Maca: An Andean crop with multi-pharmacological functions 

Yali Wang ^{a, b}, Yuchun Wang ^{a,  ,} , Brian McNeil ^{c, ,} and Linda M. Harvey ^c

^aState Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 353, Beijing 100080, PR China
^bGraduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
^cDepartment of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow G1 1XW, UK
Received 18 December 2006;  accepted 18 February 2007.  Available online 1 March 2007.

Abstract

Maca (Lepidium meyenii walp.), a biennial herbaceous plant of the family Brassicae, which is cultivated mainly in the central Andes of Peru, has been used as both a food and a traditional medicine in the region for over 2000 years. The subterranean parts of the plant have long been used as a staple foodstuff by indigenous peoples in the Andean region, but the plant is also valued for its medicinal role. As is usual with many traditional “folk” medicines, many claims have been made regarding the efficacy of maca in treating a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions. However, in the 20th century most scientific attention has been focused in the areas where the pharmacological actions of maca seem most strongly attested, these include, enhancement of sexual drive in humans, increasing overall vigour and energy levels, and increasing sexual fertility in humans and domestic livestock. Since the early days of the 20th century numerous scientific studies have been carried out into the basis of its pharmacological action in these areas. In this review, the composition and pharmacological function of maca are systematically discussed. Additionally, the current discussion surrounding its mode of action in the areas listed above is also presented.

Keywords: Composition; Maca ( Lepidium meyenii walp.); Pharmacological functions; Secondary metabolites; Toxicity