maca.  But using this Peruvian root myself, I personally experienced a significant improvement in erectile tissue response.  I call it “nature’s answer to Viagra.”

“What I see in maca is a means of normalizing our steroid hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen.  Therefore it has facility to forestall the hormonal changes of aging,” Dr. Gordon said.

“It acts on men to restore them to a healthy functional status in which they experience a more active libido.  Lots of men and women who previously believed their sexual problems were psychological are now clearly going to look for something physiological to improve quality of life in the area of sexuality,” says Dr. Gordon.

“Of course, as someone interested in longevity, I’m aware that mortality comes on much sooner for those individuals whose sexual activity is diminished or nonexistent. In other words, I believe that people who engage in sex twice a week or more live longer.  I’ve found sexual activity to be a reliable marker for overall aging.”

Article #2:  Maca provides an answer to the effects of aging on the endocrine system

American physician Gabriel Cousens, MD, believes this herb has the potential of a balanced answer to the effects of aging on the endocrine system.  Many who have tried phytoestrogens and/or precursor hormones such as DHEA or pregnenolone or even natural hormone replacement therapy and have been dissatisfied are getting excellent results from their use of maca root.

Gabriel Cousens, MD, practicing internal medicine in Patagonia, Arizona, says, “Whenever possible, I prefer to use maca therapy rather than hormone replacement therapy, because HRT actually ages the body, diminishing the hormone producing capability of the glands.  Maca has proven to be very effective with menopausal patients in eliminating hot flashes and depression and in increasing energy levels.

They find the right dosage level.  Sometimes I have started the patient on maca treatment with a half a teaspoon of powder or three capsules a day.  In some cases I have raised the dosage to a teaspoon or six capsules a day for full effectiveness.”

Article #3:  Doctor offers Maca as an adrenal-balancing root

Henry Campanile, MD, a 50-year old specialist in internal and family/ complementary medicine practicing in St. Petersburg, Florida, relates: “I happen to have been born with one adrenal gland just like my father.  I started taking cortisone in my late twenties to relieve the fatigue which I was already feeling.

Knowing the dangers of long-term cortisone use, I looked around for an alternative, and this circumstance is what got me interested in complementary medicine.  I started using pregnenelone about 10 years ago and it has been fairly satisfactory.  But one of my patients told me about Maca, and I started taking it about a month ago.  It is phenomenal! I haven’t felt this good since I was 20 years old.  I have so much energy and look so well, my patients have remarked on it and told me how rested I seem.  I’ve got so much energy now have started an exercise program.”

After trying it out on himself, Dr. Campanile began using maca with his patients.  “My first patient to take the maca capsules was experiencing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.  She started feeling much better after using this herb for only four days.  I’m also employing it with patients who have low adrenal function.”

Article #4:  Peruvian pioneer prescribes Maca

Another Peruvian pioneer in the therapeutic application of maca integrated into a modern medical practice is Jorge Aguila Calderon, MD.  An intemist, Dr. Aguila Calderon is former Chief of the Department of Biological Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Human Medicine at the National University of Federico Villarreal in Lima.

Like Dr. Malaspina and others, (See notes on other science pages), he prescribes maca for a wide variety of conditions including osteoporosis and the healing of bone fractures in the very elderly.  “Maca has a lot of easily absorbable calcium in it, plus magnesium, and a fair amount of allies which we are finding very useful in treating the decalcification of bones in children and adults.”

Along with prescribing an excellent diet and certain lifestyle changes, Dr. Aguila Calderon has helped patients with male impotence, male sterility, and female sterility by employing maca therapy.  Additional problems he treats with maca are rickets, various forms of anemia, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, climacteric and erectile difficulties in men, premature aging, and general states of weakness such as chronic fatigue.

Article #5:  Harold Clark, MD, makes Maca a key remedy 

Another American doctor who has recently began to use maca therapeutically for some patients is from New Rochelle, New York.  Dr. Clark, who utilizes chelation therapy and ozone therapy in addition to herbs, vitamins, and minerals in his practice stated, “I’m amazed at how fast maca worked on two patients that I have been concerned about for some time.”

He described one patient, 55 year-old Mary T, a post-menopausal woman.  Mary T had numerous health problems, including somewhat elevated blood sugar, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and hypomagnesemia.  She had been acutely ill for two months with osteomyelitis and generalized sepsis.  Unable to work, she was suffering from great fatigue and depression and feeling “worse and worse” over the last five years.  “Within just four days of taking the maca capsules, Mary T went through an enormous turnaround,” said Dr. Clark.  “She has gone out to shop in the stores;  she’s cleaning her house;  she feels strong and vigorous;  and her depression is gone.”

Many consider Maca to be a “Superfood”

Although some may believe these incredible little roots do indeed possess “magical powers,” a thorough scientific analysis and chemical breakdown documents them to be a nutritional storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and building blocks that fuel brain function, ease hormone irregularities, and nourish the body.

Amazingly, a single Maca root contains almost 60 phyto-nutrients!

All these phytochemicals combined with a full array of vitamins makes the Maca plant one of the most powerful medicinal plants on earth.

Chemical analysis of this brain-powering root reveals an astonishing profile of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, sterols, fatty acids, and glucosinates.

No wonder they call it a superfood!

Vitamins B1, B2, and C:
Vitamin B1 helps the body’s cells convert carbohydrates into energy.  It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

Vitamin B2 works in concert with the other B vitamins.  It is important for body growth, red cell production, and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is involved in oxidation-reduction reactions.

Alkaloids:  4 novel alkaloids: macaina 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are responsible for activating hormone regulators located in the brain that regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

Macronutrients:  Essential vitamins and minerals, nutritive properties that help convalescent people or patients diagnosed with anemia.

Proteins:  Rich in bio-available maca proteins, with an average of 11% per gram in the dry root.

Micronutrients:  Minerals that help with the production of antibodies.

Fiber:  Loaded with cellulose and lignin, which stimulate intestinal operations.  Investigators claim fibers such as these diminishes the risk of cancer of the large intestine by helping the organism eliminate waste and toxins produced within the body.

Carbohydrates:  Rich in quality carbs;  combined with the alkaloids and other nutrients is the source for sustainable energy.

Tannins:  Useful in treatment of diarrhea. Combined with other medicines, it has the utility of treating inflammatory processes like ulcers, sores, etc.

Sodium:  Along with potassium, it was discovered that an increase in the daily diet of the sodium-potassium relation helps reduce arterial pressure/ hypertension. Nevertheless, an excessive increase of this relation could give rise to a diminution of the susceptibility to the bascule-cerebral accidents that do not depend on arterial pressure.

Fructose:  A sugar used by the seminal plasma for the production of semen or spermatozoa.

Fatty Acids:  Contains over 20 fatty acids.

Calcium:  Higher concentrations of calcium than in milk;  indispensible for the nerves and circulatory system and the formation of bones, teeth, and vital heart functions.

Bismuth:  Known to participate in the processing against gastritis caused by bacteria.

Potassium:  Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure;  its activity is carried out inside the cells.

Copper:  The probable participant in the formation of hemoglobin.  Lack of copper can greatly decrease the amount of essential enzymes for the organism.

Zinc:  Serves as a cofactor of dehydrogenises and carbonic anhydrite;  its lack can cause skin rashes, taste disturbances, and mental lethargy.

Phosphorus:  Regulates the transmission of neuromuscular chemicals and electrical stimuli.  Important for the hemostasis of calcium and the reactions of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.  The body’s chemical energy is stored in phosphate compounds.

Iron:  Vital component of hemoglobin and certain respiratory enzymes.  Increased iron intake is important during excessive menses and other instances of blood loss.  Deficiency results in anemia, poor growth, or difficult pregnancies.

Manganese:  In an experimental diet of this element, results demonstrated that it induced growth in animals.

Starch:  Calcium and iron, forming chemical compounds that influence the nutrition and health of the consumer.

Silicon:  Helps the connective tissues, including the aorta, trachea, tendons, bones, and skin.

Magnesium:  Essential for protein synthesis, and activities of muscles and nerves.  Deficiency of quality magnesium can cause changes in heart and skeletal muscles.

Components of Maca Root

Moisture: 5.00 – 19.62%

Proteins: 10.10 – 18.25%

Fats: 0.20 – 2.20%

Carbohydrates: 51.81 – 76.05%

Ash: 3.46 – 6.43%
Fiber: 3.85 – 8.50%

Vitamins:  (mg/100g)

Carotene: 0.07
Thiamin: (B1): 0.15 – 1.17
Riboflavin (B2): 0.31 – 0.76
Ascorbic Acid (C): 0.80 – 3.52
Niacin: 37.27 – 43.03

Other vitamins: B6, D3, P

Minerals:  (mg/100g)

Calcium: 150.00 – 650.00
Phosphorus: 183.00 – 329.00
Magnesium: 70.00 – 114.00
Potassium: 1000 – 2050
Sodium: 18.70 – 40.00

Minor Minerals:

Copper: 6-8ppm and 5.90mg/100g
Zinc: 30-32ppm and 2.8 – 6.12mg/100g
Manganese: 20 – 22ppm and .8mg/100g
Iron: 62 – 86ppm and 9.93 – 24.37mg/100g
Selenium: 0.27 – .30mg/100g
Boron: 12 – 26ppm

Also traces of Silicon and Aluminum and a vestige of Bismuth (Obregon)

Maca Also Contains:

– Glucosinates (Johns, 80)
– Benzyl isothiocyanate
– Fructose (173.3 degrees)
– Glucose–
– 4 unique alkaloids:
(macaina 1, 2, 3, 4)
– p-Methoxybenzyl isothio-cyanate
– l-Ecdysone
– Sapponins and tannins

Amino Acids:
(mg/1g protein):

Aspartic Acid:  91.7
Glutamic Acid: 156.5
Serine:  50.4
Histidine:  21.9
Glycine:  68.3
Threonine:  33.1
Alanine:  63.1
Arginine:  99.4
Tyrosine:  30.6
Phenylalanine:  55.3
Valine:  79.3
Methionine:  28.0
Isoleucine:  47.4
Leucine:  91.0
Lysine:  54.5
OH-proline:  26
Proline:  0.5
Sarcosine:  0.7 (Dini, 1994)

Sterols:

Brassicasterol:  9.1%
Ergosterol:  13.6%
Campesterol:  27.3%
Ergostadienol:  4.5%
Sitosterol:  45.5% (Dini, 94)

Fatty Acids:

Saturated:  40.1%
Unsaturated:  52.7%

C12-0- Dodecanoic
(lauric)  – 0.8%
C13-1-7- Tridecenoic – .03%

About the Purity of our Maca

In Peru, our supplier, the Herbs America Company, is dedicated to producing bio-active, 100 percent organic, vitamin-rich maca root.  They will never

encourage their growers to utilize toxic chemicals just to increase production.  This maca is organically grown on their own plantation at the genetic origin of true lepidiu

m peruvianum, Peru’s Magic Valley, located on the Junin plateau at 14,000 feet elevation, high in the Andes Mountains.  The Herbs America Company supports traditional agrarian families and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

It is the land and our relationship to it that subsequently empowers our cultivated products and, ultimately, makes them better.  The plants are grown lean, without chemicals.  They are watered only by natural rainfall that arises from thunderclouds borne directly from the Amazon basin.  The result is 100 percent Maca root, pure and organic.

Unlike other plantations in Peru that use harsh toxic chemicals or store their roots in unsanitary conditions, Herbs America is committed to quality and the organic purity of our product line even after it leaves the fields.