Peruvian-ginseng
Lepidium meyenii
Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca, is a plant native to the Andean highlands of Peru. Traditionally, it has not been extensively documented for specific medicinal uses; however, its roots and leaves have been consumed in local diets for centuries due to their nutritional value. Scientific studies suggest that Lepidium meyenii may have some potential health benefits. One study isolated lepidilines A-D from the plant using chromatographic techniques, noting that lepidiline B showed significant cytotoxic activity against neuroblastoma cell lines. Another study found that supplementation with maca (Lepidium meyenii) nutraceuticals could improve sexual-testicular variables in some individuals without affecting corporal or metabolic parameters significantly. Additionally, oral administration of black Maca nano-emulsion was observed to enhance body weight and serum testosterone levels, as well as improve testicular blood flow and antioxidant defenses in rabbits. Safety profiles for Lepidium meyenii are generally favorable; no major safety concerns have been recorded. Similarly, there is currently no evidence suggesting significant drug interactions with this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Black Maca nano-emulsion treatment showed trends towards improved body weight, testosterone levels, and testicular blood flow, alongside enhanced antioxidant defenses in rabbit bucks.
- The study successfully isolated lepidilines A-D from Lepidium meyenii using CPC and HPLC, with lepidiline B showing the highest cytotoxic potential against neuroblastoma cell lines.
- This review highlights the chemical constituents and analytical methods for assessing Lepidium meyenii, emphasizing macamides, macaenes, glucosinolates, and alkaloids.
- The study found that supplementation with nutraceuticals (WITH and LEPI groups) showed some improvements in sexual-testicular variables compared to the control group, without significant effects on corporal or metabolic variables.
- The study found that the content of macamides and macaenes differed among Maca from Yunnan province, China, and Cerro de Pasco in central Peru, allowing successful differentiation using PCA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Peruvian-ginseng?
Peruvian-ginseng (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Peruvian-ginseng?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Peruvian-ginseng; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Black Maca nano-emulsion treatment showed trends towards improved body weight, testosterone levels, and testicular blood flow, alongside enhanced antioxidant defenses in rabbit bucks.
How strong is the evidence for Peruvian-ginseng?
The strongest finding for Peruvian-ginseng carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Peruvian-ginseng safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Peruvian-ginseng in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Peruvian-ginseng interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Peruvian-ginseng in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Peruvian-ginseng?
Peruvian-ginseng is also known as: Мака перуанская, Maca.
Is Peruvian-ginseng a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Purification of Lepidilines A, B, C, and D from Lepidium meyenii Walpers by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Followed by Semi-Preparative HPLC and Preliminary Evaluation of Anticancer Activity Against Neuroblastoma Cell Lines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Analysis of Macamides and Macaenes in Maca from Different Origins. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as a Functional Food and Dietary Supplement: A Review on Analytical Studies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutraceutical Supplementation + Holstein Feed Surplus in Rams: Corporal, Metabolic, and Testicular Volumetry-Sperm Variables; The Robin Hood Effect. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Influence of black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) nano-emulsion on growth parameters, circulating testosterone, testicular vascular dynamics, and antioxidant defences in New Zealand white rabbit bucks. literature abstract metadata