Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the body system: Hypothalamus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru and has been traditionally used for centuries as a food and for its purported medicinal properties. Among its traditional uses, maca is believed to support vitality, stamina, fertility, and hormonal balance. The connection to the hypothalamus is indirect; in traditional medicine, it is thought to help balance the endocrine system, which includes the hypothalamus as a key regulatory organ. However, historical records and ethnobotanical sources primarily emphasize its use for enhancing energy, sexual function, and mood, rather than directly targeting the hypothalamus.

From a scientific standpoint, studies on maca have focused on its effects on sexual function, mood, and energy levels, with some research suggesting that maca may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, robust clinical trials specifically linking maca to hypothalamic support or function are lacking. Thus, the rationale for using maca to support the hypothalamus is mostly traditional, based on its reputation for balancing hormones and promoting well-being. The direct scientific evidence for maca’s effect on the hypothalamus itself remains limited and inconclusive.

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