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Maca Root

Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian Ginseng

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Meta Information

ID:maca-root
Name:Maca Root
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Lepidium meyenii
  • Peruvian Ginseng

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
10
High Cost:
30
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for a 30-day supply of maca root powder or capsules.

Summary

Maca is an adaptogenic plant native to the Andes, traditionally used to enhance fertility, energy, and libido. Its potential healthspan relevance is indirect, possibly through improved stress resilience and vitality, rather than direct modulation of core aging pathways. While it contains unique bioactive compounds like macamides, robust evidence linking it to significant lifespan extension is currently lacking.

Purpose

Adaptogenic root used to support energy, mood, and libido.

Card Summary

An adaptogenic root traditionally used for energy and libido, with limited direct healthspan evidence.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
2.5
Justification:
Lacks direct evidence for impacting primary aging hallmarks; benefits are secondary.

Evidence

Grade:
B
Score:
4.5
Justification:
Human trials exist but focus on libido and mood, not longevity metrics.

Safety

Score:
2.5
Justification:
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with a long history of traditional food use.

Flags

  • May have mild hormone-like effects; use caution with hormone-sensitive conditions.
  • Contains goitrogens, which may affect thyroid function in susceptible individuals at high doses.
  • Limited data on interactions with prescription medications.

Verdict

Potentially useful for vitality, but not a core longevity intervention.

Created

2026-04-26T18:05:27.810560Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:
oral
Scope:
  • systemic

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Maca is an adaptogenic plant native to the Andes, traditionally used to enhance fertility, energy, and libido. Its potential healthspan relevance is indirect, possibly through improved stress resilien...

Typical Protocol

  • Daily intake of 1.5 to 3.5 grams of gelatinized maca powder or equivalent extract.