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Maca
  • Natural Products (Consumer)

Maca

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2022.

What are other common names?

  • Ayak Chichira
  • Ayuk Willku
  • Ginseng Andin
  • Ginseng Péruvien
  • Lepidium Meyenii
  • Lepidium Peruvianum
  • Maca Maca
  • Maca Péruvien
  • Maino
  • Maka
  • Peruvian Ginseng
  • Peruvian Maca

What is this product used for?

Maca may help improve sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men. It may also help with the quality of sperm.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

  • Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

  • Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

  • Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

  • Peru Maca products have been found to illegally contain the drug sildenafil. This is the drug in Viagra. Do not use Peru Maca.

  • Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

    • Thyroid problems

    • Hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer or fibroids

When do I need to call the doctor?

  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Signs of low blood pressure like feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

  • Painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours in duration.

Where can I learn more?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/public-notification-peru-maca-contains-hidden-drug-ingredient

Last Reviewed Date

2022-04-08

Consumer information use

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

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