Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes mountains of Peru and has a long history of traditional use as a food and medicinal plant. Traditionally, maca has been consumed to promote stamina, energy, and general vitality, which in turn is sometimes associated with improved physical performance and muscle function. Historical records and ethnobotanical reports indicate that Incan warriors consumed maca root to enhance strength and endurance, and it has been used by local populations to help with fatigue and improve resilience.
However, direct evidence supporting its use specifically for improving muscle tone (the state of partial contraction or firmness of muscles) is minimal. While some traditional uses infer benefits for physical strength or endurance, these are not equivalent to clinical evidence for muscle tone enhancement. A small number of modern studies have explored maca’s effects on energy, mood, and athletic performance, but robust clinical research examining its effects on muscle tone is lacking. Most available evidence is either anecdotal or derived from animal studies rather than rigorously controlled human trials. As such, while maca is traditionally used with the implication of supporting muscle function, the scientific substantiation for its efficacy in improving or treating lack of muscle tone is weak.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Eurycomanone
Egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Fish
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
Other health conditions supported by maca
Adrenal FatigueAmenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Hot Flashes
Infertility
Insomnia
Irritability
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mental Illness
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Nocturnal Emission
Osteoporosis
PMS (general)
Progesterone (low)
Puberty (hormone balancer)
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Testosterone (low)