What Maca Can Do For Sexual Desire, Menopause & Sperm

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Sexual Health

What Are the Potential Benefits of Drinking Maca? Plus, Try This Recipe

Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — Written by Tiffany La Forge — Updated on October 2, 2025

Research
Precautions
Recipe
Takeaway

Maca may support your overall sexual and reproductive health, including increased libido and enhanced fertility. However, more research is needed to understand the potential health and wellness benefits.

The Peruvian maca plant (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes Mountains of Peru.

It has been cultivated for over 2,000 years for its edible root, which is rich in nutrients and has been used as food and medicine by the Indigenous people of Peru.

The root can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies.

What does the research say?

Maca root is most famous for its potential to boost libido. A 2002 study found that men who consumed 1.5 or 3 grams of maca daily reported increased libido compared to those given a placebo.

A 2010 review of studies on maca and sexual function indicated limited evidence of libido enhancement, although the authors noted that further research is needed.

A 2015 study suggested that maca root might help alleviate sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal people taking antidepressants.

Maca root may also offer benefits for people with erectile dysfunction (ED). A small 2009 study with 50 participants with ED examined the effects of consuming 2.4 grams of maca root daily for 12 weeks.

Participants who took maca reported a more noticeable improvement in sexual well-being compared to those who received a placebo.

Another common use of maca root is to enhance male fertility. A 2016 review found some evidence suggesting that maca root may improve semen quality. However, more research is needed.

It’s not all about sex, though. Maca has also been shown to reduce blood pressure levels and symptoms of depression in people who are postmenopausal.

Limited research has also shown that maca may have mood-boosting, anxiety-easing, and energizing properties.

Are there potential side effects or risks to consider?

Maca is considered safe for most people to consume.

Consult with a healthcare professional before using maca if you have:

upcoming lab tests to measure your testosterone levels
endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
thyroid disease

Due to a lack of existing information, it’s also best to avoid maca if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bonus recipe: Start your day with a maca latte

Ingredients

1 cup milk of choice (whole, coconut, almond, etc.)
1 tsp. maca powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
honey or liquid stevia, optional, to taste
pinch sea salt

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a small pot and bring to a low simmer, whisking to dissolve the maca and spices.
Once warmed, pour into a mug and sweeten to taste.
Top with additional cinnamon, if desired.

The bottom line

While the research is promising, more high quality studies are needed on humans to understand maca’s effects fully.

Existing studies used doses ranging from 3 to 3.5 grams daily, so you might consider taking 1 teaspoon, or 3.1 grams, of maca powder daily.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bower-Cargill C, et al. (2022). A systematic review of the versatile effects of the Peruvian Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii ) on sexual dysfunction, menopausal symptoms and related conditions.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031322001075
Brooks NA, et al. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18784609/
del Carpio, et al. (2024). Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910417/
Dording CM, et al. (2015). A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411442/
Gonzales GF, et al. (2002). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x
Lee MS, et al. (2016). The use of maca (Lepidium meyenii) to improve semen quality: A systematic review.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27621241/
Maca. (2023).https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maca
Shin B-C, et al. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928177/
Stojanovska L, et al. (2015). Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24931003/
Stone M, et al. (2009). A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874109005728
Zenico T, et al. (2009). Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x

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Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — Written by Tiffany La Forge — Updated on October 2, 2025

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