Herbal Extract
Red Maca Powder
Also known as: Lepidium meyenii, Maca root, Red maca, Peruvian maca
Red maca is a root vegetable from Peru traditionally used for sexual function and fertility, with preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits for sexual desire and reproductive health. Most clinical evidence remains limited and further research is needed to establish efficacy.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Red Maca Powder product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Double Wood Maca Root Supplement | 83 A- | $0.13 |
| 2 | Olly Lovin' Libido | 82 A- | $1.00 |
| 3 | NOW Foods Raw Maca | 81 A- | $0.19 |
| 4 | Integrative Therapeutics HPA Adapt | 76 B+ | $1.32 |
| 5 | Bluebonnet Nutrition INTIMATE ESSENTIALS FOR HER SEXUAL RESPONSE & LIBIDO BOOST | 73 B+ | $1.20 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition INTIMATE ESSENTIALS MACA | 70 B | $0.20 |
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 Red Maca Powder should I take?
The typical range is 1,500-3,000 mg daily (powder); 500-1,000 mg daily (standardized extract). Traditional use suggests 6-12 weeks for noticeable effects; most studies examine 8-12 week periods
When should I take Red Maca Powder?
Can be taken with meals or as part of beverages. May be better tolerated with food.
Which form of Red Maca Powder is best?
Powder. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Extract.
Is Red Maca Powder safe?
Commonly reported: Gastrointestinal upset, Headache, Insomnia (in sensitive individuals).
Which Red Maca Powder supplement scores highest?
Double Wood Maca Root Supplement, at 83/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Sexual function and libido
- Fertility support
- Energy and stamina
- Hormonal balance
How it works
- Contains alkaloids and glucosinolates that may influence hormonal signaling
- Potential vasodilatory effects on blood flow
- Possible adaptogenic properties supporting stress resilience
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1,500-3,000 mg daily (powder); 500-1,000 mg daily (standardized extract)
- Timing
- Can be taken with meals or as part of beverages
- With food
- May be better tolerated with food
- Duration
- Traditional use suggests 6-12 weeks for noticeable effects; most studies examine 8-12 week periods
- Special populations
- Pregnancy/lactation: limited safety data; use with caution. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare provider.
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Insomnia (in sensitive individuals)
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical concern, limited evidence)
- Thyroid disorders (may contain goitrogens in high amounts)
- Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient safety data)
Products containing Red Maca Powder
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Red Maca Powder on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Moderate preliminary evidence exists for maca's effects on sexual function in small RCTs, but sample sizes are limited and research quality varies. Red maca specifically has less robust evidence than generic maca extracts. Grade reflects preliminary but not yet conclusive clinical data.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Herbal Extract
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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.