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- Maca (Lepidium peruvianum)
- Menopause
| Date: 02-27-2009 | HC# 020391-371 |
Re: Peruvian Maca Extract Used to Treat Symptoms of Menopause
Hudson T. Maca: new insights on an ancient plant. Integrative Med. Dec 2008/Jan 2009;7(6): 54-57.
The author, a naturopathic
physician and professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in
Portland, Oregon, reviews the Peruvian herb maca (Lepidium peruvianum),
which she has been prescribing for more than 15 years for common perimenopausal
and menopausal symptoms. She examines the different types of maca, history of
maca research, the health benefits of maca, and clinical evidence of its
efficacy.
The maca species L.
meyenii grows all over several South American countries, but the recently
differentiated Peruvian maca species L. peruvianum grows only in Peru. In the
early 1960s, Peruvian scientist, Gloria Chacón, PhD, presented a dissertation
on maca root, which led to the eventual identification of over a dozen
different Peruvian maca phenotypes as well as identification of the regions in Peru where
these phenotypes grow. L. peruvianum has 13 different phenotypes
corresponding to different colors, some of them containing unique DNA profiles
and distribution patterns of active constituents, says the author.
Earlier, in 1843, the species
L. meyenii had been described by botanist Gerhard Walpers. However, Dr.
Chacón suggested, and herbalists around the world have agreed, that the
cultivated maca of Peru
(L. peruvianum) is a unique species. L.
peruvianum is now accepted by many as the species name for medicinal maca
from Peru.
Though it may be confusing, says the author, "it is critical for a
practitioner to investigate the source of the maca used as from Peru and/or
ensure it is identified and labeled as L. peruvianum."
Maca has been found to be
rich in minerals (with high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium,
silica, manganese, copper, zinc, vanadium, and others) and also contains
thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, proteins, carbohydrates, lignans,
glucosinolates, phytosterols, and alkaloids.1 The alkaloids in its
root are believed largely responsible for its traditional healing use, possibly
benefiting the endocrine and reproductive systems by influencing such disorders
as chronic fatigue, anemia, and infertility, and aiding in enhanced stamina and
"female hormone balance."1
Traditionally used as an
adaptogenic plant, maca aids the body in dealing with physiological,
biochemical, and psychological stressors. Its adaptogenic properties represent
an alternative approach to managing symptoms of menopause, says the author.
Researchers theorize that maca stimulates hormonal reserves by strengthening
the body's ability to regain and maintain hormonal homeostasis in the face of
stressors.2 Other adaptogens have been used by herbal and
alternative practitioners for years, but the extent of maca's effects on the
range of menopausal symptoms has not been documented in studies of these other
adaptogenic herbs. According to the author, this suggests that maca may be
unique in its adaptogenic menopausal effects.
The author cites research on
perimenopausal and menopausal women using two grams daily of a proprietary maca
product (Maca-GO™; Natural Health International; San Francisco, CA),
which found that maca can increase the body's production of estrogen and lower
its levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone. It also helped
alleviate numerous menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, insomnia,
depression, and nervousness.2 Other research cited, which was
conducted on the composition of various powdered preparations of maca root,
reported that the herb does not contain plant estrogen or hormones. Some
researchers suggest that maca's therapeutic actions rely on plant sterols stimulating
the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, and ovarian glands, and therefore also
affecting the thyroid and pineal glands.3 As such, says the author,
maca tends to treat menopausal symptoms as a whole and not any one specific
menopausal symptom.
The author reports that the
most common symptoms of menopause she sees in her patients are hot flashes,
mood swings, and low energy. She prescribes Maca-GO, one gram twice a day, for
perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients, and reports an onset of benefits
within two to three weeks, although some patients require treatment for two to
three months (depending on the patient's overall health and prior prescription
history). Benefits include a remarkable reduction in the number of hot flashes,
an overall improvement in mood (less depression and irritability), and
increased energy levels.
Much research is still
needed, says the author, to clarify the role of exogenous estradiol (via
prescription) versus endogenous estradiol (produced by the body) in general, and,
specifically, for patients in whom exogenous estrogen is questionable or even
contraindicated. With confusion and inconsistency looming over the benefits and
risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, "it behooves us to seek
the lowest dose and the most gentle, least invasive approach to achieve the
identified goals—whether these be relief of symptoms, prevention of bone loss,
or protection of cardiovascular health," writes the author. Maca research
should influence the optimal strategy for treating the symptoms of menopause,
especially when trying to minimize unnecessary long-term exposure to exogenous
estrogens.
The author also includes a
sidebar on current supply issues relating to the commercial use of maca.
"Some of the product previously and currently available in the United
States may contain less than a therapeutically useful dose" and "may
not contain the appropriate combination of phenotypes to elicit the desired
gender-, age-, and symptom-related physiological responses, or the product may
simply contain the wrong plant." She recommends that practitioners check
into the ethics of the companies selling and manufacturing maca products.
―Shari Henson
References
1 Chacon G. Maca (Lepidium
peruvianum Chacon). 1st ed. Lima,
Peru: Grafica
Mundo; 2001.
2 Meissner HO, Mscisz A,
Reich-Bilinska R, et al. Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic
maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical response of
early-postmenopausal women to maca in a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study. Int J
Biomedical Sci. 2006;2(4):375-394.
3 Walker M. Effect of Peruvian maca on hormonal
functions. Townsend Lett. Nov 1998:18-22.
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