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How Maca Root Affects The Body And Mind
Academic Sources Cited On This Blog
Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
Brief Description Of Maca Root: Maca is considered a superfood![1] What is a superfood? According to UCDavis.edu, a superfood is defined as: "a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health,"[https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/what-makes-superfood-so-super] Just so you know, they directly quote Merriam-Webster Dictionary. While Maca root is well known for its aphrodisiac properties, it's not restrictively used in that way(meaning that it has many applications in herbalism[health]).
Brief Note About Upregulation, and Downregulation: I want everyone to keep up-regulation and down-regulation in mind when using any type of substance(drug/plant) including Maca, because it will enable you to get the most out of your medicine and well-being. Up-regulation is: In my own words, Up-regulation is when you're body adapts to you cutting back on a substance by restoring previously removed receptors that pick up on that substance, thus your sensitivity to the drug/medicine slowly returns to normal. In my own words, Down-regulation is your bodies attempt to combat you using too much of a drug by slowly removing the number of receptor sites that pick up on those drugs/medicines.
How maca affects enzymes and metabolism:
I'm using this first paragraph to define the terms you're going to want to know the definition of, as they're used in the paragraph below quoted from the National Library Of Medicine. Terms Defined: Q: What does "Mitigate" mean? A: "to make less severe or painful : alleviate. mitigate a patient's suffering."[4] So in other words, Maca helps lessen liver damage(it exhibits liver-protective properties), and it is thanks to the Maca polysaccharide that this is possible.[1] | What is a phytochemical? A: "Phytochemistry is the study of the chemistry of substances found in plants."[5]
According to the National Library Of Medicine: "Lepidium meyenii[ Walp. (Maca)], as a natural food supplement, has strong antioxidant and energy metabolism-improving characteristics, and Maca polysaccharide (or "MP" for short) is its effective component. Maca polysaccharide has been shown to mitigate liver damage in previous research, and Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced hepatotoxicity is also a major concern in clinical practice. We investigated the possible cytoprotective effect of Maca polysaccharide on CYP-induced liver injury, and explored its underlying mechanism by analyzing the resulting liver metabolic profiles. Maca polysaccharide: significantly inhibited increases in serum transaminase, improved pathological changes, reduced oxidative stress, and increased the levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes.. Metabolomic analysis showed that Maca polysaccharide corrected lipid metabolic problems and regulated the pentose phosphate pathway and acid metabolism, thereby protecting against apoptosis of hepatocytes. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolism-related enzymes are closely correlated with these differential metabolites. In addition, the upstream Keap1-Nrf2 antioxidant signal transduction pathway was explored to validate the possible mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of Maca polysaccharide. In conclusion, Maca polysaccharide plays a protective role in CYP-induced hepatotoxicity through these potential metabolic means, where it: ameliorates oxidative stress, improves energy metabolism, and restores mitochondrial respiration, by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby preventing liver damage."[3]
Q: What are energy metabolism-related enzymes.?
According to the National Library Of Medicine: "Energy metabolism is indispensable for sustaining physiological functions in living organisms and assumes a pivotal role across physiological and pathological conditions."[6] The source goes on to inform us that: "The homeostatic balance of these processes is crucial; however, in pathological states such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, extensive metabolic reprogramming occurs, resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, which accelerate disease progression"[6] To recap what we just learned in my own words: Maca polysaccharide is a phytochemical component of the remedy, and it: increases the levels of energy metabolism-related enzymes. According to the National Library Of Medicine, based on what we just read, Energy metabolism is critical for the homeostatic balance of various processes and when it becomes dysfunctional, the dysfunctional state is actually associated with neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. This makes Maca good for the brain and homeostasis! Remember though that medicine works when properly administered and that taking loads of Maca every day for the rest of your life may not be the best way to use it. I dose off and on with Maca, but not too much. Learning when to use herbs and how to is critical in getting the true benefits from these supplements. Remember that in medicine, dosage is everything, and depending upon the dosage administered, can mean the difference between a drug being beneficial, or harmful.. A medical rule known as the Ardnt Shultz Law illustrates my point the best, which states that small doses stimulate, moderate dosage inhibit, and large enough doses can even kill.[9] It basically is a medical law that teaches how drugs behave very differently depending upon the dosage. Paracelsus(a pioneer in several aspects of the "medical revolution" of the Renaissance) put it as follows: "It's the dose that makes the poison".[10]
Which receptor sites does Maca affect?: Cannabinoid, and adenosine!
One thing I have learned is that Cannabis and other plants that affect the endocannabinoid system also play a role in maintaining homeostasis.[8] It turns out that Maca is one such plant! Here's a direct quote from the National Library Of Medicine for further confirmation: "The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis"[8] I couldn't help but notice while reading about Maca root, that: Maca affects the endocannabinoid system as well, due to phytochemicals that it produces called Macamides(N-benzylamides), which are strikingly similar to Anandamide, which is your bodies own version of THC basically![11] No, Maca does NOT get you high, and no Macamides are NOT research chemicals.(see my blog titled: What's the difference between research chemicals and phytochemicals?) Question: What is "homeostasis"? Answer: "In short, the purpose of homeostasis is to maintain the established internal environment without being overcome by external stimuli that exist to disrupt the balance."[7] This means that it should synergize well with Cannabis! Other plants that produce cannabinoids that affect the endocannabinoid system include: Cacao(Chocolate), Echinacea, Helichrysum umbraculigerum, and others!
"N-benzyl-(9Z, 12Z)-octadecadienamide (N-benzyl-linoleamide) is one of the most biologically active macamides with various pharmacological activities - anti-fatigue, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-tumoral activities, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic."[13] When we look into the pharmacology of individual components of herbal remedies such as Maca root, we can start to see just how powerful they are in terms of medicine.. Keep in mind the quote above discusses facts on just one phytochemical alone, and that one chemical produces a wide range of medicinal properties, proving the point that herbal medicine(God-made medicine) is the most complex and beneficial medicine on the planet. "Furthermore, significant decreases in pro-inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were observed in mice receiving N-benzyl-(9Z, 12Z)-octadecadienamide treatment after a 30 min swimming test, which was equivalent to that of caffeine."[13] My end goal with this HerbsPedia operation is as much to learn as it is to teach, so let's break this quote down so we can understand it better. First let us define what inflammation is. According to the National Library Of Medicine, inflammation is defined as,: "Inflammation is the body’s immune system’s response to an irritant. The irritant might be a germ, but it could also be a foreign object, such as a splinter in your finger."[14] What this source is saying then is that this specific type of macamide reduces that which causes inflammation(it's anti-inflammatory), as well as reactive oxygen species, which we'll define now. According to the National Cancer Institute, reactive oxygen species is defined as: "A type of unstable molecule that contains oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell. A build up of reactive oxygen species in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death. Reactive oxygen species are free radicals. Also called oxygen radical."[15] To put what we've just learned in simpler terms, this "N-benzyl-linoleamide", a type of macamide(cannabinoid), is DNA/RNA protective, anti-inflammatory, and can protect cells. The source goes on to tell us that: "Macamides can be considered to have great potential as a natural drug with high efficiency and low side effects for fatigue management."[13]
Chemical Facts About The Macamide N-benzyl-(9Z, 12Z)-octadecadienamide (N-benzyl-linoleamide): "Macamides, the major bioactive compounds of Maca root(Lepidium meyenii), are a unique class of non-polar, long chain fatty acid N-benzylamides."[16] This is very good information to know and I will tell you why. When using herbal supplements for their benefits these things are critical to keep in mind. Because this particular Macamide is non-polar, that means that it will not disolve in water. In order to get its benefits, you'll have to either orally consume the Maca root powder, or prepare it into a tincture using Everclear(Grain alcohol)[NOT vodka or other cheap low potency liquors]. According to Harper College: "Nonpolar materials tends to be attracted to and are more soluble in nonpolar materials."[17] Distilled water is highly polar, vs oil which is non-polar, and alcohol is polar.[18] I always thought that alcohol was non-polar, but I was wrong.. Grain alcohol is the simplest primary alcohol, and is a polar protic solvent.[19] "Polar molecules such as water, vinegar, or ethanol dissolve other polar molecules. Non-polar molecules, such as oil or gasoline, dissolve other non-polar."[20] I know from a phytochemistry lab tour that in the phytochemistry lab they use a mixture of alcohol and water to make plant extracts.[22] Another University source states that: "Part of ethanol (CH3CH2- is nonpolar and might be thought to make ethanol insoluble in water. However, the C and H directly bonded to O are slightly charged, making this end of the molecule polar. Ethanol(alcohol) molecules can attract other ethanol molecule and water through H bonds. The nonpolar ends of ethanol would attract nonpolar molecules"[21] Another University source states that: "Ethanol(alcohol) has polar covalent bonds (shown in blue) and nonpolar covalent bonds (shown in red)."[23] Most of the sources show that ethanol has polar and nonpolar vocalent bonds, and we know that phytochemist use it combined with water to extract compounds from plant specimens. I also know from experience that Cannabis(thc[a non-polar molecule]) can be dissolved into ethanol[alcohol](whereas it doesn't dissolve in water).[24] Because thc is non-polar[25], and it can be dissolved into alcohol, this confirms for me that alcohol is capable of dissolving non-polar molecules(drugs/phytochemicals/etc). Oil was often used as a solvent in recipes mentioned in the bible, olive oil to be specific. Anyway, what this boils down to is that if you want to get the benefits of the macamides in Maca root, you'll need to: Orally consume it, or combine it with oil, or high grade everclear(grain alcohol).
How maca affects the heart:
Good news for those who are interested in Maca root but concerned about their heart health. "Researchers found that Maca reduces the risk of heart attack."[12] Maca doesn't produce any noticable psychoactive effects or stimulation in my experience with it. The way that it interacts with the body is more of a protective and restorative thing. It doesn't work like a typical stimulant, although it is often marketed for "energy". I can say that I've noticed over using it for a span of days that I feel more energized, however it doesn't work like Coffee or other stimulants and offer an immediate energy boost. In other words, don't expect it to wake you up after one dose.
What other phytochemicals does Maca produce? Phytochemicals are not to be confused with research chemicals. Research Chemicals are man-made in a lab, while phytochemicals are just compounds produced within plants.[26][27][28] "Phytochemistry is the study of the chemistry of substances found in plants."[31] One academic source alone states that: "The aerial parts of Maca were analyzed for protein, total sugar, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and its characteristic active ingredients at five different growth stages. The results showed the high protein, total sugar, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and calcium contents of Maca. All 17 amino acids and the characteristic active ingredients, namely, macamide, glucosinolates, adenosine, and total saponins, were detected."[29] Another academic source says that: "A total of 25 chemical compounds were identified and classified as saponins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, alkybenzenes, and amines"[32] Among the phytochemicals identified in Maca leaf and root extracts, were: tanshinone I, panaxytriol, and rotundifolioside(all saponins), gingerol(a type of phenol), and ergosterol peroxide(a type of steroid)[32] Despite the fact that the root is the part that's popular, and in high demand, the academic sources say that: "Levels of saponins, phenols, and flavonoids in the methanol extract from maca leaves were significantly higher than in the extract of roots. "[32]
Glucosinolates: According to the National Library Of Medicine: "Glucosinolates, which are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, have been identified from preclinical and clinical studies. Current research suggests that glucosinolates (and isothiocyanates) act via several mechanisms, ultimately exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects."[30]
Adenosine: According to Yale University: "Adenosine is a byproduct of cellular metabolism, so the more active and alert we are during the day, the more adenosine builds up in the brain"[33] This means that Adenosine is an endogenous(exist in our bodies) chemical that also exist exogenously(outside of the body!) The Yale University source goes on to explain that: "Exercise for example can increase brain adenosine levels and through stimulation of adenosine receptors promote sleep. During sleep, adenosine is recycled and levels are reduced in the brain; less adenosine receptor stimulation leads to more alertness. In essence, the longer you’re awake, the more adenosine you accumulate, the more sleep pressure you acquire, and the more likely you are able to fall asleep at bedtime."[33] According to what Yale is saying, you would think that Maca would make you sleepy. "Less adenosine receptor stimulation leads to more alertness"[33] I can honestly say that I've never felt energized from taking it, and this is likely why. It is still a superfood and I find it useful for health purposes. It's often marketed for "energy" but, there are much better options out there if you're just looking to wake up. Any natural source of endogenous compounds is fascinating to me though for sure, and they're certainly useful at the right time. Understanding the complex pharmacology of these supplements help you to know how and when to use them. "Caffeine is an adenosine-receptor blocker and promotes alertness."[33] A final fact on this endogenous and exogenous compound that I'd like to share is: "Adenosine is a fascinating compound, crucial in many biochemical processes: this ubiquitous nucleoside serves as an essential building block of RNA, is also a component of ATP and regulates numerous pathophysiological mechanisms via binding to four extracellular receptors."[34]
Saponins: tanshinone I, panaxytriol, and rotundifolioside: The first Saponin I'll be discussing is Tanshinone I. "Tanshinone I provides protection of the cardiovascular system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative diseases, etc."[35] Tanshinone I can easily enter the blood-brain barrier due to its lipophilic nature.[35] Panaxytriol is the next phytochemical that I'll be discussing. Panaxytriol is also found in Panax Ginseng!(hints the name PANAXytriol).[36] Panaxytriol has potent anti-tumor properties.[37] Its activity may be in part due to its induction of phase 2 chemoprotective enzymes.[37] Its unique properties may have important implications in cancer therapeutics.[37] Rotundifolioside is a compound that there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of readily available information on.
Phenols: gingerol:
Steroids: ergosterol peroxide:
How maca interacts with other herbs:
How Maca affects mood, sleep, energy, etc.
Does Maca have a history of being known for having oneirogenic properties?
Related Ethnobotanicals:
Important News Drug/Pharma/Ethno News:
Academic citations:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892513/ Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses PMCID: PMC10892513 PMID: 38398854
[2] https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/what-makes-superfood-so-super
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9608999/ Fei W, Zhang J, Yu S, Yue N, Ye D, Zhu Y, Tao R, Chen Y, Chen Y, Li A, Wang L. Antioxidative and Energy Metabolism-Improving Effects of Maca Polysaccharide on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity Mice via Metabolomic Analysis and Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway. Nutrients. 2022 Oct 12;14(20):4264. doi: 10.3390/nu14204264. PMID: 36296947; PMCID: PMC9608999.
[4] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitigate
[5] https://ibs.upm.edu.my/content/phytochemistry-34443
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11836267/ Liu H, Wang S, Wang J, Guo X, Song Y, Fu K, Gao Z, Liu D, He W, Yang LL. Energy metabolism in health and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2025 Feb 18;10(1):69. doi: 10.1038/s41392-025-02141-x. PMID: 39966374; PMCID: PMC11836267.
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559138/ Libretti S, Puckett Y. Physiology, Homeostasis. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559138/
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34502379/ The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases | Henry Lowe et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2021. doi: 10.3390/ijms22179472.
[9] Sharma, Rajneesh Kumar. "Arndt Schultz Law and Its Applications."
[10] Gantenbein, Urs Leo. "Poison and its dose: paracelsus on toxicology." Toxicology in the middle ages and renaissance. Academic Press, 2017. 1-10.
[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10910417/ Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. PMCID: PMC10910417 PMID: 38440178
[12] Kasprzak, Dorota, et al. "Lepidium meyenii (Maca) "multidirectional health effects" Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences 31.3 (2018): 107-112.
[13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35026191/ The macamide relieves fatigue by acting as inhibitor of inflammatory response in exercising mice: From central to peripheral | Hongkang Zhu, Ruoyong Wang, Hanyi Hua, Yuliang Cheng, Yahui Guo, He Qian, Peng Du | PMID: 35026191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174758
[14] Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: What is an inflammation? [Updated 2025 Apr 11]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/
[15] National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/reactive-oxygen-species
[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33288191/ Macamides: A review of structures, isolation, therapeutics and prospects Hongkang Zhu, Bin Hu, Hanyi Hua, Chang Liu, Yuliang Cheng, Yahui Guo, Weirong Yao, He Qian | PMID: 33288191 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109819
[17] Harper College: https://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/chm/100/dgodambe/thedisk/chrom/wback4.htm
[18] Monoa University: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/chemical/properties-water/comparison-water-other-liquids
[19] UCLA: http://www.chem.ucla.edu/~harding/IGOC/E/ethanol.html
[20] Use VirusTotal.com To Scan PDF's Before Opening! | https://www.uu.edu/books/greenchemistrylabs/pdf/lab12-st.pdf
[21] https://employees.csbsju.edu/hjakubowski/classes/Chem%20and%20Society/Alcohol_Drugs/olEtOHStructAct.htm
[22] Tour Of Phytochemistry Lab, Where Alcohol/Water Is Used To Extract Compounds From Plant Specimens
[23] UCLA: https://www.chem.ucla.edu/~harding/IGOC/P/polar_covalent_bond.html
[24] https://www.cs.odu.edu/~salam/wsdl/inforet/wikihtml/Tetrahydrocannabinol.html
[25] Costa, J. F., Santos, J., Cordeiro, S., & Neto, A. M. (2019). Theoretical UV, DOS and Circular Dichroism of THC, CBD, CBN, 11-Hydroxy-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-THC Under Solvents Effect. Advanced Science, Engineering and Medicine, 11(7), 606-616.
[29] Jin, W., Chen, X., Huo, Q., Cui, Y., Yu, Z., & Yu, L. (2018). Aerial parts of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) as functional vegetables with gastrointestinal prokinetic efficacy in vivo. Food & function, 9(6), 3456-3465.
[30] Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8575925/ PMCID: PMC8575925 PMID: 34764875
[31] https://ibs.upm.edu.my/content/phytochemistry-34443
[32] Lee, Yun-Kyung, and Yoon Hyuk Chang. "Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of methanol extract from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) leaves and roots." Food Science and Technology 39.Suppl. 1 (2019): 278-286.
[33] Yale University: https://medicine.yale.edu/internal-medicine/pulmonary/news/national-sleep-week/good-sleep-recipe/
[34] Marie Rouquette, Sinda Lepetre-Mouelhi, Patrick Couvreur, Adenosine and lipids: A forced marriage or a love match?, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volumes 151–152, 2019, Pages 233-244, ISSN 0169-409X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2019.02.005. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169409X19300213
[35] Liyuan Ke, Chenhui Zhong, Zhijie Chen, Ziyao Zheng, Shaoguang Li, Bing Chen, Qiaoyi Wu, Hong Yao, Tanshinone I: Pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms against diseases and future perspectives, Phytomedicine, Volume 110, 2023, 154632, ISSN 0944-7113, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154632. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S094471132200719X)
[36] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 93484, Panaxytriol. Retrieved August 9, 2025 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Panaxytriol. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/93484
[37] Ng F, Yun H, Lei X, Danishefsky SJ, Fahey J, Stephenson K, Flexner C, Lee L. (3R, 9R, 10R)-Panaxytriol: A molecular-based nutraceutical with possible application to cancer prevention and treatment. Tetrahedron Lett. 2008 Dec 8;49(50):7178-7179. doi: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2008.09.169. PMID: 20011028; PMCID: PMC2598768. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2598768/
[26] Balick, Michael J., and Paul Alan Cox. Plants, People, and Culture : The Science Of Ethnobotany. New York, Garland Science, 2020.
[27] Swerdlow, Joel L. Nature's Medicine : Plants That Heal. Washington, D.c., National Geographic Society, 2000.
[28] Tyler, Varro E, et al. Pharmacognosy. 1988.
Encyclopedia Resources/Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arndt%E2%80%93Schulz_rule
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostasis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocannabinoid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracelsus
Other resources:
M.A.P.S. Ethnobotanical Studies By Scholars
National Library Of Medicine https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
PubChem - pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov