Maca is very nutritious with a good balance of starches, sugars and proteins. Maca root can be eaten dried or raw, or it can be baked, roasted or broiled. Cultivation of maca is becoming much more common due to interest in its medicinal properties in the U.S. and Europe.

Various scientists have analyzed the chemical composition of maca since at least the early 1980’s. The main chemicals present in maca include alkaloids, amino acids (including arginine and histidine), fatty acids, glucosinolates, iron, magnesium, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, and various vitamins. Out of these, at least one, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate has been shown to have aphrodisiacal properties.

Maca has a relatively high concentration of arginine, which plays a role in male fertility. The relatively high concentration of histidine may also be important, in both positive and negative ways. Histidine is used in the body to produce histamine, a compound important in the process of ejaculation. Histidine may be beneficial to women having trouble achieving orgasms, but it may be detrimental to men who suffer from premature ejaculation.

Several scientific studies have reported a positive effect of maca on fertility and sexual function in laboratory animals. Some researchers are skeptical of studies showing sexual benefits of maca, since animal behavioral studies can be easily manipulated to influence the outcome. Despite these reservations, some published reports provide evidence that maca can enhance libido and sexual functioning.

There are several reliable suppliers of maca supplement products. Commercial products are available as powders and as liquids, along with tablet and capsule forms. The capsules and pills are convenient for storage and travel, and the powder and liquid extracts can be blended with other foods and liquids. A typical dose of maca is a half gram (500 milligrams) taken with food three times per day. In some clinical trials, the doses given for short periods of time were higher than this, but there is inadequate data to provide a definite upper and lower limit.

Remember that maca is not a drug and will not work immediately like some chemicals that have a single mechanism of action and disappear from the body soon after dosing. Maca is a part of a holistic approach to sexual health and performance, and it may take up to several weeks to notice a significant effect.

It takes patience to wait for the benefits, but the good news is that once maca starts working, you will not have to worry about taking a pill just before you want to engage in sex. The beneficial effect for those people for whom maca works will be apparent without special boosting doses.

Maca has traditionally been used as a food ingredient and is considered safe for most people at very high doses. Controlled animal studies have shown that maca is safe at daily oral doses of 5 grams per kilogram of body weight. People with thyroid conditions should be careful using maca and should consult their doctor before trying it.

As with most nutritional supplements and herbal remedies, be aware that there are highly variable quality control procedures used (or not used) by the industry; watch out for unrealistic claims and hype; and be aware that just because something is “natural” does not guarantee that it is safe. Begin using a new product with caution until you are sure you have no harmful effects from it. Always be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions when trying any new food or nutritional supplement.

Maca is one among several herbal aphrodisiacs that are gaining in use. For an excellent discussion of other aphrodisiacs, along with crucial lifestyle factors in improving your sex life, read Better Sex — Naturally, a very inexpensive book that is a treasure trove of information.