Adaptogen
Maca
Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Maca Root, Peruvian ginseng, Maca Root Extract (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable from Peru traditionally used for fertility and sexual function. Clinical evidence supports modest benefits for sexual desire and erectile function in some populations, though effects are generally moderate.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Maca product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BulkSupplements Organic Maca Root Extract Powder | 89 A | $0.16 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Maca | 86 A- | $0.08 |
| 3 | Nootropics Depot Peruvian Black Maca Enhanced Powder Blend | 85 A- | $0.50 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Certified Organic Maca Pure Powder | 85 A- | $0.28 |
| 5 | Nutricost Testosterone Complex Capsules | 84 A- | $0.57 |
| 6 | Double Wood Maca Root Supplement | 83 A- | $0.13 |
| 7 | Life Extension Super Miraforte with Standardized Lignans | 83 A- | $0.78 |
| 8 | NOW Foods Testo Jack 200 | 83 A- | $0.57 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Men's Pure Pack | 82 A- | $3.08 |
| 10 | Olly Lovin' Libido | 82 A- | $1.00 |
| 11 | NOW Foods Raw Maca | 81 A- | $0.19 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations Maca-3 | 80 A- | $0.81 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Maca should I take?
The typical range is 1500-3000mg powder or 450-500mg extract. Cycle 2-3 months on/off
When should I take Maca?
Morning with breakfast. Yes.
Which form of Maca is best?
Powder — Gelatinized easier digest. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Gelatinized, Red maca, Capsules, Extract, Tablet.
Is Maca safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset raw form, Insomnia late, Jitteriness. Serious warnings: May affect thyroid. No concerns
Which Maca supplement scores highest?
BulkSupplements Organic Maca Root Extract Powder, at 89/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Energy
- Libido
- Hormone balance
- Mood
- Menopause symptoms
- Fertility support
- Hormonal balance
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Maca reached a verdict on: 1 with a benefit, 2 with no effect. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (1)
“The phytochemical compounds of LmW, mainly macamides, increase physical performance, showing a greater effect at higher doses (dose-response effect).” PMID 39796542
Reviews found no effect (2)
“Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone.” PMID 37697053
“No significant reduction was noted for green tea, Vitaphenol® (a combination of green and white teas, mangosteen and pomegranate extract) or maca root.” PMID 21087067
How it works
- Contains macamides
- Hormone-balancing indirectly
- Nutritionally dense
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1500-3000mg powder or 450-500mg extract
- Timing
- Morning with breakfast
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Cycle 2-3 months on/off
- Special populations
- Energy, libido, menopause
Forms
- Powder
- Capsule
- Gelatinized
- Red maca
- Capsules
- Extract· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset raw form
- Insomnia late
- Jitteriness
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (research ongoing)
Products containing Maca
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Maca on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for energy and libido
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Adaptogen
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.