Lepidium meyenii (Maca) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) — family Brassicacées.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 4 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The monograph draws on 168 scientific references recorded for the species.

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Note: scientific reference excerpts are kept in their original language (most often English), without translation, to respect the source text of publications.

1. Immunodeficiency : Plant part used: Root (tuber). Documented pharmacological profile: Ginseng-like.
   Selon Hajdu Z (2014) : The discovery of the interaction of plant-derived N-alkylamides (NAAs) & the mammalian endocannabinoid system (ECS) & the existence of a plant endogenous N-acylethanolamine signaling system have led to the re-evaluation of this group of compounds. The pronounced ECS polypharmacology of compound 7 highlights the potential involvement of the arachidonoyl-mimicking 9Z,12Z double-bond system in the linoleoyl group for the overall cannabimimetic action of NAAs.
2. Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women : Plant part used: Hypocotyl. Documented pharmacological profile: 5-FU (Fluoro-Uracile)-like.
   Selon Zhang Y (2006) : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Maca on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Selon ZHANG Y (2014) : It is proposed that LM may become a potential choice for postmenopausal women.
3. Cancer : Plant part used: Hypocotyl.
   Selon Gonzales GF (2005) : Epidemiological studies have found that consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Red Maca also prevented the prostate weight increase induced by TE treatment. Selon Gonzalez C (2011) : Red maca (RM) extract significantly reduced prostate size in rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by testosterone enanthate (TE).

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use and full scientific references are available in the complete monograph.

Photo credit : Photo by Vahe Martirosyan without modification (CC BY 2.0). License : CC BY 2.0.