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Maca
Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Maca, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
Maca is a plant related to the cabbage family. It is used as food and medicine in Peru.
Maca supplements come as capsules, tablets, and powders.
What are the potential uses and benefits?
Maca is used to:
Improve your energy and strength.
Increase fertility (the ability to become pregnant with a biological child).
Improve your desire to have sex.
Relieve side effects of your period stopping permanently, such as hot flashes.
Maca has other uses but doctors have not studied them to see if they work.
Talk with your healthcare providers before taking maca supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than the herbs you would use in cooking. Some herbal supplements can also affect how medications work. For more information, read the “What else do I need to know?” section below.
What are the side effects?
Side effects have not been reported.
What else do I need to know?
Maca may interfere with lab tests that measure testosterone levels. Talk to your healthcare provider if you took maca before your labs.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast or uterine cancer. Maca may affect your treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Maca may not be safe for you.