Article

Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii

December 1994
Food Chemistry 49(4):347-349

Authors:

University of Salerno

Lepidium meyenii Walpers, a tuber of Andine origin still cultivated in Peru for local preparation, was studied. The carbohydrate, lipid, protein, fibre and also the amino-acid, fatty acid, mineral and sterol fractions were determined. The results show that the tuber is nutritionally interesting. Alkaloid-like compounds were also found. It is concluded that this tuber can be a food source in countries, where economic and technological conditions are inadequate to combat malnutrition.

Impact of Lepidium meyenii Roots Addition on Reproductive Hormones and Some Productive Traits in Awassi Male Lambs

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2023

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of addition of black Maca ( Lepidium meyenii ) roots powder on luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, thyroxine and growth hormone (GH) concentrations, and some productive traits like body weight and body condition score (BCS) in Awassi lambs. In this study, 32 Awassi male lambs 8-month-olds were divided randomly into two treatment groups (16 lambs each): first group lambs were fed basal ration plus 1g/head/day of black Maca roots powder (T1), while the second group lambs were fed basal ration only (T2), the duration of study was two months. Results revealed that LH, FSH, testosterone and GH concentrations were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in lambs fed black Maca roots powder than those fed basal ration only. Furthermore, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) in lambs fed black Maca roots powder were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in those fed basal ration only. In conclusion, addition of black Maca roots powder improved reproductive hormone concentrations as well as growth hormone concentrations and enhanced body weight in Awassi male lambs.

Stem cell induction and plant regeneration are affected by medium components in maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp)

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2023
MOL BIOL REP

Background In medicinal plants, selection, reproduction and preservation of important genotypes are very necessary. Nowadays, using tissue culture and regeneration techniques of medicinal plants under in vitro conditions has been able to proliferate medicinal plants widely, which is much higher than traditional methods of vegetative propagation. Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is an industrial plant whose root is the usable part. Maca has valuable medicinal effects such as sexual enhancement and reproductive power, infertility treatment, improved sperm count and quality, anti-stress, osteoporosis prevention and more. Methods and results This study was conducted to induce callus and regeneration of Maca. First, MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of Kinetin, Naphthaleneacetic acid and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [0.5, 1 and 2 µM respectively] and control were compared for callus induction from root and leaves. After 38 days of incubation, the first callus appeared, after 50 days of callus induction and after 79 days regeneration occurred. The callus induction experiment was performed for the study of the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) and seven hormone levels. The regeneration experiment was carried out by studying the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) on eight levels of the hormone. The results of data analysis on callus induction showed that the effects of explants, hormones and their interactions on callus induction percentage were highly significant but not significant on callus growth rate. The results of regression analysis showed that explants, hormones and their interactions had no significant effect on regeneration percentage. Conclusion Based on our results, the best medium for inducing callus was Hormone 2,4-D [2 µM] and Kinetin [0.5 µM], in which the highest percentage of callus induction was in leaf explants (62%). And the lowest were in stem (30%) and root (27%) explants. According to the comparison of the mean, the best environment for regeneration of the environment was 4 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine 2.5 + Thidiazuron, in which the highest percentage of regeneration was in leaf explant (87%) and stem (69%) and the lowest in root explant (12). %).

Current Naturopathy to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2022

Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, which may ultimately involve cell death. The most common neurodegenerative disorder in the brain happens with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is the most common cause of dementia. It ultimately leads to neuronal death, thereby impairing the normal functionality of the central or peripheral nervous system. The onset and prevalence of AD involve heterogeneous etiology, either in terms of genetic predisposition, neuro-metabolomic malfunctioning, or lifestyle. The worldwide relevancies are estimated to be over 45 million people. The rapid increase in AD has led to a concomitant increase in the research work, directed towards the discovery of a lucrative cure for AD. The neuropathology of AD comprises the deficiency in the availability of neurotransmitters and important neurotrophic factors in the brain, extracellular beta-amyloid plaque depositions, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Current pharmaceutical interventions utilizing synthetic drugs have manifested resistance and toxicity problems. This has led to the quest for new pharmacotherapeutic candidates naturally prevalent in phyto chemicals. This review aims to provide an elaborative description of promising phyto component entities having activities against various potential AD targets. Therefore, naturopathy may combine with synthetic chemotherapeutics to longer the survival of the patients. PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qlZfRfHmME

Simultaneous extraction of proteins and carbohydrates, including phenolics, antioxidants, and macamide B from Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2021

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used for nutritional and traditional purposes, owing to its chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to develop and optimize a maceration-based method for the simultaneous extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFs), radical-scavenging activity (RSA), soluble proteins (SPs), total sugars (TSs), reducing sugars (RSs), and macamide B from maca using 95% ethanol and acidified ethanol. The effects of extraction parameters, including temperature, solvent-to-solid ratio, time, and acid concentration, on the extraction yield of TPCs, TFs, RSA, SPs, TSs, RSs, and macamide B were investigated. Optimal extraction was achieved at 40-60°C for 5-7.5 h with the solvent-to-solid ratio of 100:10. The addition of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to ethanol significantly improved the extraction yield, and maximum extraction was achieved using 1 N HCl in ethanol. The RSA of the ethanolic extracts showed a significant linear correlation (p<0.001) with total extraction yield, TPCs, SPs, and TSs. These results imply that polyphenolic compounds, SPs/peptides, and polysaccharides are important determinants for the antioxidant function of maca. The optimized condition may be employed in nutraceutical industries to extract bioactive compounds from maca.

Comparison between the Biological Active Compounds in Plants with Adaptogenic Properties (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng)

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022

Background: In the 1960s, research into plant adaptogens began. Plants with adaptogenic properties have rich phytochemical compositions and have been used by humanity since ancient times. However, it is not still clear whether the adaptogenic properties are because of specific compounds or because of the whole plant extracts. The aim of this review is to compare the bioactive compounds in the different parts of these plants. Methods: The search strategy was based on studies related to the isolation of bioactive compounds from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Results: This review includes data from 259 articles. The phytochemicals isolated from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng were described and classified in several categories. Conclusions: Plant species have always played an important role in drug discovery because their effectiveness is based on the hundreds of years of experience with folk medicine in different nations. In our view, there is great potential in the near future for some of the phytochemicals found in these plants species to become pharmaceutical agents.

Stem Cell Induction and Plant Regeneration Are Affected By Medium Components in Maca (Lepidium Meyenii Walp)

Preprint

Full-text available

Oct 2021

Selection, propagation and conservation of important genotypes are important in medicinal-industrial plants. Nowadays, using tissue culture and regeneration techniques of medicinal plants under in vitro conditions has been able to proliferate medicinal plants widely, which is much higher than traditional methods of vegetative propagation. Maca ( Lepidium meyenii ), is an industrial plant whose root is the usable part. Maca has valuable medicinal effects such as sexual enhancement and reproductive power, infertility treatment, improved sperm count and quality, anti-stress, osteoporosis prevention and more. This study was conducted to induce callus and regeneration of Maca. First, MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of Kinetin, NAA and 2,4-D (0.5, 1 and 2 μM respectively) and control were compared for callus induction from root and leaves. After 38 days of incubation, the first callus appeared, after 50 days of callus induction and after 79 days regeneration occurred. The callus induction experiment was performed for the study of the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) and seven hormone levels. The regeneration experiment was carried out by studying the effect of three explants (leaf, stem and root) on eight levels of the hormone. The results of data analysis on callus induction showed that the effects of explants, hormones and their interactions on callus induction percentage were highly significant but not significant on callus growth rate. The results of regression analysis showed that explants, hormones and their interactions had no significant effect on regeneration percentage.

Superfoods - maca

Article

Apr 2021

Nootropic Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees as Potential Cognitive Enhancers

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2023

Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood's rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain's oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.

Efect of maca powder supplementation to growing quail diets on performance, carcass, serum constituents and hormones, and bone and ileum characteristics

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2022
TROP ANIM HEALTH PRO

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of maca powder supplementation (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg) in the diet on performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical constituents and hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical properties, and ileum histomorphology in growing Japanese quails. In this 42-day trial, a total of 480 mixed sex Japanese quail chicks, aged 1 day, were randomly distributed among six experimental groups. Each experimental group contained four replicates of 20 chicks each. The addition of 2.0 g/kg of maca powder to the diet significantly decreased body weight, body weight gain compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, with the 1.5 g/kg level of maca powder, feed efficiency improved considerably (P < 0.05). The testis weight increased significantly with the addition of maca powder at 1.0 g/kg level to the diet, and testesteron concentration of serum in male quails was also increased significantly at 1.5 g/kg level of maca powder compared to control group (P < 0.05). The addition of 2.5 g/kg level of maca powder significantly reduced the cholesterol concentration of serum in male quails compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The administration of 2.0 g/kg level of maca powder to the diet caused a decrease in shear force (P < 0.05). The addition of maca powder to the diet significantly increased crypt depth and villus surface area at 0.5 g/kg level, villus width at 1.0 g/kg level, and villus height at 2.0 g/kg level in growing quails (P < 0.05). According to the results obtained from the present research, it can be said that the addition up to 2.0 g/kg maca powder to growing quail diets could improve feed efficiency, testesteron concentration of serum, and ileum properties.

First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2022
Vet. World

Background and aim: Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls. Materials and methods: Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 mg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen-thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa. Results: The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, and at 1 mg/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation. Conclusion: The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen-thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.

Effect of maca powder supplementation to growing quail diets on performance, carcass, serum constituents and hormones, and bone and ileum characteristics

Preprint

Full-text available

Mar 2022

This study research was carried out to determine the effects of the supplementation of maca powder at different levels to the diet on performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical constituents and hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical properties and ileum histomorphology in Japanese growing quails. In the study, a total of 480 day-old and mixed sex Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed to six treatment groups with four subgroups. Experimental diets were formulated by adding 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg maca powder to the basal diet. At the end of the experiment, the body weight and body weight gain increased linearly with the addition of maca powder up to 1.0 g/kg to the diet, feed conversion ratio was also linearly affected and improved significantly at 1.5 g/kg compared to other groups. While the treatments did not affect the slaughtering parameters except for testis weight, testis weight improved linearly with addition of increased levels of maca powder. In female quails, albumin level of the serum decreased linearly with the addition of maca powder to the diet, while in males, triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased linearly, and albumin, calcium, phosphorus levels were also affected quadratically.While serum hormone concentrations were not affected by the treatments in females, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising-hormone were quadratically affected in male quails, and testosterone concentrated linearly with increased levels of maca, and also reached the highest value at 2.5 g/kg. Shear force and shear stress were positively affected by the addition of maca powder up to 1.0 g/kg to the diet, while negatively affected by higher maca powder levels. Villus height, villus width, crypth depth, and villus surface area increased linearly with the administration of maca powder at increased levels to the diet, and the best result was obtained at the level of 2.0 g/kg in these parameters. According to the results obtained from the present research, it can be said that the addition up to 2.0 g/kg maca powder to growing quail diets could be improve performance, serum hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical traits, and ileum parameters.

Comprehensive Profiling of Macamides and Fatty Acid Derivatives in Maca with Different Postharvest Drying Processes Using UPLC-QTOF-MS

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2021

Macamides are characteristically found in maca (Lepidium meyenii Walper). Fatty acid derivatives are also an important type of constituent in maca, since they not only relate to the biosynthesis of macamides in the postharvest process but also possess some bioactivities. To study their comprehensive profiles in maca tubers processed via the air-drying method, ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) analyses were performed to identify macamide and fatty acid molecules. Their contents in maca tubers that were processed via air drying and freeze drying, respectively, were further quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses comparing with eight macamide and three fatty acid reference standards. A total of 19 macamides (including four novel ones) and 16 fatty acid derivatives (two found in maca for the first time) were identified. Quantification analyses results showed the eight macamides with contents ranging from 31.39 to 1163.19 μg/g (on dry tuber), and fatty acids from 18.71 to 181.99 μg/g in the air-dried maca, but there were only three macamides and one fatty acid detected with very low contents (3.97–34.36 μg/g) in the freeze-dried maca. The results demonstrated that the air-drying method can increase the accumulations of macamides and fatty acids in the metabolism of maca in the postharvest process. The biosynthesis of two types of macamides, i.e., N-benzyl-oxo-octadecadienamides and N-benzyl-oxo-octadecatrienamides, was further elucidated in detail. These results provide more valuable insights into the phytochemicals of maca, which is helpful to explain its health benefits.

An overview of the history, current strategies, and potential future treatment approaches in erectile dysfunction: a comprehensive review

Article

Apr 2023

Abstract Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common urologic problems in men worldwide, with an approximately high incidence rate, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and their sexual partners. Objectives: Due to the association of this disorder with essential diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, its prevention and treatment are vital for overall human physiologic and psychological health. Along with reviewing the history of treatment and current methods, we seek new approaches to curb this issue in the future. Methods: In this review, investigations were based on the focus of each section’s content or conducted on an ad hoc basis. Searches were performed in Scopus and PubMed. Results: In recent years, many treatments for ED have been reported besides oral administration of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil (approved by the Food and Drug Administration). Common oral medications, intracavernous injections, herbal therapies (eg, herbal phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors), and topical/transdermal medications are routine ED treatment approaches. Moreover, some novel medications are innovative candidates for completing ED’s treatment protocols: stem cell injection, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, gene therapy, amniotic fluid matrices, rho-kinase inhibitors, melanocortin receptor antagonists, maxi-K channel activators (ie, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels), guanylate cyclase activators, and nitric oxide donors. Conclusion: Due to the importance of this complicated problem in men’s society, a faster course of treatment trends toward new methods is needed to increase efficiency. Combining the mentioned treatments and attentively examining their efficacy through programmed clinical trials can be a big step toward solving this global problem.

Studies on nutritional and medicinal properties of chamomile flower, pumpkin fruit and maca root

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2024

Medicines derived from medicinal plants are effective and safe, providing significant nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional and medicinal values of chamomile flower, pumpkin fruit, and mace root. Standard methods were used to analyze the proximate and mineral compositions. By using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, antioxidant activity was evaluated. The exotic plants showed significant variations in moisture contents: chamomile (14.89%), pumpkin (89.22%), and maca (7.70%). Ash content: chamomile (8.26%), pumpkin (0.79%), and maca (4.39%). Crude fiber content: chamomile (13.89%), pumpkin (0.87%), and maca (4.24%) and Lipid content: chamomile; (10.89%), pumpkin (1.55%), maca (17.39%). Protein content:;: chamomile (19.06%) pumpkin (3.06%) and maca (21.39%). Carbohydrate content: chamomile (33.16%), pumpkin (4.46%) and maca (44.84%), The crude methanol extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 66.75 µg/ml (pumpkin), 32.99µg/ml (chamomile), and 84.55µg/ml (maca). Pumpkin, maca and chamomile powders were rich in essential elements like Na, K, Fe, Ca, Mn and Zn. The study revealed the nutritional and medicinal potential of chamomile, pumpkin and maca powders, making them suitable for practical applications. The detected phyto-constituents may be responsible for the plants' ethno-medicinal properties. These findings provide a scientific basis for the use of these plants in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluación del efecto antioxidante de hojas de Lepidium peruvianum Chacón, "Maca"

Article

Jun 2008

La maca crece en los departamentos alto andinos, de la Cordillera de los Andes del Perú, entre 3500 y 4700 m.s.n.m.Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto antioxidante de las hojas de Lepidium peruvianum Chacon, “Maca”.Materiales y Método: Se utilizaron hojas de maca, molidas, de la zona de Junín, a partir de las cuales se prepararon, por maceración, 3 extractos : 1) en éter etílico (EEE), 2) en agua destilada (EAD) y 3) en alcohol etílico (EAE) . Posteriormente fueron filtrados y evaporados en un Rotavapor Laborota 4003, Heidolph. La evaluación del efecto antioxidante, se realizó por el método de DPPH, comparando el coeficiente de inhibición-50 (IC50) con la Vitamina C.Resultados: La captación de radicales libres (%) a 100 ug/m fue: EEE=99.63 , EAE=94.87, EAD= 99.37 , VIT C=, 94.72, a 50 ug/ml : EEE=96.83 , EAE=89.93, EAD= 86.57, VIT C= 93.69 , a 25ug/ml : EEE= 95.24, EAE=90.84, EAD= 78.02, VIT C=84.63, a 1 ug/ml: EEE=92.31, EAE=94.87, EAD= 35.53, VIT C=84.01. Asimismo, encontramos que el IC-50 (ug/ml) fue: EEE= 63.78, EAE=249, EAD= 75.29, VIT C= 1.76.Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran la capacidad antioxidante de Lepidium peruvianum Chacón, la que podría estar relacionada con la presencia de flavonoides (quercetina) y de antocianinas, entre otros compuestos.

ENHANCING ANTIOXIDANT STATUS, PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE FOR POST-MOLT BROILER BREEDERS BY USING MACA POWDER (LEPIDIUM MEYENII)

Article

Jan 2024
CHELONIAN CONSERV BI

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of using Maca powder (Lepidium meyenii) in the diet on egg production traits, fertility, hatching characteristics, and some blood parameters for broiler breeders (Arbor-Acres Plus) post-molting. A total of 180 Females and 15 Males, 62 weeks old, Arbor Acres Plus broiler breeders were induced to forced molting with ZnO in diet with a moderate decrease in lighting schedule from 16 to 8 h and feed restriction at 50 g/bird daily. Post-molting birds were randomly divided into three groups according to Maca powder as follows: the 1 st group (M0) was fed the basal diet without Maca, while the 2 nd (M1) and the 3 rd (M2) groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with Maca powder at the levels of 1 and 2g Maca/kg diet, respectively. All groups were replicated into five replicates of 13 birds each (1 male + 12 females). The trial lasted for 12 weeks. According to the present study, the laying rate was significantly (P<0.05) increased by using Maca powder at different levels, without affecting egg weight and egg mass. Furthermore, the fertility rate and hatchability of settable eggs were significantly (P<0.05) increased by using Maca powder at 1 and 2g /kg diet. Additional results showed that using Maca powder significantly (P<0.05) decreased early embryonic mortality rate compared with control. Data indicated that Maca had no significance on the hatchability of fertile eggs, chick weight, and late embryonic mortality rate. The results of blood biochemical parameters revealed that serum cholesterol was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by using Maca powder. Data indicated

Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2024

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a biennial herbaceous plant indigenous to the Andes Mountains, has a rich history of traditional use for its purported health benefits. Maca’s chemical composition varies due to ecotypes, growth conditions, and post-harvest processing, contributing to its intricate phytochemical profile, including, macamides, macaenes, and glucosinolates, among other components. This review provides an in-depth revision and analysis of Maca’s diverse bioactive metabolites, focusing on the pharmacological properties registered in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Maca is generally safe, with rare adverse effects, supported by preclinical studies revealing low toxicity and good human tolerance. Preclinical investigations highlight the benefits attributed to Maca compounds, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, immunoregulation, and antioxidant effects. Maca has also shown potential for enhancing fertility, combating fatigue, and exhibiting potential antitumor properties. Maca’s versatility extends to metabolic regulation, gastrointestinal health, cardio protection, antihypertensive activity, photoprotection, muscle growth, hepatoprotection, proangiogenic effects, antithrombotic properties, and antiallergic activity. Clinical studies, primarily focused on sexual health, indicate improved sexual desire, erectile function, and subjective wellbeing in men. Maca also shows promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women and enhancing physical performance. Further research is essential to uncover the mechanisms and clinical applications of Maca’s unique bioactive metabolites, solidifying its place as a subject of growing scientific interest.

Ethnobotany of Andean root crops: tradition and innovation—Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr.), Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob.), Mauka (Mirabilis expansa (Ruíz & Pav.) Standl.), Ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa Parodi), Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), Achira (Canna indica L.)

Chapter

Full-text available

Jan 2023

Reprotoxicity induced by acute exposure to aqueous tuber extract of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Article

Feb 2023
J APPL TOXICOL

Background: Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used in folk medicine to treat fertility disturbances, a claim that has been evidenced in some studies. However, the clinical trials validating this use have shown paradoxical findings and then maca safety is not well known. Purpose: This study investigated the effects and mechanisms by which maca affects the reproductive system using an in vivo model, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Materials and methods: Tuber maca powder, obtained from local commerce, was used to prepare the aqueous extract. Worms were acutely exposed to maca extracts (40, 120, 240 and 330 μg/μl) and 48h after treatments, physiological and biochemical assays were conducted. Results: Maca extract caused a significant decrease in total number of eggs and in the number of eggs per worm. These effects were associated to increased lipid peroxidation, reduced triacylglycerol levels and also impaired vit-2 (vitellogenin) expression, besides increase in the number of apoptotic germline cells. We have found quantifiable levels of alkaloids in this maca extract, which presence could be related to this toxicity. Conclusions: Collectively, our data suggest that maca extract exposure causes reproductive toxicity to worms which could be, at least in part, associated to both an increase in apoptosis of germline cells and also to a decrease in vitellogenin expression, needed for egg yolk production, and consequently, successful reproduction.

Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch and Dalziel: Antimicrobial Activities, Cytotoxicity Evaluation, and Phytochemical Identification by GC-MS

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022

Article published-Antibiotics-11-01699

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022

During a previous study that identified plants used in traditional medicine in Togo to treat infectious diseases, Daniellia oliveri was specifically reported to treat intertrigo and candidiasis. Consequently, to explore the anti-infective potential of this plant, we investigated the antibacterial and the antifungal activity of the plant’s parts, as well as the cytotoxic activities of raw extracts and subsequent fractions, and the chemical composition of the most active fractions. In order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, MICs were determined using the broth dilution method. Then, the most active fractions were evaluated for cytotoxicity by using normal human cells (MRC-5 cells) via the MTT assay. Finally, the most active and not toxic fractions were phytochemically investigated by GC-MS. Interestingly, all the raw extracts and fractions were active against the bacteria tested, with MICs ranging from 16 µg/mL to 256 µg/mL, while no antifungal activity was observed at 256 µg/mL, the highest tested concentration. Moreover, no toxicity was observed with most of the active fractions. The subsequent chemical investigation of the most interesting fractions led to identifying terpenes, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids as the main compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that D. oliveri possesses valuable antibacterial activities in accordance with traditional use.

Activity of Lepidium meyenii Walp (purple maca) in immunosuppressed Oryctolagus cuniculus (albino rabbits)

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2022
Farmatsiia

Various properties are attributed to “maca”, including immunomodulatory properties due to its secondary metabolites such as macamides, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and flavonoids. Immunosuppression, hemolytic anemia, and thymic involution were induced with cyclophosphamide. Three concentrations of doses of dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca (EHADM) were used for 30 days, the analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple comparisons test the results are statistically significant (p<.05) which shows immunostimulatory activity in the marrow bone (monocytes, lymphocytes and white blood cells) and antianemic (hematocrit 31%) compared to the negative control group (G-1). At 84 mg/kg and at 167 mg/kg, it shows immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.70% of the experimental animals (G-3 and G-4). It is concluded that the dehydrated hydroalcoholic extract of purple maca presents immunostimulating and immunomodulatory activity on the humoral response in 66.7% of the Oryctolagus cuniculus induced to immunodeficiency with cyclophosphamide.

Fluorinated Analogues of Lepidilines A and C: Synthesis and Screening of Their Anticancer and Antiviral Activity

Article

Full-text available

May 2022
MOLECULES

Starting with fluorinated benzylamines, a series of 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides was prepared and subsequently deoxygenated in order to prepare the corresponding imidazoles. The latter were treated with benzyl halides yielding imidazolium salts, which are considered fluorinated analogues of naturally occurring imidazolium alkaloids known as lepidilines A and C. A second series of oxa-lepidiline analogues was obtained by O-benzylation of the initially synthetized imidazole N-oxides. Both series of imidazolium salts were tested as anticancer and antiviral agents. The obtained results demonstrated that the introduction of a fluorine atom, fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy substituents (F, CF3 or OCF3) amplifies cytotoxic properties, whereas the cytotoxicity of some fluorinated lepidilines is promising in the context of drug discovery. All studied compounds revealed a lack of antiviral activity against the investigated viruses in the nontoxic concentrations.

Macamide B Pretreatment Attenuates Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage of Mice Induced Apoptosis and Regulates Autophagy via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Article

Full-text available

May 2022
MOL NEUROBIOL

Lepidium meyenii (maca) is an annual or biennial herb from South America that is a member of the genus Lepidium L. in the family Cruciferae. This herb possesses antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities, enhances autophagy functions, prevents cell death, and protects neurons from ischemic damage. Macamide B, an effective active ingredient of maca, exerts a neuroprotective effect on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), but the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effect is not yet known. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of macamide B on HIBD-induced autophagy and apoptosis and its potential neuroprotective mechanism. The modified Rice-Vannucci method was used to induce HIBD in 7-day-old (P7) macamide B- and vehicle-pretreated pups. TTC staining was performed to evaluate the cerebral infarct volume in pups, the brain water content was measured to evaluate the neurological function of pups, neurobehavioural testing was conducted to assess functional recovery after HIBD, TUNEL and FJC staining was performed to detect cellular autophagy and apoptosis, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the levels of proteins in the pro-survival phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. Macamide B pretreatment significantly decreases brain damage and improves the recovery of neural function after HIBD. At the same time, macamide B pretreatment activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway after HIBD, enhances autophagy, and reduces hypoxic-ischemic (HI)-induced apoptosis. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, significantly inhibits the increase in autophagy levels, aggravates HI-induced apoptosis, and reverses the neuroprotective effect of macamide B on HIBD. Our data indicate that a macamide B pretreatment might regulate autophagy through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby reducing HIBD-induced apoptosis and exerting neuroprotective effects on neonatal HIBD. Macamide B may become a new drug for the prevention and treatment of HIBD.

Effect of maca(Lepidium meyenii) aqueous extract on the epididymal sperms quality and the DNA normality of vasectomized mature mice:model forobstructive azoospermia in men

Article

Jun 2018

This study was aimed to found out the effect of Maca extract on certain sperm function characters and sperm DNA normality in vasectomized and healthy adult mice as a model for men complaining from obstructive azoospermia. Twenty adult male mice were randomly divided into four groups (5males per each group).The first group(GI) was regarded as a negative control that treated with distilled water. Whereas group II was gavage maca extract daily with 1mg/100gm.GropIII,and IV were vasectomized . Mice in GIII were vasectomized without treatment while the mice in group GIV were vasectomized and orally administrated maca dose(1mg/100gm).At the last of experiment(35 days), all the mice were scarified for assessment of certain sperm function parameters . The results revealed that a significant (P<0.05)improvement of grade (A and B) of active sperm motility in mice treated orally with Maca extract was recorded compared with other groups, while grade (C) was significantly increase in vasectomized mice (GIIIgroup) as compared with other healthy mice . DNA fragmentation resulted from fertile mice gavages with maca were reduced compared to healthy non-treated group and other treated and non-treated vasectomized mice (GIII and GIVgroup).Orally administration of animals with Maca extract caused a significant (p<0.05) improvement in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm compared with vasectomized treated and non treated groups. It is concluded that oral administration of Maca extract caused a significant increment in certain sperm function parameters of vasectomized mice in turn this result can be utilized for obstructive azoospermic men.

Nutritional Profile and Potential Health Benefits of Super Foods: A Review

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2021

The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, pro- vide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of super- foods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. This review sheds light on the nutritional composition as well as the possible intervention in the prevention of various chronic ailments of some significant superfoods. This manuscript could help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diet more often and very effectively.

DESENVOLVIMENTO E AVALIAÇÃO DA ACEITAÇÃO SENSORIAL DE RECEITAS ADAPTADAS PARA INDIVÍDUOS DIABETICOS

Chapter

Dec 2020

Influence of Lepidium meyenii on stress induced by walking on a treadmill

Article

Mar 2020

IMPACT OF MACA (Lepidium meyenii) TREATMENT ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, LITTER SIZE AND MILK YIELD OF RABBIT DOES OF DIFFERENT BREEDS

Research

Full-text available

Jan 2019

Most rabbit breeders suffer some problems during summer season such as fertility and litter size as well as increase feed costs. Litter size at birth and weaning are important economic traits, which determine the number of kits for future breeding programs and lifetime productive. This experiment aimed to study the impact of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) capsules administration on body weight, feed consumption and milk yield of rabbit does as well as number of litter size, pre-weaning mortality and litter weight. Thirty-six rabbit does, from the breeds of V-line, New Zealand white and Bouscat, with 12 of each. They were divided equally into two equal groups of each breed. In the 1 st group, rabbits were fed a commercial breeder ration without any supplementation, while the 2 nd group were fed the commercial breeder ration and received daily oral does 500 mg Maca capsule/doe before mating by one week. All does were re-administered with the same dose after three days from parturition for one week (day per day), then re-mated directly for the second and third parties. The traits measured were body weight and feed consumption of rabbit does. Also, number of litter size, litter weight, the pre-weaning mortality and the milk yield were recorded as well. The obtained results revealed that the body weights of V-line and NZW rabbit does after treating and birth were significantly (P≤0.01) reduced than that of the Bouscat, while the means of daily and total feed consumption were not affected by rabbit breed. The litter size at birth (LSB) of NZW and Boscuat rabbit does were significantly (P˂0.01) higher than those of V-line, while the highest value of litter weight at weaning (LWW) were recorded in V-line, followed by NZW, while the lowest one was recorded in Bouscat. The body weights and daily feed consumotion of treated rabbit does were not effected by Maca capsules, while during lacatation period were significantly increased than those of the control. The litter size at 7, 14 and 21 days of rabbit does treat with Maca capsules were significantly increased, while those at LSB and LSW were insignificantly increased compared with control group. No significant effect on milk production and litter weight at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days in the treated group compared with control. There were no significant effects due to the interaction between rabbit breed and Maca treatment on the body weights, daily feed consumption, litter size, litter weight and milk production. From these findings could be concluded that the administration M aca capsules to rabbit doe increased the litter size at 7,14 and 21 days, while LSB, LSW, milk production and litter weight at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days were not influenced.

IMPACT OF MACA (Lepidium meyenii) TREATMENT ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, LITTER SIZE AND MILK YIELD OF RABBIT DOES OF DIFFERENT BREEDS

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2019

ost rabbit breeders suffer some problems during summer season such as fertility and litter size as well as increase feed costs. Litter size at birth and weaning are important economic traits, which determine the number of kits for future breeding programs and lifetime productive. This experiment aimed to study the impact of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) capsules administration on body weight, feed consumption and milk yield of rabbit does as well as number of litter size, pre-weaning mortality and litter weight. Thirty-six rabbit does, from the breeds of V-line, New Zealand white and Bouscat, with 12 of each. They were divided equally into two equal groups of each breed. In the 1 st group, rabbits were fed a commercial breeder ration without any supplementation, while the 2 nd group were fed the commercial breeder ration and received daily oral does 500 mg Maca capsule/doe before mating by one week. All does were re-administered with the same dose after three days from parturition for one week (day per day), then re-mated directly for the second and third parties. The traits measured were body weight and feed consumption of rabbit does. Also, number of litter size, litter weight, the pre-weaning mortality and the milk yield were recorded as well. The obtained results revealed that the body weights of V-line and NZW rabbit does after treating and birth were significantly (P≤0.01) reduced than that of the Bouscat, while the means of daily and total feed consumption were not affected by rabbit breed. The litter size at birth (LSB) of NZW and Boscuat rabbit does were significantly (P˂0.01) higher than those of V-line, while the highest value of litter weight at weaning (LWW) were recorded in V-line, followed by NZW, while the lowest one was recorded in Bouscat. The body weights and daily feed consumotion of treated rabbit does were not effected by Maca capsules, while during lacatation period were significantly increased than those of the control. The litter size at 7, 14 and 21 days of rabbit does treat with Maca capsules were significantly increased, while those at LSB and LSW were insignificantly increased compared with control group. No significant effect on milk production and litter weight at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days in the treated group compared with control. There were no significant effects due to the interaction between rabbit breed and Maca treatment on the body weights, daily feed consumption, litter size, litter weight and milk production. From these findings could be concluded that the administration M aca capsules to rabbit doe increased the litter size at 7,14 and 21 days, while LSB, LSW, milk production and litter weight at birth, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days were not influenced.

Characterization of Maca (Lepidium meyenii/Lepidium peruvianum) Using a Mass Spectral Fingerprinting, Metabolomic Analysis, and Genetic Sequencing Approach

Article

May 2020

Maca (Lepidium meyenii, synonym L. peruvianum) was analyzed using a systematic approach employing principal component analysis of flow injection mass spectrometry fingerprints (no chromatographic separation) to guide the selection of samples for metabolite profiling and DNA next generation sequencing. Samples consisted of 39 commercial maca supplements from 11 manufacturers, 31 unprocessed maca tubers grown in Peru and China, and a historic non-tuber maca sample from Peru. Principal component analysis of flow injection mass spectrometry fingerprints initially placed all the maca samples in three classes with similar chemical composition: commercial maca samples, tubers grown in Peru, and tubers grown in China. Metabolite profiling identified 67 compounds in the negative mode and 51 compounds in the positive mode. Compounds identified by metabolite profiling (macamides, glucosinolates, amino acids, fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saccharides, imidazoles) were then used to identify ions in the flow injection mass spectrometry fingerprints. The tuber fingerprints were analyzed by factorial multivariate analysis of variance revealing that black, red, and yellow maca from Peru and black and yellow maca from China were compositionally different with respect to color and country. Critical ions were identified that allowed for the differentiation of maca between colors from the same country or between two countries with the same color. Genetically, all samples were confirmed to be L. meyenii based on next generation sequencing at three gene regions (ITS2, psbA, and trnL) and comparison to recorded sequences of vouchered standards.

Benefits of Supplementation with Herbal Medicines in Anabolic Hormone Replacement Related to Aging

Article

Jan 2020

The genus Lepidium L. (Brassicaceae): A comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry and the possible toxicities

Article

Dec 2024
S AFR J BOT

Profiling volatile organic compounds of different grape seed oil genotypes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemometric methods

Article

Oct 2024
IND CROP PROD

This study utilized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for untargeted metabolomic profiling of grape seed oils (GSO) taken from five major grape genotypes in Iran. A total of 175 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in the GSO, with 20 identified as core molecules being present in all genotypes and samples, and 155 identified as accessory and rare molecules, found in ≥10 % but <100 % of the samples. We hypothesized that specific VOCs in GSO genotypes could be used as reliable indicators to differentiate genotypes and assess their quality. The core molecules mainly consisted of hydrocarbons (35 %), fatty acids (30 %), aldehydes (15 %), and esters (5 %), with putative names assigned to 7 compounds and putative formulas to 10. Of the 155 accessory and rare molecules, 12 volatile compounds were uniquely identified in distinct GSO genotypes, indicating specific phenotypic characteristics associated with different GSO genotypes. Among 20 core molecules, ten were consistently ranked higher in importance through 70 iterations of the Boruta feature selection algorithm. Fatty acids, including Linoleic and Oleic acid, emerged as key compounds for assessing the quality of the GSO samples. Using 10 core molecules as predictors, supervised learning methods such as random forest, support vector machine, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and k-nearest neighbor achieved 100 % accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision in classifying different GSO genotypes for both training and test sets. The identified metabolites served as potential markers for predicting quality and distinguishing genotypes, highlighting the efficiency of metabolomic profiling in analyzing GSO variations and providing insights into GSO quality.

Effects of Gelatinized Maca on Andropause Symptoms in Aged Male Mice

Article

Full-text available

May 2024
Int J Pharmacol

Different Diets of Maca Roots (Lepidium meyenii) Affect Several Physiological Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Under Oxidative Stress

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2023

The Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture/Al-Qasim Green University poultry field hosted this experiment from 10/1/2021 to 11/4/2021. The research examined the effects of dietary maca roots (Lepidium meyenii) on broilers’ physiological blood parameters under oxidative stress. The experiment employed 225 unsexed (Ross 308) grill chicks. It was randomised at random to 15 (k) different experimental treatments for 45 birds, with each treatment having three repetitions of 15 birds. The first trial consisted of a control diet and water that did not include any H2O2. The second treatment consisted of the normal diet along with water containing 0.5% hydrogen peroxide. The third and fourth treatments included 1 and 1.5 g of maca roots per kilogramme of the basic ration, respectively. Fifth treatment: 2 g maca root/kg main diet plus 0.5% H2O2 water. Summarize the key experiment findings.White blood cells were greatest in the second treatment (P < 0.05). The second treatment had the most heterophilic cells compared to the first, third, fourth, and fifth treatments. about lymphocytes. The first, third, fourth, and fifth treatments outperform the second (P < 0.05). The first, third, fourth, and fifth treatments had the best H/L ratio, with the second treatment being significantly different (P < 0.05). The fourth and fifth doses showed a substantial improvement (P < 0.05) in immunological protein IgG and IgA. When compared to the first, second, and third treatments, the volumetric standard of blood serum antibodies directed against Newcastle disease parenchyma is significantly greater (P 0.05) for the fourth and fifth treatments. The effectiveness of the fourth and fifth glutathione treatments was significantly higher than that of the others (P 0.05).

Effects of Resistance Exercise, Black Maca and Combined Treatment on Blood Muscle Fatigue Factors and Muscle Function in Racket Athletes

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022

PURPOSE: This study was conducted with racket athletes at a university to determine the effect of combination of resistance exercise and black maca for four weeks on strength and endurance of trunk muscles and fatigue-related biomarkers.METHODS: There were 16 university racket athletes classified into two groups: CO (control) (n=8) and RE (resistance exercise) (n=8). Body composition and muscle function were tested before the experiment (baseline), after four weeks (racket), and after ten weeks (racket+black maca). Before measuring body composition, we collected a blood sample to measure fatigue-related biomarkers such as myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), lactic acid, and ammonia. Black maca was purchased from Essoco.RESULTS: In both the CO and RE groups, racket+black maca lowered blood ammonia levels compared to that at the baseline ( p <.05) and racket ( p <.001). There were no differences in the other fatigue-related factors. In the muscle function test, the racket+black maca increased the extension and flexion strength compared to that at the baseline ( p <.05), while only extension strength increased after racket ( p <.05) in the RE group. In both groups, the racket+black maca increased the extension and flexion endurance compared to that at the baseline ( p <.05).CONCLUSIONS: Black maca intake effectively lowered the blood ammonia levels and improved muscle function. The effect on muscle function enhanced significantly when combined with resistance exercises. These results suggest that combination of black maca and resistance exercise may help improve exercise performance.

Sürdürülebilir Gıda ve Geleceğin Potansiyel Besinleri

Chapter

Oct 2022

Study Physiological Response to Adding different Levels of Maca Root Lepidium Meyenii to the Diet of Broiler Chickens exposed to Oxidative Stress

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

Nihad Abdul-Lateef Ali

This experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University for the period 1/10/ 2021 to 4/11/ 2021.The study aimed to know the effect of adding different levels of maca root Lepidium meyenii to the diet on some biochemical traits of the blood serum of broilers exposed to oxidative stress. In the experiment, 225 unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used, distributed randomly to 15 (cages), with 5 experimental treatments for each treatment 45 birds, and each treatment included three replicates for each replicate of 15 birds. The experimental treatments were as follows: The first treatment: the control treatment (basic diet + drinking water free of H2O2). The second treatment: a standard diet and water added to it H2O2 at a concentration of 0.5%, the third treatment: adding 1 gm of maca roots / kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H2O2, Fourth treatment: Add 1.5 gm of maca roots/kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H2O2 Fifth treatment: Add 2 gm of maca roots/kg of the basic diet + drinking water containing 0.5% H2O2. The most important results of the study can be summarized as follows: There was a significant improvement (P≤0.05) for the first, fourth and fifth treatments in total protein concentration compared to the second and third treatments, With regard to albumin concentration, the fourth treatment recorded a significantly improvement (p≤0.05) compared to the second and third treatments, and with regard to globulin concentration, the fifth treatment was significantly improvement (p≤0.05) compared to the second and third treatments. As for the concentration of liver enzymes ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins. The treatments (first, third, fourth and fifth) showed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) compared to the second treatment and a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the level of high-density lipoproteins.

Damızlık Bıldırcın Rasyonlarına Maca Tozu İlavesinin Performans, Yumurta Kalitesi ve Kuluçka Parametrelerine Etkisi

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

This study was carried out to determine the effects of addition maca powder to breeder Japanese quail diets on performance, egg quality and some hatchability properties. In the study, 120 breeding Japanese quails (80 females, 40 males) at the age of 18 weeks were used. The quails were randomly distributed to including 20 subgroups that five replications for each treatment and that 4 treatment groups its containing different levels of maca powder (0, 1, 2 and 4 g/kg). At the end of study, eggshell breaking strenght (P<0.05) and eggshell ratio (P<0.01) with the addition of 1 g/kg maca powder to the diet; The Haugh unit with the addition of 4 g/kg of maca powder increased significantly (P<0.05). However, the addition of different levels of maca powder to the diet did not affect performance and hatchability parameters in breeding quails (P>0.05). According to the results of this study, it has been detected that maca powder can be added to breeder quail rations at the level of 1 g/kg to improve the shell quality and 4 g/kg to improve the Haugh unit without affecting the performance and hatchability parameters.

The Distribution of Glucosinolates in Different Phenotypes of Lepidium peruvianum and Their Role as Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors—In Silico and In Vitro Studies

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022
INT J MOL SCI

The aim of the study was to present the fingerprint of different Lepidium peruvianum tuber extracts showing glucosinolates-containing substances possibly playing an important role in preventinting dementia and other memory disorders. Different phenotypes of Lepidium peruvianum (Brassicaceae) tubers were analysed for their glucosinolate profile using a liquid chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS platform). Qualitative analysis in 50% ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of ten compounds: aliphatic, indolyl, and aromatic glucosinolates, with glucotropaeolin being the leading one, detected at levels between 0–1.57% depending on phenotype, size, processing, and collection site. The PCA analysis showed important variations in glucosinolate content between the samples and different ratios of the detected compounds. Applied in vitro activity tests confirmed inhibitory properties of extracts and single glucosinolates against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (15.3–28.9% for the extracts and 55.95–57.60% for individual compounds) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (71.3–77.2% for the extracts and 36.2–39.9% for individual compounds). The molecular basis for the activity of glucosinolates was explained through molecular docking studies showing that the tested metabolites interacted with tryptophan and histidine residues of the enzymes, most likely blocking their active catalytic side. Based on the obtained results and described mechanism of action, it could be concluded that glucosinolates exhibit inhibitory properties against two cholinesterases present in the synaptic cleft, which indicates that selected phenotypes of L. peruvianum tubers cultivated under well-defined environmental and ecological conditions may present a valuable plant material to be considered for the development of therapeutic products with memory-stimulating properties.

Phytotherapy of sexual dysfunction: A Review

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

Muhammad Akram

Role of immunity and immunoglobulins in different ailments; a comprehensive review

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

Muhammad Akram

A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca)

Article

Sep 2021

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) contains several active components, including alkaloids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and sterols, which make it have the traditional therapeutic uses. In this paper, we summarized the analytical progress of the active components associated with alkaloids, polysaccharides, glucosinolates, sterols, free fatty acids, flavonoids, and natural phenols in Maca by mass spectrometry (MS). Due to the effect of color and type on active components in Maca, we summarized the study of quality evaluation about Maca according to the type and the content of active components such as glucosinolates, essential oils, macamides, and macaenes by MS. Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources. We reviewed the study in the visible distribution of amino acids, amide alkaloids, imidazolium alkaloids, and saccharides in Maca by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). We also reviewed the pharmacology value associated with improvement of reproductive function, anti‐stress response, anti‐osteoporosis, antitumor activity, clinical research and toxicity of Maca, and so forth. Nevertheless, due to individual differences and limitations of the subjects, further high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of the plant.

Antiviral Activity of Metabolites from Peruvian Plants against SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Approach

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2021
MOLECULES

1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lacks treatments; for this reason, the search for potential compounds against therapeutic targets is still necessary. Bioinformatics tools have allowed the rapid in silico screening of possible new metabolite candidates from natural resources or repur-posing known ones. Thus, in this work, we aimed to select phytochemical candidates from Peruvian plants with antiviral potential against three therapeutical targets of SARS-CoV-2. (2) Methods: We applied in silico technics, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation , and MM/GBSA estimation. (3) Results: Rutin, a compound present in Peruvian native plants, showed affinity against three targets of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated the high stability of receptor-ligand systems during the time of the simulation. Our results showed that the Mpro-Rutin system exhibited higher binding free energy than PLpro-Rutin and N-Rutin systems through MM/GBSA analysis. (4) Conclusions: Our study provides insight on natural metabolites from Peruvian plants with therapeutical potential. We found Rutin as a potential candidate with multiple pharmacological properties against SARS-CoV-2.

Lignans from Lepidium meyenii and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activities

Article

Jun 2021

Meyeniines A−C ( 1 − 3 ), three new lignans, and five known lignans ( 4 − 8 ) were isolated from the rhizomes of Lepidium meyenii . Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. It appears that 1 represents a unique lignan featuring an aromatic ring migration. Compound 2 and known lignans 4 , 5 , and 6 are not optically pure, chiral HPLC separation afforded their enentiomers. Biological evaluation found that the compound 8 could inhibit LPS‐induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells.

Lepidium meyenii

Chapter

Full-text available

Jan 2021

Lepidium meyenii an herbaceous life form, popularized as a Maca, belongs to family Brassicae, cultivated up to 4500 m asl. The species are natural sources of diverse health benefit compounds, namely starch, polyphenolics, dietary fiber, alkaloids, protein, macamides, gingerol (phenol), ergosterol peroxide (steroid) and tanshinone I, panaxytriol, macaene and macamides, campesterol, etc. Based on the available information and review of literature, maca also help to improve reproductive health, has better antioxidant activity, anticancer, hepatoprotective and immunomodulator activity, which announce it as a super food to reduce ageing. Therefore, the species is a potential source of macro-micro nutrients and bioactive constituents and can be utilized for preparation of various valuable products which can be uplifting the economic condition of local inhabitants of the Himalaya.

N-(3-Methozybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) ameliorates corticosterone-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Article

Jul 2020

Maca has been traditionally used as a food source to enhance energy and fertility. Many studies have shown that maca aqueous extract (AEM) promotes spermatogenesis. However, studies on whether maca ethanol extract (EEM) can promote spermatogenesis are limited. In this study, a corticosterone (CORT)-induced testicular toxicity model was chosen to evaluate the effects of EEM and N-(3-methozybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide (M 18:3) on spermatogenesis. MEE and M 18:3 increased the sperm concentration and sperm motility, decreased the production of abnormal sperm, and increased the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules of CORT-induced rats. Moreover, MEE and M 18:3 had no effects on the serum concentrations of LH, FSH, and T, the mRNA levels of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) in the hypothalami, and the positive expression rates of testicular androgen receptor (AR) in CORT-induced rats. Furthermore, MEE and M 18:3 decreased MDA levels and the positive expression rates of TUNEL, whearas increased the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GST, and the contents of GSH in the testicles of CORT-induced rats. In addition, MEE and M 18:3 alleviated CORT-induced reduction in the positive expression rates of PCNA and Ki67 in the testicles of rats. Besides, EEM and M 18:3 reduced the expression levels of Keap-1 and increased the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, and NQO1 in the testicles of CORT-induced rats. In summary, the protective effects of EEM and M 18:3 may be attributed to the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Menopause

Chapter

Jan 2020

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cake Enriched with Fish Protein Powder (FPP) and Transglutaminase Enzyme

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019

Sample Preparation for Chromatography of Amino Acids: Acid Hydrolysis of Proteins

Article

Sep 1985
J Assoc Offic Anal Chem

A number of variations were evaluated in the techniques and procedures of the classical 6N hydrochloric acid, 110°C, 24 h hydrolysis of protein. Variations included the use of glass tubes with Teflon-lined screw caps as the hydrolysis vessel, high-temperature short-time hydrolysis, performic acid oxidation of cystine and methionine, multiple hydrolysis times at 145°C, and interlaboratory preparation of hydrolysates. A diverse sample set used in the study included a range of protein-containing matrices, and automated ionexchange chromatography was used for the amino acid analysis. Results show that for hydrolysis in glass tubes with Teflon-lined screw caps at 110°C for 24 h, recoveries of amino acids were in good agreement with recoveries by classical hydrolysis in sealed glass ampoules at reduced pressure. Recoveries from a higher temperature hydrolysis, i.e., 145°C for 4 h and using sealed ampoules, were also in agreement with 110°C, 24 h, sealed ampoule results; the former procedure yielded increased isoleucine and valine and decreased serine and threonine values. Glass tubes with Teflon-lined screw caps for hydrolysis were found to be a practical and convenient alternative to sealed glass ampoules; the improved precision with the former was probably due to the simplicity of the method. The average recovery of cystine from a wide range of matrices without the use of performic acid was 55.5% compared with results obtained with performic acid oxidation. Similarly, methionine is preferably analyzed as methionine sulfone. Interlaboratory evaluation of 145°C, 4 h hydrolysis, in which one laboratory used sealed ampoules and the other laboratory used Teflon-lined screw-cap tubes, demonstrated excellent agreement of amino acid values.

Determination of amino acids in biological, pharmaceutical, plant and food samples by automated precolumn derivatization and high-performance liquid chromatography

Article

Nov 1988
J CHROMATOGR A

Rainer Schuster

An easy, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of primary and secondary amino acids in different matrices, e.g. protein hydrolysates, pharmaceutical formulations, plant extracts, food samples and physiological fluids, is described. After minimum sample preparation amino acids were derivatized with two different reagents, o-phthalaldehyde-3-mercaptopropionic acid for primary and 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate for secondary amino acids, by an automated precolumn derivatization technique. With minor adjustments of separation parameters this method can also be used to determine amino acids in different matrices. Analysis time including reaction, separation and reconditioning ranged from 20 min for hydrolysates to 60 min for physiological fluids. The separation was done on a reversed-phase column with a gradient of acetate buffer-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The precision for peak areas of the individual amino acids was within a relative standard deviation of 2% for the hydrolysate assay and 2-5% for the physiological assay, and for retention times better than 0.7%. The detection limit with the diode array detector (ultraviolet-visible) was ca. 2-5 pmol, measured at 338 nm for primary and 266 nm for secondary amino acids; with the fluorescence detector 20-50 fmol were detectable at excitation and emission wavelengths of 230 and 455 nm for primary and 266 and 310 nm for secondary amino acids, respectively.

Official Methods of Analysis, 15th edn. Associa-tion of Official Analytical Chemists La determinazione della cellulosa nelle farine di frumento e dei sottoprodotti

Jan 1932
5-5

Dc Bellucci

REFERENCES AOAC (1990). Official Methods of Analysis, 15th edn. Associa-tion of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC. Bellucci, C. (1932). La determinazione della cellulosa nelle farine di frumento e dei sottoprodotti. Ann. Chim. Appl., 22, 25. Documenta Geigy (1963). Tables Scientifiques 16th edn. Dep. Pharmaceutique Basel, Switzerland, pp. 5 l 5-20.

La determinazione della cellulosa nelle farine di frumento e dei sottoprodotti

Jan 1932
25

Bellucci

Bellucci, C. (1932). La determinazione della cellulosa nelle farine di frumento e dei sottoprodotti. Ann. Chim. Appl., 22, 25.

Tables Scientifiques 16th edn

Jan 1963
5-5

Documenta Geigy

Documenta Geigy (1963). Tables Scientifiques 16th edn. Dep. Pharmaceutique Basel, Switzerland, pp. 5 l 5-20.

Official Methods of Analysis, 15th edn. Association of Official Analytical Chemists

Jan 1990

AOAC (1990). Official Methods of Analysis, 15th edn. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC.

Tables Scientifiques

Jan 1963
515

Documenta

Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii

Abstract

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