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Maca Information

Researchers determine one mechanism of action of maca.

While it was evident that maca can enhance sperm counts, semen volume and libido, recent research failed to determine an action on various hormonal pathways to explain these benefits. Thus the mechanism of action remained elusive.

There are a number of studies performed within the Peruvian community that demonstrated that maca was able to prevent various pregnancy complications associated with high altitude – miscarriages, failure to conceive, fetal growth restriction and reduced litter size.

In separate studies the researchers determined that small birthweight and miscarriages was dictated by an over-active immune response and the excessive production of oxidants. They then evaluated maca for its antioxidant action and catechin content. The antioxidant action and catechin content were not consistent with the unique benefits. So they needed to look elsewhere.

The researchers then evaluated maca and maca extracts in farmed fish, specifically for actions on growth and mortality in very young rainbow trout. Since the growth of juvenile fish has a number of parallels with fetal growth, they noted that some extracts of maca accelerated the fish growth, reduced mortality and converted more feed into fish.

Since IGF-1 is the primary regulator of fish growth with comparable action in mammalian fetal growth, the researchers postulated that maca extracts promoted the production of IGF-1.

It is known that in humans IGF-1 is a major determinant of reproductive health with production declining with age.

As declining production of IGF-1 is associated with joint problems, the researchers linked these observations to a potential action of the expression of the IGF-1 gene in human cartilage. With collaboration of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the researchers confirmed that maca extracts activated IGF-1.

Maca Root