Maca Root 0.6% Glycosinolates

Botanical: Lepidium meyenii Family: Brassicaceae (cabbage) - formerly Cruciferae (mustard)

Other common names: Peruvian Ginseng, Maka, Mace, Maca-Maca, Maino, Chichira, Ayuk, Pepperweed, High Andean Ginseng, Royal Maca

One of the less thrilling facts of life is that stress, age and poor health can significantly diminish our libidos.  Fortunately, natural botanicals, such as Maca, may promote sexual health safely and naturally.  Maca, recently dubbed "Peruvian Ginseng," is providing relief for thousands of men and women who suffer from low sex drive, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido and an overall lack of energy.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes between eleven- to fourteen-thousand feet, where the land is exposed to intense sunlight, violent winds and a rough climate below freezing temperatures.  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. The part that is used medicinally is the pear-like tuberous root of about eight centimeters in diameter and of a pale-white color.  Although it is a perennial, it is reproduced by seeds which require around seven to nine months for harvesting. Archeological evidence has been found that Maca was domesticated over two thousand years ago by the predecessors of the Incas, and primitive cultivars of Maca were even found in places dating back to 1600 B. C.  Legend tells us that Inca warriors would consume Maca before entering into battle, and this would make them extremely strong.

But after conquering a city, the Incan soldiers were forbidden from using Maca, in order to protect the conquered women from the warrior's powerful sexual impulses.  Maca has been used successfully by native Peruvians as an aphrodisiac and as an adaptogen to increase energy levels.  Maca has been used medicinally for centuries to enhance fertility in humans and animals.  Soon after the Spanish conquest in the South America, the Spanish found that their livestock were reproducing poorly in the highlands.  The local Indians recommended feeding the animals Maca, and so remarkable were the results that Spanish chroniclers gave in-depth reports on Maca's favorable effects. Even Colonial records dating back two hundred years indicate that payments of roughly nine tons of Maca were demanded from one Andean area alone.  Its fertility-enhancing properties were supported clinically as early as 1961 (published by Dr. Gloria Chacon de Popovici, a biological researcher), when researchers discovered it increased the fertility of rats.  For the indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, Maca is still a vital and valuable commodity.  Because so little grows in this region, Maca is often used for trading against other staple foods like beans, rice, corn and sugar.  This herb had been used over the ages for its nutritious and medical advantages.   It is rich in sugar, proteins, starches and important minerals, especially in iron and iodine.  Maca can be consumed either fresh or dried, and the fresh roots are considered a treat and are roasted over fire or in ashes similar to the preparation of the sweet potato.  Even a fermented Maca drink, chicha, is prepared in some regions. Recently, scientists have rediscovered the wonders of Maca in enhancing libido and energy levels and in combating erectile dysfunction.  A study published in the April 2000 issue of Urology, the prestigious medical journal that first published the Viagra studies, found Maca's sexual performance powers to be consistent with the legendary reports coming from Peru for hundreds of years.  Maca is often used in combination with Catuaba, Muirapauma and Yohimbe Bark in increase male sexual virility.  Hugo Malaspina, M.D., a cardiologist practicing complementary medicine in Lima, Peru, has been using Maca in his practice for ten years.  Dr. Malaspina first found out about Maca through a group of sexually active older men who were taking the herb with good results.  Dr. Malaspina reported: "One man in this group started taking Maca and found he was able to perform satisfactorily in a sexual relationship with a lady friend.  Soon everyone in the group began drinking the powdered Maca as a beverage and enjoying the boost that the root was giving their hormonal functions."  A chemical analysis conducted in 1981 showed the presence of biologically-active aromatic isothiocyanates, especially p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which have reputed aphrodisiac properties.  Initial analysis of Maca indicates that the effects on fertility are a result of the glucosinolates.  Today, dried Maca roots are ground to powder and sold in capsules as a medicine and food supplement to increase stamina and fertility.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no warnings or contraindications with the use of Maca Root.

Capsule Information:
Our Maca supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.