ოთხშაბათი, აპრილი 15, 2026
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Global Ingredient Risk Index Botanical

Maca

Lepidium meyenii

Also known as: Peruvian ginseng, Lepidium peruvianum, Maca root, Maka, Maino

LOW RISK 2.5/10 How?

Evidence Strength: LIMITED

This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 2.5/10). The classification is based on mechanistic and clinical evidence: maca is believed to exert its effects through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal….

02

Safety Profile

Common Adverse Effects

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • increased heart rate

Serious Adverse Effects

  • Allergic reactions
  • thyroid dysfunction
  • hormonal imbalance

Contraindications

  • Thyroid disorders
  • hormone-sensitive conditions
  • hypertension
  • People taking Thyroid medications
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03

Interactions

Drug / Nutrient Interaction Mechanism Warning
Thyroid medications potential interference — monitor thyroid function. Antidepressants: possible synergistic effect — use with caution. Anticoagulants: may affect bleeding risk — monitor coagulation parameters. Monitor
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04

Evidence and Scientific Findings

Overview

Ingredient Overview

Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. It is commonly used in dietary supplements for its purported benefits in enhancing energy, stamina, and sexual health. Traditionally, maca has been consumed as a food source and for its medicinal properties by indigenous populations.
Classification

Biological and Chemical Classification

Chemical Class
Glucosinolate
Biological Class
Adaptogen
Natural Source
Lepidium meyenii, root
Scientific Name
Lepidium meyenii
Chemical Formula
C27H40O3
CAS Number
Not applicable
Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Maca is believed to exert its effects through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, enhancing the body's ability to adapt to stress. It may influence hormonal balance by acting on the endocrine system, although it does not contain phytoestrogens. The root contains macamides and macaenes, which are thought to be responsible for its energy-boosting properties.
Clinical Evidence

Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness

Indication Evidence Level Summary
General Moderate Clinical studies on maca are limited but suggest potential benefits in improving sexual desire and fertility, particularly in men. Some trials indicate improvements in mood and energy levels, though results are inconsistent. The majority of studies are small-scale and short-term, necessitating further research to confirm these findings.
Evidence levels: Strong Moderate Limited Experimental
Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Maca is generally consumed as a powder or extract, with its active compounds absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of maca's active components is not well-documented, and its onset of action may vary depending on the form consumed.
Distribution
Once absorbed, maca's active compounds are distributed throughout the body. There is limited information on its volume of distribution and protein binding properties.
Metabolism
Maca is metabolized in the liver, though specific metabolic pathways and enzymes involved are not well-characterized. Its active constituents, such as macamides, may undergo biotransformation to exert their effects.
Excretion
Excretion of maca's metabolites is primarily through the renal route, with urinary excretion being the main pathway. The exact metabolites excreted in urine have not been extensively studied.
Dosage

Recommended Dosage

Condition / Use Typical Dose
Energy enhancement 1.5-3 grams daily. Sexual health: 1.5-3 grams daily. Mood improvement: 1.5-3 grams daily.

Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.

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05

SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index

SETI Score 54/100
Risk Level High risk
Scientific Confidence Low
Evidence Strength Limited
Key Benefit Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru.
Key Safety Concern Maca is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed in moderate amounts. However, individuals with thyroid disorders should exercise caution due to maca's goitrogenic potential. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use. There are no significant regulatory warnings associated with maca.
Evidence Reviewed 10 PubMed studies
Scientific Confidence Low
Based on study quality, consistency, and recency

Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment

SETI Score 54/100
Risk Level High risk
Evidence Strength Limited
Main Benefit Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru.
Main Safety Concern Maca is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed in moderate amounts. However, individuals with thyroid disorders should exercise caution due to maca's goitrogenic potential. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use. There are no significant regulatory warnings associated with maca.
Ingredient Maca
Scientific name Lepidium meyenii
Scientific Evidence Overview
  • 10 studies reviewed
  • 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
  • Main clinical benefit observed: Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru.
  • Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
Safety Signals
  • Maca is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed in moderate amounts. However, individuals with thyroid disorders should exercise caution due to maca's goitrogenic potential. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use. There are no significant regulatory warnings associated with maca.
Evidence Strength Limited
Regulatory Status
  • USA/FDA — Approved
Final Scientific Assessment

The available scientific evidence for Maca indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.

Ingredient Maca
Evidence reviewed 10 peer-reviewed studies (last 10 years)
Scientific name Lepidium meyenii
54 /100

Total SETI Score

High risk
Evidence quality 14/40
Evidence consistency 20/20
Safety signals 0/20
Study recency 10/10
Evidence transparency 10/10

Evidence Summary

  • 10 studies reviewed
  • 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
  • 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
  • 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)

Evidence Policy

Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.

Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:00

Evidence Distribution

1 Randomized clinical trials
1 Animal studies
8 Other / unclassified
  1. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as a Functional Food and Dietary Supplement: A Review on Analytical Studies. ↗
    PMID 41596907 ↗
    Journal Foods
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41596907/
    Wasilewicz A et al.. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as a Functional Food and Dietary Supplement: A Review on Analytical Studies.. Foods. 2026. PMID:41596907.
  2. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Analysis of Macamides and Macaenes in Maca from Different Origins. ↗
    PMID 41575064 ↗
    Journal J Chromatogr Sci
    Year 2026
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41575064/
    Yan S et al.. Analysis of Macamides and Macaenes in Maca from Different Origins.. J Chromatogr Sci. 2026. PMID:41575064.
  3. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Purification of Lepidilines A, B, C, and D from Lepidium meyenii Walpers by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Followed by Semi-Preparative HPLC and Preliminary… ↗
    PMID 41302419 ↗
    Journal Molecules
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41302419/
    Tarabasz D et al.. Purification of Lepidilines A, B, C, and D from Lepidium meyenii Walpers by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Followed by Semi-Preparative HPLC and Preliminary Evaluation of Anticancer Activity Against Neuroblastoma Cell Lines.. Molecules. 2025. PMID:41302419.
  4. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Antinociceptive Effects of Peruvian Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.). ↗
    PMID 41154523 ↗
    Journal Antioxidants (Basel)
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41154523/
    Quispe-Du00edaz IM et al.. Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Antinociceptive Effects of Peruvian Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.).. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025. PMID:41154523.
  5. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Lepidium meyenii Walpers Promotes the Regeneration of Salivary Gland and Prevents Xerostomia After Irradiation Injury. ↗
    PMID 41097111 ↗
    Journal Nutrients
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41097111/
    Tsai YT et al.. Lepidium meyenii Walpers Promotes the Regeneration of Salivary Gland and Prevents Xerostomia After Irradiation Injury.. Nutrients. 2025. PMID:41097111.
  6. Randomized clinical trial MEDIUM evidence YELLOW
    The Impact of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) Supplementation on Basketball-related Performance and Antifatigue Ability: A Double-blind Crossover Study. ↗
    PMID 40960048 ↗
    Journal J Physiol Investig
    Year 2025
    Study type Randomized clinical trial
    Evidence strength MEDIUM evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40960048/
    Wu PS et al.. The Impact of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) Supplementation on Basketball-related Performance and Antifatigue Ability: A Double-blind Crossover Study.. J Physiol Investig. 2025. PMID:40960048.
  7. Animal study LOW evidence YELLOW
    Structural characterization of six new Lepidium meyenii polysaccharides and their effects on gut microbiota in vitro. ↗
    PMID 40609940 ↗
    Journal Int J Biol Macromol
    Year 2025
    Study type Animal study
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40609940/
    Wu ZW et al.. Structural characterization of six new Lepidium meyenii polysaccharides and their effects on gut microbiota in vitro.. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025. PMID:40609940.
  8. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Lipid nanoparticles from L. meyenii Walp mitigate sepsis through multimodal protein corona formation. ↗
    PMID 40496000 ↗
    Journal Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40496000/
    Sung JJ et al.. Lipid nanoparticles from L. meyenii Walp mitigate sepsis through multimodal protein corona formation.. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 2025. PMID:40496000.
  9. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome provides novel insights into the response mechanisms of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) to UV-B radiation. ↗
    PMID 40483779 ↗
    Journal Ecotoxicol Environ Saf
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40483779/
    Yu Z et al.. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome provides novel insights into the response mechanisms of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) to UV-B radiation.. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025. PMID:40483779.
  10. Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW
    Structure-toxicity relationships and enhanced acaricidal efficacy of phenylacetonitrile and nitrile derivatives against four mite species. ↗
    PMID 40478427 ↗
    Journal Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
    Year 2025
    Study type Observational / other
    Evidence strength LOW evidence
    PubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40478427/
    Lee NH et al.. Structure-toxicity relationships and enhanced acaricidal efficacy of phenylacetonitrile and nitrile derivatives against four mite species.. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025. PMID:40478427.
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06

Score Transparency

Q × L × D × S × 10 = 2.5 / 10

The GIRI Score is the product of four independently computed evidence components, each normalised to 0–1, then scaled to 0–10. Every component is derived exclusively from peer-reviewed references and regulatory data — no editorial judgement is applied.

Q
Evidence Quantity 0 / 10
0%

0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.

Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)

L
Evidence Quality 5 / 10
50%

Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies

Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.

D
Evidence Direction 5 / 10
Benefit
Risk
50%

Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals

Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.

S
Safety Signals 5 / 10
50%

One or more monitoring-level safety signals active

Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.

0Q × 5L × 5D × 5S = 2.5 / 10

Final GIRI Score for Maca. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.

Full methodology & data sources

The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.

  • References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
  • Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
  • Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
  • Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
07

Risk Level Classification

LOW RISK 2.5/10

Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.

LOW
0–3.0
MODERATE
3.0–5.5
HIGH
5.5–7.5
CRITICAL
7.5–10
2.5

The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.

What drove the Low classification for Maca

GIRI Score 2.5 / 10

A score of 2.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.

Evidence Quantity (Q) 0 / 10 refs

0 approved references.

Evidence Quality (L) 50%

Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).

Evidence Direction (D) 50% toward risk

Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.

Safety Signals (S) 0 active signals

No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.

Regulatory Status 1 jurisdiction with restrictions

1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.

How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?

The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:

LevelScoreMeaning
LOW0.0 – 2.9Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts.
MODERATE3.0 – 5.4Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups.
HIGH5.5 – 7.4Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended.
CRITICAL7.5 – 10Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision.

Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.

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