Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a member of the Brassica (mustard) family from high in the Andes Mountains. The root has long been used as an aphrodisiac or for fertility. In this study, maca was used by Caucasian males with mild erectile dysfunction (ED). The subjects received either 2,400 mg. of dry maca extract or placebo daily. The tests for International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) were administered.

The patients received either 1200 mg of dried maca powder or 1200 mg placebo, twice a day. Both, maca and placebo-treated subjects showed an improvement in IIEF-5 scores. The scores of the maca group were more significantly increased. Only, the maca group had a significant improvement in the physical and social well-being SAT-P scores.

Changes in blood hormonal levels were not seen in the subjects, even with maca therapy.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show a small, but, significant, improvement in general physical and sexual well-being in young Caucasian male adults with mild erectile dysfunction.

NOTE: Nitric oxide has an influence in erectile function and arginine treatment can be of benefit. Hyperprolactinemia (hyperprolactinaemia) can be a cause of erectile dysfunction. Read a review of the effects of maca.

Read how aromatase inhibitors can be used for erectile dysfunction.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on link to the author’s title of the article above.

PMID: 19260845.

Summary #367.