Maca root, available as maca extract, is the root of a broccoli-like plant native to Peru; its most common usage across cultures is as an aphrodisiac for both men and women to increase libido as well as sperm count in men.

While it may have an effect on desire, it’s not a stimulant in any other respect. However, it may also have benefits for other bodily systems including cognitive abilities. Maca root is available in a few different colors, including red, yellow, and black. The benefits of each are slightly different, though they mostly perform equally. If you begin supplementing with maca extract, be sure to always take it with food.^[1]

Maca extract’s potency in terms of libido is, interestingly enough, not connected with its influence on any of the hormones generally involved in sexual desire or ability, including testosterone and estrogen. However, this does not mean it’s not an effective aphrodisiac.

Evidence suggests that maca root is most effective at increasing libido when used regularly over a long period of time, rather than intermittently as-needed. Healthy men who took maca extract every day over the course of 12 weeks reported a 42.2% increase in libido by the twelfth week.^[2] While men experiencing low-level erectile dysfunction saw demonstrable improvement in a separate clinical trial.^[3] Maca extract may also help counteract the low sexual desire levels associated with certain anti-depressants.^[4]

Maca extract could also be an effective anti-depressant. In one study performed on female rats, yellow, red, and black maca extract all demonstrated anti-depressant abilities, with black maca root being slightly more powerful.^[5] While human studies are few and have mixed results, some do indicate that maca extract can reduce depression and anxiety, especially in postmenopausal women.^[6]

Maca extract has a positive effect on cognitive abilities and memory. Female rats who were given maca extract were able to perform statistically better than control rats on cognitive tests.^[7] In a separate study, maca extract played a role in reducing the amnesiac effects of the drug scopolamine. In a study conducted on mice who were injected with scopolamine, black maca extract was an effective means of halting scopolamine’s performance-inhibiting effect.^[8]

Maca extract has also been studied for its role in neuroprotection, meaning its ability to shield your brain from toxins. It was shown to be effective in protecting against hydrogen peroxide, as well as alcohol. In a study conducted on mice, black maca root reduced the amount of time that alcoholic mice were able to complete a maze.^[9] Since physical exercise plays a critical role in overall health, including brain health, maca extract’s influence on aerobic performance is important as well. It was shown to significantly reduce performance times among endurance cyclists, indicating that it can improve performance in aerobic exercise.^[10]

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References
1. http://examine.com/supplements/Maca/
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12472620
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19260845
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18801111
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1534053/
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18784609
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1534053/
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17543435
9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21780878
10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19781622