Evidence supporting the use of: Macaenes
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Macaenes, which are a class of bioactive compounds found in Maca (Lepidium meyenii), have traditionally been used as part of Maca root preparations in Peruvian folk medicine. Maca has a long history of use for enhancing fertility, energy, and hormonal balance, including alleviating symptoms related to the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The traditional use is rooted in indigenous Andean practices, where Maca is consumed as a food and natural remedy for reproductive health.
However, the specific use of macaenes, as isolated compounds, for PMS is not strongly supported by traditional records—rather, it is the whole Maca root that is referenced. Scientific investigations into Maca and its constituents, including macaenes, for PMS are limited. A few small clinical trials have suggested that Maca root may help reduce psychological symptoms of PMS, such as mood swings and anxiety, but these studies are few, often of low quality, and rarely focus on macaenes specifically. Most available evidence attributes potential benefits to the whole root, and not to isolated compounds like macaenes.
Overall, while there is a traditional precedent for using Maca (and thus macaenes by extension) for PMS, the scientific evidence is still preliminary and not robust. Hence, the justification is primarily traditional, and the evidence rating is low.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Macaenes
AmenorrheaAthletic and Exercise Aids
Energy (lack of)
Erectile Dysfunction
Fatigue
Infertility
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Testosterone (low)