Potentially bioactive ingredients that are unique to maca include macaridine, macaenes (fatty acids), macamides, and maca alkaloids. Maca contains glucosinolates, such as glucoalyssin, glucosinalbin, glucobrassicanapin, glucobrassicin, glucoaubrietin and benzyl glucosinolate. Maca also contains sterols, such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. The amounts of these ingredients vary between different growers, different colors, and different batches of maca. Although mechanisms of action are largely unknown, some theorize that these ingredients may play a role in maca’s purported effects on fertility (reproductive health), sexual drive, hormonal balance, and immune function.[1][2]
References
- ^Gonzales GFEthnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2012)
- ^Valerio LG, Gonzales GFToxicological aspects of the South American herbs cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Maca (Lepidium meyenii) : a critical synopsis.Toxicol Rev.(2005)