Maca to Get You in the Mood

Maca is a Peruvian plant (Lepidium meyenii) found in high-altitude areas of the Andes mountains and is rich in minerals, fatty acids and beneficial phytochemicals. It was used traditionally by South Americans to enhance fertility and improve sexual performance in both men and women. To test the effect of Maca on sexual desire, a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted on a group of men from 21 to 56 years old. Self-assessment of sexual desire was scored at four, eight and 12 weeks. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca starting at eight weeks of treatment.