Article

Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content

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Abstract

To examine the estrogenic and androgenic activity of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and its effect on the hormonal profile and symptoms in postmenopausal women. Fourteen postmenopausal women completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. They received 3.5 g/day of powered Maca for 6 weeks and matching placebo for 6 weeks, in either order, over a total of 12 weeks. At baseline and weeks 6 and 12 blood samples were collected for the measurement of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin, and the women completed the Greene Climacteric Scale to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. In addition, aqueous and methanolic Maca extracts were tested for androgenic and estrogenic activity using a yeast-based hormone-dependent reporter assay. No differences were seen in serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin between baseline, Maca treatment, and placebo (P > 0.05). The Greene Climacteric Scale revealed a significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption compared with both baseline and placebo (P < 0.05). These findings did not correlate with androgenic or alpha-estrogenic activity present in the Maca as no physiologically significant activity was observed in yeast-based assays employing up to 4 mg/mL Maca extract (equivalent to 200 mg/mL Maca). Preliminary findings show that Lepidium meyenii (Maca) (3.5 g/d) reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.

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... There were no significant differences in levels of E2, FSH, LH, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Reduction in menopausal symptoms in psychological, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction dimensions Brooks et al. (2008) (Continued on following page) ...
... The effects on sexual health and fertility of menopausal women have been evaluated in seven studies (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015;Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015), which employed oral administration of gelatinized/pregelatinized maca capsules (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015) and maca powder (Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015) for 12 weeks (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006b;Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015), 4 months (Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015), and up to 9 months (Meissner et al., 2005a). ...
... The effects on sexual health and fertility of menopausal women have been evaluated in seven studies (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015;Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015), which employed oral administration of gelatinized/pregelatinized maca capsules (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015) and maca powder (Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015) for 12 weeks (Meissner et al., 2005;Meissner et al., 2006b;Brooks et al., 2008;Stojanovska et al., 2015), 4 months (Meissner et al., 2006a;Meissner et al., 2006b;Meissner et al., 2015), and up to 9 months (Meissner et al., 2005a). ...
Article
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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.
... The NHMRC evidence hierarchy was used to assess the level of evidence of the included studies. Seventeen studies were rated level II (randomized controlled trial; RCT) (Abedi et al., 2018;Akhtari et al., 2014;Brooks et al., 2008;Chung et al., 2015;Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani et al., 2018;de Souza et al., 2016;Del Giorno et al., 2010;Eliasvandi et al., 2018;Ferguson et al., 2003;Ghorbani et al., 2019;Khayatan et al., 2019;Malakouti et al., 2017;Meston et al., 2008;Oh et al., 2010;Postigo et al., 2016;Shabanian et al., 2018;Vale et al., 2018), whereas two studies adopted a crossover design (Brooks et al., 2008;Chung et al., 2015), two studies were rated level III-2 (cohort study) (Palacios et al., 2019;Waynberg and Brewer, 2000) and one study was rated level IV (cross-sectional study) (Cai et al., 2014). The risk of bias was determined using a modified McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool for quantitative studies and was measured in percentage as per criteria fulfilled (see Supplementary Table S1). ...
... The NHMRC evidence hierarchy was used to assess the level of evidence of the included studies. Seventeen studies were rated level II (randomized controlled trial; RCT) (Abedi et al., 2018;Akhtari et al., 2014;Brooks et al., 2008;Chung et al., 2015;Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani et al., 2018;de Souza et al., 2016;Del Giorno et al., 2010;Eliasvandi et al., 2018;Ferguson et al., 2003;Ghorbani et al., 2019;Khayatan et al., 2019;Malakouti et al., 2017;Meston et al., 2008;Oh et al., 2010;Postigo et al., 2016;Shabanian et al., 2018;Vale et al., 2018), whereas two studies adopted a crossover design (Brooks et al., 2008;Chung et al., 2015), two studies were rated level III-2 (cohort study) (Palacios et al., 2019;Waynberg and Brewer, 2000) and one study was rated level IV (cross-sectional study) (Cai et al., 2014). The risk of bias was determined using a modified McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool for quantitative studies and was measured in percentage as per criteria fulfilled (see Supplementary Table S1). ...
... The risk of bias was determined using a modified McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool for quantitative studies and was measured in percentage as per criteria fulfilled (see Supplementary Table S1). Eleven studies were rated >90% (Abedi et al., 2018;Akhtari et al., 2014;Cai et al., 2014;Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani et al., 2018;de Souza et al., 2016;Eliasvandi et al., 2018;Ghorbani et al., 2019;Khayatan et al., 2019;Malakouti et al., 2017;Oh et al., 2010;Palacios et al., 2019), six studies were rated 80-90% (Brooks et al., 2008;Del Giorno et al., 2010;Ferguson et al., 2003;Meston et al., 2008;Postigo et al., 2016;Vale et al., 2018) and each one of the three studies was rated 70-80% (Shabanian et al., 2018), 60-70% (Chung et al., 2015), and <60% (Waynberg and Brewer, 2000). All of the included RCTs reported how randomization was carried out. ...
Article
Background : Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) includes female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest or arousal disorder, and genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder. FSD affects 40% of women worldwide, but it is understudied and likely undertreated. Natural products are frequently used by women to treat FSD, but scientific evidence of their efficacy is lacking. Objective : This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the study of the efficacy of natural products on FSD. Study design : Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies on natural products in the treatment of FSD. Methods : The literature search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial databases for studies published from January 2000 to February 2020. The quality and the level of evidence of the studies were assessed. The association between natural products and FSD was summarized using standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results : A total of 536 studies were identified, with 20 of them meeting the criteria. According to this meta-analysis, Tribulus terrestris showed a significant positive effect in improving overall female sexual function (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.46 - 1.79, p = 0.001) and individual sexual arousal (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.22 - 1.84, p = 0.013), sexual desire (SMD = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.52 - 1.63, p = <0.001) and sexual orgasm (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.02 - 1.00, p = 0.040) domains compared to placebo. Panax ginseng was found to be effective in treating sexual arousal (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.97, p = 0.014) and sexual desire (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27 - 0.90, p < 0.001) compared to placebo. Meanwhile, other natural products reviewed in this study, such as Trifolium pretense, did not differ significantly from placebo in terms of improving FSD. Conclusion : Preliminary evidence suggests that Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng may be effective as alternative treatments for FSD in a clinical setting.
... LM is known to be an extremely effective remedy for the treatment of impotence (Qureshi et al., 2017) and a natural stimulant for improving sexual dysfunctions (Stone et al., 2009) in postmenopausal women, independent of estrogen and androgen activity (Brooks et al., 2008). It can also be used, as a dietary supplement, in the prevention and treatment of atherogenic lipoprotein, liver steatosis, antioxidative stress and impaired glucose tolerance (Vecera et al., 2007). ...
... After higher doses of Maca treatment, in stressed mice, serum corticosterone levels were reduced (Ai et al., 2014). In addition, LM reduces psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety (Brooks et al., 2008), and stress (Qureshi et al., 2017). ...
... Lepidium has been shown to be effective in modulating stress: it reduces corticosterone (López-Fando et al., 2004); reduces anxiety and depression (Brooks et al., 2008); modulates diastolic blood pressure (Stojanovska et al., 2015); and increases libido (Gonzales et al., 2009). e) Lepidium -Glycemia Lepidium has beneficial effects in modulating blood sugar: it reduces blood sugar in diabetic rats (Eddouks et al., 2005;Gonzales et al., 2013); increases glucose tolerance (Vecera et al., 2007); normalizes blood glucose and glycosuria (Eddouks & Maghrani, 2008); reduces glycemia after exposure to low and high altitude (Gonzales-Arimborgo et al., 2016); after exposure to methanol, it normalizes blood sugar, improves lipid levels and reduces oxidative stress (Attia et al., 2019). ...
... Similar to these latter findings, the researchers found no differences in these hormones in fourteen postmenopausal women taking 3.5 g of Maca Power (Incan Food, Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia) daily for six weeks with a six-week crossover on placebo. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of these hormones (E2, FSH, LH), even though symptoms on the Greene Climacteric Scale, such as anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction, were improved using Maca Power [154]. A study in healthy, perimenopausal Japanese women given a maca extract standardized to at least 1.2% benzyl glucosinolate, known as Maca-BG1.2 ...
... Only maca-treated patients experienced a statistically significant improvement in physical and social performancerelated SAT-P score compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, crossover trial [154] At weeks 8 and 12, the group treated with maca had statistically significant increases (40%, p < 0.008 and 42.2%, p < 0.006, respectively) in sexual desire; no differences in the effect were noted between the dosing groups. No changes in hormone levels (T or E2) or mood (depression or anxiety) were observed. ...
Article
Full-text available
Maca (Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum) is part of the Brassicaceae family and grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range (3500–5000 m). Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility. Scientific research has validated these traditional uses and other clinical applications by elucidating maca’s mechanisms of action, nutrition, and phytochemical content. However, research over the last twenty years has identified up to seventeen different colors (phenotypes) of maca. The color, hypocotyl size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods can have a significant effect on the nutrition content, phytochemical profile, and clinical application. Yet, research differentiating the colors of maca and clinical applications remains limited. In this review, research on the nutrition, phytochemicals, and various colors of maca, including black, red, yellow (predominant colors), purple, gray (lesser-known colors), and any combination of colors, including proprietary formulations, will be discussed based on available preclinical and clinical trials. The gaps, deficiencies, and conflicts in the studies will be detailed, along with quality, safety, and efficacy criteria, highlighting the need for future research to specify all these factors of the maca used in publications.
... As participantes também demonstraram diminuição na pressão arterial, peso corporal, triglicerídeos e colesterol HDL. Os sintomas comportamentais do período pré-menopausa foram aliviados, como o estado depressivo, nervosismo, sensação de perda de controle e palpitações.Efeitos benéficos no período pós-menopausa também foram relatados porBrooks et al. (2008) [25], onde 16 mulheres (50-60 anos) com amenorreia de pelo menos 12 meses, cansaço, Brazilian Journal of Health Review, Curitiba, v. 6, n. 2, p. 5959-5977, mar./apr., 2023 falta de energia, dificuldade de dormir e ondas de calor de média severidade, receberam 3,5 g/dia de maca por 06-12 semanas. Nas semanas de número 6 e 12, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para dosagem de FSH, hormônio luteinizante (LH), globulina ligadora de hormônios sexuais (SHBG). ...
... As participantes também demonstraram diminuição na pressão arterial, peso corporal, triglicerídeos e colesterol HDL. Os sintomas comportamentais do período pré-menopausa foram aliviados, como o estado depressivo, nervosismo, sensação de perda de controle e palpitações.Efeitos benéficos no período pós-menopausa também foram relatados porBrooks et al. (2008) [25], onde 16 mulheres (50-60 anos) com amenorreia de pelo menos 12 meses, cansaço, Brazilian Journal of Health Review, Curitiba, v. 6, n. 2, p. 5959-5977, mar./apr., 2023 falta de energia, dificuldade de dormir e ondas de calor de média severidade, receberam 3,5 g/dia de maca por 06-12 semanas. Nas semanas de número 6 e 12, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para dosagem de FSH, hormônio luteinizante (LH), globulina ligadora de hormônios sexuais (SHBG). ...
Article
O transtorno depressivo maior (TDM) é uma das principais causas de incapacidade funcional e afeta cerca de 320 milhões de pessoas. Sua fisiopatologia pouco conhecida e tratamentos farmacológicos ineficientes impulsionam a busca de estratégias terapêuticas para essa desordem. Maca peruana (Lepidium meyenii) têm se mostrado um importante suplemento nutricional para aumentar libido e melhorar a sensação de bem-estar, mas seu potencial antidepressivo é pouco explorado. O objetivo da pesquisa é realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura científica para avaliar o efeito antidepressivo de maca peruana (L. meyenii) em estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos. Foi realizada uma busca de artigos nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) mediante os termos extraídos do DeCS: “Lepidium meyenii AND depression” e/ou “Lepidium meyenii AND depressive”. Foram revisados 16 artigos (1999-2022): 03 revisões de literatura, 08 artigos com experimentos pré-clínicos e 05 artigos sobre experimentos clínicos que se enquadraram na pergunta norteadora. As evidências pré-clínicas demonstram mais robustez quanto ao potencial antidepressivo de L. meyenii após exposição de animais a modelos de estresse crônico e cirúrgico, além da capacidade de modular níveis de neurotransmissores, corticosterona, neuroproteção e marcadores de estresse oxidativo. Quanto aos estudos clínicos, faltam ensaios que englobem um número significativo de sujeitos da pesquisa e maior tempo de observação comportamental dos participantes diante de situações estressoras. O tratamento com maca peruana parece exercer efeito antidepressivo, além de praticamente não desencadear toxicidade aguda e crônica; entretanto, são necessários estudos para implementar esse suplemento com segurança no tratamento do TDM.
... However, due to unwanted side-effects or fear of adverse risks, such as increased incidence of breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular disease, women have been sought alternative and complementary therapies (21). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in postmenopausal women, L. meyenii modulated the symptoms of menopause, independently from estrogen and testosterone production, and with no statistically significant changes in serum hormone levels or sex hormone-binding globulin (22). ...
... Although studies pointed out that maca do not promote an increase in serum levels of sex hormones, the indiscriminate use of L. meyenii is worrying, since its use increases with age, as does the cancer incidence (22). BC is a heterogeneous disease affecting many women worldwide, composed of risk factors like age, ethnicity, and family history of cancer, physical inactivity, obesity, exogenous hormones, and certain female reproductive factors (24). ...
Article
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) extract is a worldwide consumed food supplement for sexual dysfunctions, increasing sperm production and its motility, and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Once maca root has a role in cell proliferation and motility, and its consumption may increase along with age, mainly in menopausal women, we aimed to investigate the plant effects on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Standardized maca root powdered extract showed significant cytotoxic activity in both MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells, and the IC50s were 2000 μg/ml and 3000 μg/ml, respectively. Both cell lines showed an increase in migratory capacity. Using bioinformatics tools, we established genes involved in the metastatic process, CAV1, LAMA4, and MMP-1, and the mRNAs expression was assessed by qPCR. Comparing the treated cells to the negative control, CAV1 presented a decreased expression by 2-fold in MDA-MB-231. LAMA4 presented a decrease by 4-fold in Hs578T cells. MMP-1 showed substantially increase mRNA expression in MDA-MB-231 by 86-fold and in Hs578T by 5-fold. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study indicating that the human consumption of maca may be dangerous due to the upregulation in MMP-1 expression and the increase in TNBC migrated cells.
... [2][3][4][5][6] There are diverse varieties according to the color of the hypocotyl, and many Maca root-based food supplements of different colors are available on the world market due to the possible effect on the treatment of a wide range of diseases and medical disorders. 7 They include sexual dysfunction regulation, 8 neuroprotective effects, 9,10 memory enhancement, antidepressant, 8,11 antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, [12][13][14] and skin protection. 15 In the Department of Junin (Carhuamayo), 13 varieties of Maca ranging from White to Black have been described. ...
... [2][3][4][5][6] There are diverse varieties according to the color of the hypocotyl, and many Maca root-based food supplements of different colors are available on the world market due to the possible effect on the treatment of a wide range of diseases and medical disorders. 7 They include sexual dysfunction regulation, 8 neuroprotective effects, 9,10 memory enhancement, antidepressant, 8,11 antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, [12][13][14] and skin protection. 15 In the Department of Junin (Carhuamayo), 13 varieties of Maca ranging from White to Black have been described. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction: Lepidium meyenii, known with the vernacular name of “Maca”, is a Brassicaceae family that has been widely used by Peruvian traditional medicine in cases of sexual dysfunction, memory loss, and several other diseases and pathologies. Objetive: The aim of the study was to test the potential effects of aqueous extract of Red Maca (AQ-RM) on antidepressant-like behavioral in male rats and spatial memory in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods: Forced swimming test was used to examine the potential antidepressant AQ-RM activity in male rats. Fluoxetine and amitryptiline were included as reference drugs. Morris Water Maze test was employed to examine the effect of AQ-RM on spatial memory in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Such effects were compared to exogenous estradiol administration. The potential role of oxidative stress on spatial memory loss was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats brain homogenates. Results: AQ-RM enhances swimming and climbing activities while reducing the time of immobility in male rats. Meanwhile, it prevents the decrease in the time spent in the target quadrant and displays higher values in the number of crossings in OVX-rats as compared to OVX-control rats. MDA levels in brain homogenates were decreased in OVX-rats receiving AQ-RM. Conclusion: Oral administration of AQ-RM has anti-depressive application in male rats; and increases the ability of learning and memory in OVX rats.
... If the answer to both was "yes", it was worth proceeding with the remaining questions (14). According to this checklist, 27 articles included in this study had all the necessary criteria for evaluation and the other 4 studies only lacked one of the items in the checklist (mentioning the type of randomization in the samples) and other items on the checklist were available (15)(16)(17)(18). ...
... Maca is the root of the Lepidium meyenii plant, which grows exclusively at high altitudes in the Andean region of Peru and is used for fertility enhancement and aphrodisiac effect. In a 2008 study by Brooks et al, which looked at the effect of mace on the sexual dysfunction of menopausal women, after 6 weeks of consuming 3.5 mg of mace powder, using the GCS questionnaire, sexual problems were significantly reduced (P = 0.05) (16). ...
Article
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Sexual function is one of the most important aspects of menopausal women, and its disorder is a common condition among this group of women. The long-term side effects of hormone replacement therapy to improve this disorder have led women to seek alternative therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize clinical trials of herbal medicines that improve the sexual function of menopausal women. In this review article the content was searched in 6 databases to identify double- and triple-blind clinical trial studies from January 2000 to April 2020. The search was conducted in English and Persian. Studies were considered if they were related to menopausal woman, sexual function and its various domains. A total of 479 articles were reviewed, 31 of which were included in the study after reviewing the full text. In this study, 3 articles on ginseng, 4 articles on fennel, 2 articles on Fenugreek, 3 articles on bindii, 3 articles on Red clover, 1 article on Schisandra, 2 articles on Hops; 3 articles about Black cohosh, 2 articles about soy, 2 articles about Ginkgo biloba, 1 article about Nigella sativa, 1 article about neroli oil, 1 article about maca, 1 article about Date pollen, 1 article about Aphrodite and 1 article on the combination of St John’s wort and vitex were evaluated. Red ginseng, fennel, bindii, Red clover and Black cohosh have the greatest effect on improving the sexual function of menopausal women, and people can be encouraged to use these plants.
... If the answer to both was "yes", it was worth proceeding with the remaining questions (14). According to this checklist, 27 articles included in this study had all the necessary criteria for evaluation and the other 4 studies only lacked one of the items in the checklist (mentioning the type of randomization in the samples) and other items on the checklist were available (15)(16)(17)(18). ...
... Maca is the root of the Lepidium meyenii plant, which grows exclusively at high altitudes in the Andean region of Peru and is used for fertility enhancement and aphrodisiac effect. In a 2008 study by Brooks et al, which looked at the effect of mace on the sexual dysfunction of menopausal women, after 6 weeks of consuming 3.5 mg of mace powder, using the GCS questionnaire, sexual problems were significantly reduced (P = 0.05) (16). ...
Article
Full-text available
Sexual function is one of the most important aspects of menopausal women, and its disorder is a common condition among this group of women. The long-term side effects of hormone replacement therapy to improve this disorder have led women to seek alternative therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize clinical trials of herbal medicines that improve the sexual function of menopausal women. In this review article the content was searched in 6 databases to identify double-and triple-blind clinical trial studies from January 2000 to April 2020. The search was conducted in English and Persian. Studies were considered if they were related to menopausal woman, sexual function and its various domains. A total of 479 articles were reviewed, 31 of which were included in the study after reviewing the full text. In this study, 3 articles on ginseng, 4 articles on fennel, 2 articles on Fenugreek, 3 articles on Bindii, 3 articles on Red clover, 1 article on Schisandra, 2 articles on Hops; 3 articles about Black cohosh, 2 articles about soy, 2 articles about Ginkgo biloba, 1 article about Nigella sativa, 1 article about neroli oil, 1 article about Maca, 1 article about Date pollen, 1 article about Aphrodite and 1 article on the combination of St John's wort and vitex were evaluated. Red ginseng, fennel, bindii, Red clover and Black cohosh have the greatest effect on improving the sexual function of menopausal women, and people can be encouraged to use these plants. A B S T R A C T
... In humans, the administration of gelatinized maca (1.5 or 3.0 g/day) improved sexual desire after 8 weeks (Gonzales et al., 2002), and in adult athletes, this improvement is observed after 2 weeks of administration (Stone et al., 2009). It cannot be asserted that this improvement is related to the increase in testosterone levels since several studies find no significant testosterone increment (Brooks et al., 2008;Dording et al., 2008). ...
... It has been argued that because there is no significant response of serum testosterone, the actions of androgenic receptors are not being stimulated, for which other mechanisms such as the activation of estrogen receptors would be more linked and respond to this male reproductive improvement (Brooks et al., 2008;Dording et al., 2008). ...
... Lepidium meyenii, known as Maca, is traditionally consumed fresh or dehydrated after being boiled in water or milk [1,2]. Maca is useful for treating sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, memory and learning, depression and anxiety [1,[3][4][5][6][7]. In China, it is considered as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agent [8,9]. ...
... The results indicated that Maca exhibited the warm property, which can help to enhance the activity of energy metabolizing enzymes, and promote the internal mechanism of energy metabolism of body. Therefore, Maca has the characteristics of strengthening the spleen similarly with ginseng [3,6,8,17]. Ginseng possesses the warm property, and can alleviate physical fatigue by strengthening the spleen [11]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: In the present work, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Maca (AEM) on energy metabolism and immunoregulation in spleen-deficient mice. Method: We established a cyclophosphamide-induced spleen-deficiency model with ginseng, a herb that strengthens splenic function, as a control. Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided among 5 groups: normal, model, ginseng control (1.5 g/kg), AEM high dose (1.5 g/kg), and AEM low dose (0.75 g/kg). All animals, except those in the normal group, were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce spleen deficiency. Furthermore, we investigated differences in the thermotropic behaviors of mice using the Animal Thermotropism Behavior Surveillance System to detect energy metabolism-related assays and immune regulation assays. Results: Mice given AEM exhibited tropism in response to hot plate exposure. AEM inhibited loss of body weight and immune organ atrophy caused by cyclophosphamide, increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio in blood, and enhanced the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic glycogen. AEM significantly reversed declining white blood cells and platelet counts, and increased the hemoglobin content within peripheral blood cells. AEM improved the protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-β, IL-2, and IL-4 in the spleen. Conclusions: Maca possesses the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) property of warm and appears to strengthen spleen function.
... Since 1,300-2,000 years ago, the Andean population appreciates the qualities of Maca as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. The interests in the use of this plant are due to its positive effect on female reproductive functions, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, memory, energy, male sexual functions, spermatogenesis and benign prostatic hyperplasia of different species of mammals, including humans Brooks et al. 2008;Cl ement et al. 2010aCl ement et al. , 2012. Tello et al. (1992) describe 13 phenotypes of Maca characterized by different colours of their hypocotyls, ranging from white to black, that are involved in different biological properties (Gonzales et al. , 2006aRubio et al. 2006). ...
... This result was probably attributed to the action of alkamides, macamides 1, 2, 3 and 4, isolated and identified in the root as reported by Cl ement et al. (2010aCl ement et al. ( , 2010b. Maca also modulates the symptoms of menopause in independent manner on estrogen and testosterone production (Brooks et al. 2008). Gonzales et al. (2005) showed that administering aqueous extract of Red Maca reduced ventral prostate size in normal and testosterone enanthate treated rats. ...
Article
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an edible root plant that grows in the Andean region of Peru. For centuries, the plant has been used as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Maca are rich in high value nutritional elements and secondary metabolites (macaridine, macamides and glucosinolates) with high biological activity. Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge on the properties of Maca on male reproduction. Literature data was performed in PubMed with researches published from 2000 to 2019. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract. Despite the numerous studies carried out on different animal species, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of Maca.
... In humans, the administration of gelatinized maca (1.5 or 3.0 g/day) improved sexual desire after 8 weeks (Gonzales et al., 2002), and in adult athletes, this improvement is observed after 2 weeks of administration (Stone et al., 2009). It cannot be asserted that this improvement is related to the increase in testosterone levels since several studies find no significant testosterone increment (Brooks et al., 2008;Dording et al., 2008). ...
... It has been argued that because there is no significant response of serum testosterone, the actions of androgenic receptors are not being stimulated, for which other mechanisms such as the activation of estrogen receptors would be more linked and respond to this male reproductive improvement (Brooks et al., 2008;Dording et al., 2008). ...
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http://www.appleacademicpress.com/nutraceuticals-and-dietary-supplements-applications-in-health-improvemepnt-and-disease-management-/9781771888738 https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9780367821517
... Dording et al. found in their study in 2015 that orgasm became better in postmenopausal women but did not change in premenopausal women. Brooks et al. (2008) revealed an improvement in orgasm. In fact, they reported that the total score on ASEX was ≤ 10 (9.5% of the maca group and 4.8% of the placebo group) and that the score on MGH-SFQ was ≤ 12 (30% for the maca group and 20.0% for the placebogroup). ...
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Background: With an increase in life expectancy and elderly population in the world, women experience a longer postmenopausal period and more menopausal symptoms. Maca belongs to the Cruciferous family and is cultivated in Peru. Maca plant is used to treat female sexual dysfunction. This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of maca on the treatment of sexual dysfunction during menopause. Methods: Key words lepidium meyenii, maca, lepidium meyenii and sexual dysfunction, lepidium meyenii and menopause, maca and sexual dysfunction, maca and menopause were searched in databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and EBSCOhost and randomized controlled studies and quasi-experimental studies published in the English language between 2000 and 2022 were reviewed. Results: Three studies involving a total of 85 participants were reviewed. One study showed no effect of maca on sexual desire. However, another study revealed that it was effective in sexual desire. Maca was also reported to improve arousal and orgasm in another study. Conclusion: Although there are studies that the use of maca is effective in sexual dysfunctions; there is not enough data on how long this plant should be used, at what dose it can be given, and what the long-term results will be.
... In clinical tests on women in the early postmenopausal stage, the supply of gelatinized maca in capsules showed a regulatory effect on hormones, which reduced discomfort associated with menopause (Meissner et al., 2005). Another study did not show estrogenic and androgenic activity, but indicated that the supply of 3.5 g/day of maca reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowered measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women (Brooks et al., 2008) . Maca has also shown effects to improve sperm production and sperm motility in adult men, as well as sexual desire (Gonzales et al., 2001;Gonzales et al., 2002;Gonzales et al., 2003). ...
... In randomized clinical trials, maca has shown a positive effect on mild erectile dysfunction (Zenico et al., 2009) and also to improve sexual desire in healthy menopausal women (Brooks et al., 2008). In particular, it was evidenced that men who received maca tablets for 4 months had increased seminal volume, sperm count by ejaculation, mobile sperm count, and sperm motility. ...
Article
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.
... In the studies conducted by Nagano et al, 33 (AS) data were extracted graphically. Moreover, the studies conducted by Brooks et al, 34 File et al, 35 Jou et al, 36 Naseri et al, 37 Kaszkin-Bettag et al, 38 Imayama et al, 39 Ghazanfarpour et al, 40 Chojnacki et al, 41 Cohen et al, 42 Hartley et al, 43 Belcaro et al, 44 Nagano et al, 33 Asama et al, 45 In those last cases, each arm was included as one independent study in comparison to the placebo arm. For those reasons, some studies will appear more than once in the graphics and tables, each with specific labels. ...
Article
Importance: Depression and anxiety may significantly affect women during the menopausal transition. In addition to traditional treatment strategies such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, and psychotherapy, nutritional interventions have been increasingly studied, but there is no consensus about their role in this patient population. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional interventions on the severity of depressive (DS) and anxiety (AS) symptoms in women during the menopausal transition or menopausal years. Evidence review: Electronic search using databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase to identify articles indexed until January 31, 2021, focusing on randomized placebo-controlled trials documenting the effect of diet, food supplements, and nutraceuticals on DS and AS. Findings: Thirty-two studies were included (DS, n = 15; AS, n = 1; DS and AS combined, n = 16). We found two studies that demonstrated data combined with other interventions: one with lifestyle interventions (vitamin D plus lifestyle-based weight-loss program) and another with exercise (omega 3 plus exercise). The pooled effect size favored the intervention group over placebo for both DS and AS (DS: standardized mean difference, -0.35 [95% confidence interval, -0.68 to -0.03; P = 0.0351]; AS: standardized mean difference, -0.74 [95% CI, -1.37 to -0.11; P = 0.0229]). There was significant heterogeneity in the pooled results, which can be attributed to differences in assessment tools for depression and anxiety as well as the variety of nutritional interventions studied. The subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant effect of menopausal status (perimenopausal or menopausal) but not the type or duration of nutritional intervention. Older age was the only significant predictor of the effect size of nutritional interventions in the meta-regression. Conclusions and relevance: Nutritional interventions are promising tools for the management of mood/anxiety symptoms in women during the menopausal transition and in postmenopausal years. Because of significant heterogeneity and risk of bias among studies, the actual effect of different approaches is still unclear.
... While its scientific name is Lepidium meyenii and also known in Hausa language as "Sauyar Maca" or "Albasar tamoji" while Yaroba Langauge it known as ''Isu baka''. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been used traditionally for centuries as a medicinal plant with variety of biological function such as tonic, fertility enhancer [9,10], involves in treating ailments such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, anaemia, promoting mental clarity [11], treating chronic fatique syndrome in both human and animals, it also used as an alternative to anabolic steroids by bodybuilders due to its richness in sterols among others. Maca is also used as an immunostimulant, for anaemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sterility and other reproductive and sexual disorders as well as to enhance memory [12]. ...
... En un estudio en el que mujeres menopáusicas fueron sometidas de manera aleatoria a un tratamiento hormonal o al consumo de maca con una dosis de 3.5 mg al día durante 6 semanas se evaluaron los niveles de estradiol, de las hormonas folículo estimulante y luteinizante. Se comprobó que tras la ingesta diaria de este tubérculo existe una importante reducción de los síntomas psicológicos, incluyendo depresión y ansiedad; además de incrementar el deseo sexual (Pérez Aagaard, 2018); mientras que en la actividad androgénica y estrogénica no se obtuvieron resultados significativos (Brooks et al., 2008). ...
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Desde inicios de esta década se ha incrementado la búsqueda de tratamientos alternativos para el control de los síntomas de la menopausia, sobre todo para aquellas poblaciones de alto riesgo con restricciones para el consumo de estrógenos como tratamiento hormonal. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la evidencia científica actual respecto a la efectividad del consumo de la maca, soya y linaza como tratamiento de la sintomatología menopáusica. Se expone de manera descriptiva la fisiopatología y síntomas de la menopausia, además de los efectos negativos en la calidad de vida de la mujer cuando se somete a tratamiento hormonal; por lo que se analiza el efecto benéfico del consumo de maca, soya y linaza, exponiendo las propiedades químicas y funcionales que ayudan a disminuir los síntomas característicos de la menopausia.
... Each of these trials found that maca had a positive effect on menopausal symptoms. Significant reductions in depression and anxiety were observed after six weeks of treatment with different doses of 3.3 mg or 3.5 mg maca [34,35]. Despite preliminary evidence for maca's benefits, findings were limited by a small number of sample sizes and a lack of safety data. ...
Article
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Menopause is not a high-risk period for psychiatric illness but can cause psychological issues; the most common of which are anxiety and depression, which can impair coping and reduce women's quality of life. Thus, many women have leaned toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the relief of menopause-related symptoms. No rigorous study exists in the literature on the effects of CAMs on the psychological symptoms of menopause despite this growing patient interest. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of CAM interventions on psychological symptoms of menopause. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were searched from January 2000 to May 2021 using the keywords: menopause, menopausal symptoms, psychological symptoms, and complementary and alternative medicine. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for randomized clinical trials. Of the 704 articles found, 33 articles with 3,092 participants entered the final review. Aromatherapy, massage, yoga, and acupuncture, as well as some dietary and herbal supplements improved psychological symptoms during menopause based on the findings of the current study. However, the effectiveness of reflexology and exercise was debatable. However, necessary precautions should be taken when using them in clinical settings despite the positive effect of various CAM interventions on reducing psychological symptoms. More studies with a higher methodology quality are required to make better decisions about the effect of various CAM interventions on the psychological symptoms of menopause.
... Species extracts were also tested for estrogenic and androgenic activity using a yeast-based hormone-dependent reporter assay. The results show that Maca does not exert an estrogenic effect in postmenopausal women; however, it does reduce psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction associated with menopause (Brooks et al., 2008). ...
Article
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Female Sexual Dysfunction is a complex condition with biopsychosocial origins. With limited FDA approved treatment options, plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs may be a therapeutic option. Aim: To distinguish the plants commonly used in female aphrodisiac products (AP) on the market, and to evaluate their ethnobotanical and clinical evidence as a basis for their inclusion. Methods: This study is a narrative review of 42 plants commonly found in AP on the market. Most species listed have anecdotal use as aphrodisiacs throughout history; therefore, a systematic search was done for clinical evidence. The primary outcome assessed is the clinical efficacy of plants in the treatment of libido desire disorders. Results: Little evidence from the literature to substantiate claims of plants currently on the market as AP for female libido. Conclusions: Studies of plants used as ingredients for AP are severely lacking. There is no plant currently used in any AP with a strong enough clinical finding to be recommended for libido/desire disorders. Further research should aim to develop and validate in vitro models corresponding to the neurobiological underpinnings evident in FSD as markers for further studying in vivo efficacy in animal models before moving on to humans.
... Outro estudo duplo-cego, placebo-controlado e randomizado também mostrou que os efeitos do consumo de 3,5g por dia de LM em pó durante 12 semanas não foi relacionado com alterações hormonais em mulheres na pós-menopausa 30 . Outros dois estudos clínicos randomizados realizados com homens saudáveis também evidenciaram que o consumo de LM não promove alterações hormonais 31,32 . ...
Article
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Fitoterápicos e ação ergogênica: evidências científicas Herbs and ergogenic action: scientific evidences Resumo O uso de fitoterápicos como recurso ergogênico para melhora do desempenho no esporte é descrito há vários anos. Diversos benefícios são atribuídos a algumas plantas, incluindo a capacidade de aumentar níveis hormonais, principalmente de testosterona, e, com isso, estimular vias associadas à síntese proteica. Dentro desse contexto, muitos fitoterápicos são vendidos e consumidos por atletas e praticantes de atividade física. A ciência, porém, não suporta alguns desses benefícios, e uma análise dos estudos científicos existentes é importante. Sendo assim, a presente revisão bibliográfica pretende investigar as evidências científicas atuais que justificariam ou não a utilização desses produtos com o propósito de melhorar o desempenho físico ou aumentar a massa muscular. Plantas como Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens, Lepidium meyenii, Coleus forskohlii e Eurycoma longifolia foram incluídas e discutidas neste estudo. A literatura ainda é escassa nesse sentido, e este artigo sugere a realização de mais estudos com um bom desenho metodológico, randomizados, duplo-cegos e placebo-controlados para verificar a eficácia desses fitoterápicos como recurso ergogênico. Palavras-chave: fitoterápicos, massa muscular, hipertrofia muscular, ergogênico, força, testosterona. Abstract The use of herbs as an ergogenic aid to improve performance in sports is ancient. Several benefits are attributed to plants, including the ability to increase hormone levels, specially testosterone, and thereby, stimulate pathways associated with protein synthesis. In this context, many herbs are consumed by athletes and physical activity practitioners. However, science does not support some of these benefits, and a review of existing scientific studies is important. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate scientific evidences to justify or not the use of these products to improve physical performance or increase muscle mass. Herbs as Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens, Lepidium meyenii, Coleus forskohlii and Eurycoma longifolia were included and discussed in this review. The literature is still scarce, and further studies with good methodological design, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled should be done to verify the effectiveness of these herbals as ergogenic aid.
... Brooks et al. 13 in 2008 conducted a crossover study with small sample size (n ¼ 14). The depression score was significantly lower in the patients treated with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) when compared to the baseline (28.9%) and the placebo (26.8%) (both p < 0.05). ...
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Objective The main objective in this systematic review was to analyse herbal medicine interventions for anxiety and depression to detect possible benefits of herbal medicines in peri- and postmenopausal women. Material and method The trials published since inception to August 2017 were searched on the databases of MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Cochran central register of controlled trials Results Twenty-one trials were included into systematic review. The anxiety score (standardized mean difference = −1.19; p = 0.04; six trials) and depression (standardized mean difference = −0.952; p = 0.023; five trials) was lower in the phytoestrogen group compared to the placebo. However, the heterogeneity was notably high among trials that assessed anxiety outcome (p < 0.0001; I ² = 97.12%) and depression (p < 0.0001; I ² = 94.51%), and we were unable to reduce the heterogeneity to below 90% after one with one exclusion of the studies; 1000 mg of fenugreek extract on depression and anxiety, 600 mg of Trigonella foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract on psychosocial symptoms, 0.4 mg/ml Maca extract on anxiety, 500 mg of Hop plant on depression and anxiety, 80 mg or more than 80 mg of red clover-derived isoflavones on psychological symptoms had significant effect. Non-significant effect was observed in black cohosh on anxiety. However, significant effect of black cohosh was seen on psychological symptoms. Fennel had a positive effect in both patients with anxiety or depression and healthy women. Flaxseed group showed a non-significant effect on psychological symptoms. Conclusion The present systematic review found that some of the herbal medicines may have good effect in the relief of the anxiety and the depression.
... Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) is taken to enhance energy and improve female hormone imbalance, and it has been reported to reduce psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, in clinic (Brooks et al., 2008;Tian et al., 2018). Due to their beneficial effects to mental and immune system, these plants and fungi have enticed commercial and research interest. ...
Article
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Located throughout the body, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are therapeutic targets for obesity/metabolic diseases, neurological/mental disorders, and immune modulation. Phytocannabinoids are greatly important for the development of new medicines with high efficacy and/or minor side effects. Plants and fungi are used in traditional medicine for beneficial effects to mental and immune system. The current research studied five fungi from the genus Ganoderma and five plants: Ganoderma hainanense J.D. Zhao, L.W. Hsu & X.Q. Zhang; Ganoderma capense (Lloyd) Teng, Zhong Guo De Zhen Jun; Ganoderma cochlear (Blume & T. Nees) Bres., Hedwigia; Ganoderma resinaceum Boud.; Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.; Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae); Cynanchum otophyllum C. K. Schneid. (Asclepiadaceae); Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae); Prinsepia utilis Royle (Rosaceae); Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae). They show immunoregulation, promotion of longevity and maintenance of vitality, stimulant effects on the central nervous system, hormone balance and other beneficial effects. However, it remains unclear whether cannabinoid receptors are involved in these effects. Aim of the study: This work aimed to identify components working on CB1 and CB2 from the above plants and fungi, as novel phytocannabinoids, and to investigate mechanisms of how these compounds affected the cells. By analyzing the structure-activity relationship, we could identify the core structure for future development. Materials and methods: Eighty-two natural compounds were screened on stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, CHO-CB1 and CHO-CB2, with application of a label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) technology that measured cellular responses to compounds. CP55,940 and WIN55,212-2 were agonist probe molecules, and SR141716A and SR144528 were antagonist probes. Pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, LY294002 and U73122 were signaling pathway inhibitors. The DMR data were acquired by Epic Imager software (Corning, NY), processed by Imager Beta 3.7 (Corning), and analyzed by GraphPad Prism 6 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). Results: Transfected CHO-CB1 and CHO-CB2 cell lines were established and characterized. Seven compounds induced responses/activities in the cells. Among the seven compounds, four were purified from two Ganoderma species with potencies between 20 and 35 μM. Three antagonists: Kfb68 antagonized both receptors with a better desensitizing effect on CB2 to WIN55,212-2 over CP55,940. Kga1 and Kfb28 were antagonists selective to CB1 and CB2, respectively. Kfb77 was a special agonist and it stimulated CB1 in a mechanism different from that of CP55,940. Another three active compounds, derived from the Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae), were also identified but their effects were mediated through mechanisms much related to the signaling transduction pathways, especially through the stimulatory Gs protein. Conclusions: We identified four natural cannabinoids that exhibited structural and functional diversities. Our work confirms the presence of active ingredients in the Ganoderma species to CB1 and CB2, and this finding establishes connections between the fungi and the cannabinoid receptors, which will serve as a starting point to connect their beneficial effects to the endocannabinoid system. This research will also enrich the inventory of cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids from fungi. Yet due to some limitations, further structure-activity relationship studies and mechanism investigation are warranted in future.
... Recent review by Beharry and Heinrich (2018) confirmed the recognition of Maca as a herb with traditional therapeutic properties, displaying positive multidirectional pharmaceutical and medicinal effects on a wide spectrum of health conditions. An important physiological factor in oral application of Maca as a dietary supplement, which has been confirmed in several study and literature reviews cited in this paper, is the fact that positive gender-specific effects of using Maca hypocotyls in their entirety are independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity (Beharry and Heinrich, 2018;Brooks et al., 2008;Gonzales, 2017;Meissner et al., 2017). ...
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HPLC glucosinolate (GCSN) profiles and concentration levels were examined in hypocotyls of the four prime Maca phenotypes (Lepidium peruvianum synonym L. meyenii) labelled as “Yellow”, “Black”, “Red” and “Purple”, grown in Peru (Pe) and/or China (Cn). In Trial I, glucotropaeolin (GLCT) and m-methoxyglucotropaeolin (MGLCT) content, and their ratios, was determined in commercial Maca products of Pe origin and compared with similar products declared as of Cn origin. In Trial II, Maca was propagated and cultivated either in Ancash – Peru, according to a traditional single stage planting system, or in Shangri-La – Cn, applying a two-stage Maca planting procedure adopted by Maca growers in Yunnan. Irrespective of the phenotype, in the Pe cultivation system, cylindrical elongated and pointed Maca hypocotyls (H) were harvested in the mixed crop, while disfigured Maca tubers resembling “ginseng-type root” (G) were predominant in the crop harvested in Cn. Two peaks of GLCT and MGLCT were detected in all analysed hypocotyls of the four Maca phenotypes grown in Pe, but only one peak (GLCT) was detected in the Maca phenotypes grown in Shangri-La, Cn. Significantly higher GLCT values were detected in all the Maca phenotypes grown in Cn than in Pe (P < 0.05), with the highest content recorded in the Black and Purple H-shaped while MGLCT was the highest in Yellow G-shaped Cn Maca tubers. Cn-made “Chinese Maca tablets” contained both GLCT and MGLCT. This indicates that Maca imported from Pe could have been used in the formulation - a fact which was subsequently confirmed by the manufacturer.
... Three studies used pregelatinized maca, 91,92 and 1 study used dried maca. 90 All studies employed a placebo control for comparison. Each of these trials indicated favorable effects of maca on menopausal symptoms as measured by the Greene Climacteric Scale and the Kupperman Index compared with placebo. ...
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Menopause is associated with problematic symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep problems, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and declines in cognitive functioning. Many women seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom management. This article critically reviews the existing literature on CAM treatments most commonly used for menopausal symptoms. Electronic searches were conducted to identify relevant, English-language literature published through March 2017. Results indicate that mind and body practices may be of benefit in reducing stress and bothersomeness of some menopausal symptoms. In particular, hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that has consistently shown to have a clinically significant effect on reducing hot flashes. Evidence is mixed in regard to the efficacy of natural products and there are some safety concerns. Health care providers should consider the evidence on CAM in providing an integrative health approach to menopausal symptom management.
... [33] Maca bitkisiyle 14 menopozal kadında plasebo kontrollü, randomize yapılan bir çalışmada, Maca kullanımı sonucu hormonal değerler etkilenmemesine rağmen özellikle seksüel fonksiyon bozukluğunda, anksiyete ve depresyon gibi birçok psikolojik semptomda azalma olduğu gösterilmiştir (kanıt düzeyi 1b). [52] 17 kadın ve üç erkek üzerinde yapılan başka bir çalışmada ise 12 hafta boyunca günde 3 gram Maca verilen grupta (10 kişi) seksüel fonksiyonda gelişme görülürken; günde 1,5 gram Maca verilen grupta (10 kişi) gelişme görülmediği ve Macanın cinsel fonksiyon üzerindeki etkisinin doza bağımlı olabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır. [49] Macaya bağlı ters etkiler fazla görülmemiştir ve oldukça güvenilir bir bitki olarak görülmesine rağmen optimum doz veya yan etkileri tam olarak bilinmemektedir. ...
Article
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, with male factors contributing to around 40% of cases. Common male infertility issues include erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sperm count or quality, which account for over 90% of cases. These problems often result from anatomical, hormonal, or genetic abnormalities. This review focuses on natural aphrodisiac herbs commonly used to address ED, providing detailed information on their botanical characteristics, metabolic pathways, recommended dosages, phytochemical properties, side effects, origins, and traditional uses. It also reviews recent studies on medicinal herbs that boost sexual desire and treat urological conditions. By compiling reliable findings from the past decade, the study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals dealing with sexual health issues. Through careful evaluation of each herb, it offers insights into their effectiveness and limitations, emphasizing the potential of natural treatments as complementary alternatives to conventional therapies for male infertility and related conditions. HIGHLIGHTS • Anatomy, hormone abnormalities and genetic flaws may contribute to male infertility. • The most popular natural aphrodisiac herbs used in the treatment of infertility were revised. • Unique and reliable references to sexual desire and urological problems were provided. • Safe aphrodisiac herbs including phytochemical products were emphasized. • Plants were investigated for their potential as aphrodisiacs and fertility enhancers ARTICLE HISTORY
Article
This updated systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to confirm the effectiveness of plant‐based supplements in improving overall menopausal symptoms and vasomotor symptoms. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to June 2022. Randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trials that evaluated the effects of dietary supplements on menopausal symptoms were included. Outcome measures included daily hot flash frequency, Kupperman's index, Menopause Rating Scale, and Greene Climacteric Scale. Pooled data were analyzed using a fixed‐effects model and expressed as a weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval for continuous outcomes. For qualitative assessment, 67 studies were selected. For quantitative assessment, 54 reports were obtained from 61 studies. The study participants were peri‐ or postmenopausal women aged 38–85, most of whom experienced hot flashes as a menopausal symptom. The investigational products included 28 soy‐derived, 6 red clover‐derived, and 28 other plant‐derived supplements. Qualitative assessment revealed that approximately 76% of the studies were generally of fair or good quality, whereas 24% were of low quality. Meta‐analysis results indicated significant improvements in all questionnaire scores, including hot flash frequency, in the dietary supplement group compared with the placebo group. Comprehensive evaluation using different questionnaire tools showed that the various plant‐derived dietary supplements can significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, further rigorous studies are needed to determine the association of plant‐derived dietary supplements with menopausal health because of the general suboptimal quality and heterogeneous nature of current evidence.
Article
Background: The quality of life of a person and her sexual partner is impacted by sexual function. Sexual function disorders have a significant prevalence in society. There are different treatments for sexual disorders, including herbal therapies. Objective: This study aimed to do a comparison of phytoestrogens and non-phytoestrogens medicinal plant’s effects on sexual health in pre- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify relevant articles in electronic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and SID for English- and Persian-language articles published up to December 2021. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Results: Of 5428 records retrieved by searching the databases, after removing duplicate and irrelevant articles, 39 articles were included based on the inclusion criteria in the study. Finally, 18 articles with 1299 participants were included in the meta-analysis. 18 randomized clinical trial studies of phytoestrogens (n = 13) and non-phytoestrogens (n = 5) plants that used the female sexual function index questionnaire and reported the mean difference (MD) and standard deviation were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of phytoestrogens and non-phytoestrogens plants on the sexual health of postmenopausal women appear to differ significantly from one another, according to the meta-analysis (MD = 7.59; 95% CI = 4.56-10.60 and MD = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.25-5.13, respectively) but this difference was not observed in premenopausal women. Conclusion: The effect of phytoestrogens plants is more in menopausal women, and they can be advised to use these herbs. Key words: Medicinal, Plants, Sexual health, Women, Meta-analysis.
Article
Low mental energy can contribute to decreased productivity, altered life balance, decreased physical performance, and ultimately affect quality of life. As such, there is a great demand for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy. Numerous products claim to alter mental energy making continued review of the scientific evidence critical. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of 18 dietary ingredients on mental energy outcomes in adults without severe disease. Methods: A literature search, completed using PubMed, resulted in the identification of 2261 articles, 190 of which met eligibility from initial abstract review. Full-text review was completed on the 190 studies which resulted in 101 articles that fully met eligibility for inclusion in this study. The search strategy for two ingredients did not yield any eligible studies, leaving studies for 16 ingredients that were extracted and summarized by reported significantly improved outcomes for cognition, mood and perceived feelings, and sleep assessments. The preliminary results for several dietary ingredients directionally suggested a mental energy benefit (≥20% of outcomes), including ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, tart cherries, turmeric, and valerian root. The results of this scoping review suggest that of the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 may be promising for further exploration on their potential benefits in supporting mental energy. Given consumer demand and market growth for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy; continued efforts in assessment method alignment and additional evaluation in well-designed trials is warranted. KEY TEACHING POINTSOf the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 (ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, melatonin foods, turmeric, and valerian root) may be promising for further exploration on their potential mental energy benefits.Dark chocolate, ginseng, ashwagandha, and lion's mane mushroom were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the cognition domain of the ingredients evaluated.Turmeric, maca, lavendar, and ashwagandha were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the mood and perceived feelings domain of the ingredients evaluated.Ashwagandha, chamomile, green tea, melatonin foods, valerian root were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the sleep domain of the ingredients evaluated.Additional, well-designed, consistent, clinical trials and systematic reviews are warranted as the challenge of heterogeneity in mental energy study design remains.
Chapter
During menopause, women experience numerous symptoms of a psychological, somatic, vasomotor, and/or sexual nature. Women may experience none, some, or all of these types of symptoms to varying degrees, often having a significant negative impact on their overall quality of life. Data suggest that women who participate in regular exercise experience less menopausal symptoms than those who do not; hence, exercise may present a safe and accessible therapy for the symptoms of menopause. However, there are also many studies in the literature that show little or no effect of exercise alleviating these symptoms. We present the existing data and highlight the need for well-designed, appropriately powered studies in the future.KeywordsMenopauseExercisePhysical activitySomatic symptomsVasomotor symptomsPsychological symptomsInflammation
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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.
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BACKGROUND The Lepidium meyenii plant also known as Peruvian Maca, originates from high altitudes in the Andes, it has a high nutritional content and is extensively used as an herbal supplement for conditions such as sexual dysfunction, semen quality and menopausal symptoms. OBJECTIVE This systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of Maca on variety of conditions and not limited to sexual dysfunction, semen quality and menopausal symptoms. METHODS An extensive systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2015. Three databases (PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar) in addition to patents were searched up to March 2021. The key criteria for inclusion were; (1) in vivo study (2) randomized controlled clinical trial; (3) subjects were given Maca regardless of the type, preparation and/or administration route; and (4) measurable clinical data on a physiological and/or psychological aspect were reported. Studies were categorised into human and animal model studies and were further grouped by the type and preparation of Maca, dose, duration and condition assessed. The studies were also assessed for risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaborations tool. Studies were compared to ascertain whether a meta-analysis was feasible. RESULTS A total of 57 studies, 14 clinical and 43 pre-clinical trials met the pre-defined criteria; although patent applications were searched none met the criteria. Nine different extraction methods of Maca were used with various coloured roots namely black, yellow and red roots or a mixture of all three. Different colour variations showed different effects thought to be due to the presence and/or concentration of secondary metabolites. Maca was reported to have an effect on conditions such as memory impairment, depression, bone structure, UV irradiations amongst others. Placebo and dose-dependent effects were observed in some studies. The overall quality of risk of bias was unclear due to insufficient information being published in addition to a high risk of reporting bias. Doses and durations varied, and an insufficient number of studies had further analysed whether these factors had an effect on the outcome made a meta-analysis unfeasible. Therefore, recommendations for future studies were discussed. CONCLUSION Evidence to date suggests that Maca root could be an effective treatment for a range of conditions with 55 out of 57 studies reporting an effect. Clinical trials with rigorous reporting and methods are warranted.
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Maca (Lepidium myenii) root has been used by people of the Andes for more than 2000 years for nutrition, cognition, and fertility. Of the three main colors it comes in, red maca is the rarest and provides the most antioxidants. Black maca has been shown to significantly increase sperm count and sperm mobility in men and to reduce stress and fatigue, increase memory and learning ability, and work as a natural antidepressant, while yellow maca has shown a moderate effect on sperm count and sex drive. Maca root may be beneficial for menopause, menopausal sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and general wellness at high altitudes. This chapter examines some of the scientific research conducted on maca, both alone and in combination formulas, for treating numerous health conditions. It summarizes results from several human studies of maca’s use in treating genitourinary disorders and disorders of vitality. Finally, the chapter presents a list of maca’s active constituents, different Commonly Used Preparations and Dosage, and a section on “Safety and Precaution” that examines side effects, toxicity, and disease and drug interactions.
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Background Sex hormones and the immune system may play a key role in sex differences in affective disorders. The understanding of their interplay may lead to the detection of new sex-specific tailored therapeutic approaches. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the evidence supporting a possible association between sex hormones and inflammatory biomarkers in people with affective disorders. Methods A systematic search of the literature published until January 2021 was conducted on PubMed database. The initial search identified a total of 1259 studies; 20 studies investigating inflammatory biomarkers and sex hormones in patients exhibiting depressive symptoms were included: 10 studies focused on patients with affective disorders, and 10 studies focused on women in menopause or in the post-partum period exhibiting depressive symptoms. Results Testosterone and exogenous female sex hormones may play protective roles through their modulation of the immune system, respectively, in male patients with bipolar disorder and in peri-/post-menopausal women with depression. Limitations The main limitations are the paucity of studies investigating both sex hormones and immune biomarkers, the lack of statistical analyses exploring specifically the association between these two classes of biomarkers, and the great heterogeneity between the participants’ samples in the studies. Conclusion This review highlights the need to investigate the interplay between sex hormones and immune system in affective disorders. The inconsistent or incomplete evidence may be improved by studies in patients with moderate-high inflammatory levels that specifically evaluate the relationship between sex hormones and the immune system.
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Over the past decades, along with progressive economic development, significant changes in environment, society and people’s lifestyles have been observed. A marked shift in the dietary pattern worldwide together with the physical inactivity due to the urbanization and sedentary nature of many forms of work, resulted in an increasing prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases. Overweight and obesity are the major causes of co-morbidities, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, various cancers and other health problems. Psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression were associated not only with weight gain but also with sexual dysfunction, a serious medical and social symptom that occurs both in men and women. This chapter focuses on natural remedies, herbs and dietary supplements used in weight management (slimming products) and sexual enhancement (natural aphrodisiacs). Due to the higher interest of consumers in a holistic approach of traditional medicines, the popularity of natural products registered a significant increase and the global market of herbal food supplements has grown and diversified spectacularly. Besides the description of botanical species most frequently used as active ingredients in herbal formulations, the main results of human trials have been reviewed. The efficacy of natural products and their mechanism of action, as well as an adverse reaction, side effect or drug-herb interactions, were discussed. Special attention was paid to adulteration with pharmaceutically active substances of those products marketed as natural which is associated with potential health risks for consumers.
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Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a herbaceous plant grown at over 4,000 m in Peru. It has been studied worldwide for its properties on fertility. Previous studies have assessed maca effects on semen quality, but there is need of randomised, double‐blind trials in order to make clinical decisions. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of maca on seminal parameters in infertile adult men. This is a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled pilot trial in which sixty‐nine patients diagnosed with mild asthenozoospermia and/or mild oligozoospermia were supplied by maca (n = 35) or placebo (n = 34) (2 g/day) for a period of 12 weeks. When compared patients treated with maca and patients treated with placebo, there were no significant differences in semen volume (2.95 ± 0.52 vs. 2.90 ± 0.52; p = .392), sperm motility (22.34 ± 2.22 vs. 23.05 ± 2.22; p = .462) and normal sperm morphology (7.89 ± 1.89 vs. 7.04 ± 2.28; p = .801), but there was a significant difference in sperm concentration (15.04 ± 5.61 vs. 10.16 ± 3.59, respectively; p = .011). In conclusion, patients treated with 2 g of maca for a period of 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in seminal concentration compared with patients treated with placebo. There were no significant differences in semen volume, sperm mobility and morphology when compared both groups.
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Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse. Affected men endorse difficulties with intimacy and feelings of guilt and shame. Although medical treatments are available, patients are reluctant to discuss ED with physicians and often use dietary supplements to attempt to treat their ED. As such, there is a need to better understand the effects of ingredients used in nutraceuticals for ED treatment. Objectives To summarize the literature on the efficacy and safety of the most common ingredients used in ED supplements. Methods 10 of the most common ingredients in ED supplements were reviewed using PubMed-indexed literature to assess their efficacy and safety in treating ED. Key findings were summarized to include historical use, active ingredients, prior animal studies, human studies, and toxicity. Results Nutraceuticals used in ED treatment include a variety of ingredients. Although L-arginine is a safe supplement with clinical data supporting improved erectile function, limited data exist on the efficacy of other ingredients in the treatment of ED. Conclusion Despite the growing use of supplements for treatment of sexual dysfunction, ED supplements remain poorly studied, with limited data demonstrating efficacy of individual ingredients. Further study is required to definitively determine the efficacy of nutraceuticals in ED treatment. Srivatsav A, Balasubramanian A, Pathak UI, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX–XXX.
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Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root native to the Andean region, cultivated for at least 2000 years. Maca is rich in fiber, a large number of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, iron, and calcium. Besides these essential nutrients, this root contains bioactive compounds responsible for benefits to the human body, which has caused a considerable increase in its consumption in the last 20 years worldwide. This review documents the Peruvian maca composition and the recent findings regarding the medicinal effects of this root in sexual dysfunction regulation, neuroprotective effects, action in memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, and skin protection.
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Continuous cropping maca systems are widespread in Yunan Province, China. However, the relationships between continuous cropping maca systems and microbes are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of continuous cropping maca systems (Maca with 0, 1, 2, and 3 years of continuous cultivation) on the soil microbial community. The results showed that the soil organic matter, total N, total P, and total K contents, as well as maca fresh and dry weight, decreased significantly with increased continuous cropping years. Interestingly, qPCR analysis showed that the bacterial and fungal abundance (DNA levels) decreased and active bacterial and fungal abundance (RNA levels) increased with cropping years from the first to the third cropping (p < 0.05). Moreover, the abundance of actinomycetes in the CK soil was significantly higher than that in the other maca soils. In addition, the continuous cropping system resulted in rich diversity in the fungal structure and had little effects on the bacterial and actinomycete communities. Acidobacteria (50%) and Ascomycota (58.3%) were detected in the continuous cropping maca soils. Based on the present results, continuous cropping of maca not exceeding two years could be optimal to maintain soil nutrition and microbial community.
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Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) has emerged as a popular functional plant food due to various claimed health effects. This review details the major (i.e., starch, dietary fiber, and protein) and minor constituents (i.e., minerals, non-starch polysaccharides, polyphenols (flavonolignans), macaenes, macamides, glucosinolates, and alkaloids) of maca (root and aerial parts). Diverse health effects of maca are also summarized. Various bioactivities of maca include enhanced reproductive health, antifatigue, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and improving skin health and digestive system's function. Plant genetics, botanical parts, processing, extraction, and experimental protocols represent the major factors affecting the chemical composition, physicochemical attributes, and health effects of maca-based products. However, clinical studies to support the claimed health effects of maca and related mechanisms appear to be lacking. Product innovation and diversification in food and non-food utilization of different parts of maca to maximize the value perceptions are suggested.
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This double-blind, placebo-corrected clinical pilot study was aimed at assessing the use of hypocotyls of cruciferous Andean plant Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon), in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause as measured by profiles of serum hormones: Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estrogen (E2) and Progesterone (PG) and as assessed by Greene's Menopausal Index. Study was conducted on 20 Caucasian healthy early-postmenopausal women volunteers during the three months period (Trial I) and on eight women during nine months period (Trial II). Hormone levels were determined in blood with a simultaneous assessment of menopausal index at the start of study, after one month use of placebo, and after two and eight months administration of 2g gelatinized Maca root powder (Maca-GO) in the form of two 500mg hard gel capsules, twice daily. In comparison to placebo, after both, two and eight months administration of Maca-GO capsules to EPMW, level of FSH significantly (P<0.05) decreased with a simultaneous significant (P<0.05) increase in the LH level, resulting in significant (P<0.05) increase in both E2 and PG, after eight months of Maca-GO treatment only. There was a significant (P<0.05) placebo effect resulting in an elevated PG level after one month administration of placebo capsules. Changes in hormone levels was accompanied by substantially-reduced feeling of discomfort associated with menopause, although, there was a distinctive, positive placebo effect as judged by responses to Greene's questionnaire. It is reasonable to suggest that Maca-GO when used in EPMW, depending on the length of use, was acting as a toner of hormonal processes as reflected by decrease in FSH and increased LH secretion, which stimulated production of both ovarian hormones, E2 and PG and resulted in a substantial reduction of menopausal discomfort felt by women participating in the study, with a distinctive placebo effect, thus, fully justifying further, more complex study on effectiveness of Maca-GO as a reliable alternative to HRT program.
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To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spermatogenesis in adult male rats. Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root (66.7 mg in one mL) twice a day for 14 consecutive days. Treatment with Lepidium meyenii resulted in an increase in the weights of testis and epididymis but not the seminal vesicle weight. The length and frequency of stages IX-XIV seminiferous tubules, where mitosis occurred, were increased and stages I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidium meyenii. The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting on its initial stages (IX-XIV).
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The present study was designed to determine the effect of a 4-month oral treatment with tablets of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on seminal analysis in nine adult normal men aged 24-44 years old. Nine men received tablets of Maca (1500 or 3000 mg/day) for 4 months. Seminal analysis was performed according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured before and after treatment. Treatment with Maca resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculum, motile sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were not modified with Maca treatment. Increase of sperm count was not related to dose of Maca. Maca improved sperm production and sperm motility by mechanisms not related to LH, FSH, PRL, T and E2.
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This study was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with placebo. The study aimed to demonstrate if effect of Maca on subjective report of sexual desire was because of effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Men aged 21–56 years received Maca in one of two doses: 1500 mg or 3000 mg or placebo. Self-perception on sexual desire, score for Hamilton test for depression, and Hamilton test for anxiety were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo (P:NS). Logistic regression analysis showed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and this effect is not because of changes in either Hamilton scores for depression or anxiety or serum testosterone and oestradiol levels. In conclusion, treatment with Maca improved sexual desire.
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Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day). Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.
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The effects of two Peruvian folk medicines, Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha, on mouse sex steroid hormones and embryo implantation were investigated. Progesterone levels increased significantly in mice that received L. meyenii Walp, while testosterone levels increased significantly in mice that received L. meyenii Walp as well as in those that received both L. meyenii Walp and J. macrantha. However, there were no marked changes in blood levels of estradiol-17beta or the rate of embryo implantation.
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Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Maca can prevent high altitude-induced testicular disturbances. Adult male rats were exposed for 21 days to an altitude of 4340 m and treated with vehicle or aqueous extract of Maca (666.6 mg/day). The lengths of the stages of the seminiferous epithelium and epididymal sperm counts were obtained at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure. The stages of the seminiferous tubules were assessed by transillumination. A dose-response study was also performed at sea level to determine the effect of Maca given to male rats at doses of 0, 6.6, 66.6 and 666.6 mg/day for 7 days on body weight, seminiferous tubule stages and epididymal sperm count. The length of stage VIII and the epididymal sperm count were increased in a dose-dependent manner in Maca-treated rats but treatment reduced the length of stage I. At the highest dose, sperm count increased 1.58 times, the length of stage VIII increased 2.4 times and the length of stage I was reduced 0.48 times compared with the value at dose 0. Exposure to high altitude resulted in a reduction in epididymal sperm count after 7 days and lower values were maintained up to 21 days. Altitude reduced spermiation (stage VIII) to half and the onset of spermatogenesis (stages IX-XI) to a quarter on days 7 and 14 but treatment with Maca (666.6 mg/day) prevented these changes. Data on transillumination and epididymal sperm count in the Maca-treated group exposed to high altitude were similar to those obtained at sea level. Maca increased the sperm count on day 21 of exposure to high altitude to values similar (1095.25 +/- 20.41x10(6) sperm, means +/- S.E.M.) to those obtained in the Maca-treated group at sea level (1132.30 +/- 172.95x10(6) sperm). Furthermore, in the Maca-treated group exposed for 21 days to high altitude, epididymal sperm count was higher than in the non-treated group at sea level (690.49 +/- 43.67x10(6) sperm). In conclusion, treatment of rats with Maca at high altitude prevented high altitude-induced spermatogenic disruption.
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To evaluate harms and benefits associated with use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for five years in women with different baseline risks for breast cancer. Probabilistic clinical decision analysis. Hypothetical population of white UK women aged 50 years with different baseline risks for breast cancer. Gain or loss in quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Women free of menopausal symptoms showed a net harm from HRT use, which increased for increasing baseline risk of breast cancer. Those with a baseline risk of 1.2% would expect a loss in QALYs of 0.4 months (- 0.03 QALYs, 95% credibility interval - 0.05 to - 0.01). The main analysis showed HRT to be on average beneficial in women with symptoms, with benefit decreasing with increasing baseline risk of breast cancer. The results were sensitive to the assumed value of quality of life with menopausal symptoms, therefore a contour plot was developed to show the probability of net harm for a range of different values and baseline risks. HRT for primary prevention of chronic diseases in women without menopausal symptoms is unjustified. Perceived quality of life in women with symptoms should be taken into account when deciding on HRT. Thus, a decision analysis tailored to an individual woman is more appropriate in clinical practice than a population based approach.
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Epidemiological studies have found that consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. This effect seems to be due to aromatic glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are known for have both antiproliferative and proapoptotic actions. Maca is a cruciferous cultivated in the highlands of Peru. The absolute content of glucosinolates in Maca hypocotyls is relatively higher than that reported in other cruciferous crops. Therefore, Maca may have proapoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in the prostate. Male rats treated with or without aqueous extracts of three ecotypes of Maca (Yellow, Black and Red) were analyzed to determine the effect on ventral prostate weight, epithelial height and duct luminal area. Effects on serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels were also assessed. Besides, the effect of Red Maca on prostate was analyzed in rats treated with testosterone enanthate (TE). Red Maca but neither Yellow nor Black Maca reduced significantly ventral prostate size in rats. Serum T or E2 levels were not affected by any of the ecotypes of Maca assessed. Red Maca also prevented the prostate weight increase induced by TE treatment. Red Maca administered for 42 days reduced ventral prostatic epithelial height. TE increased ventral prostatic epithelial height and duct luminal area. These increases by TE were reduced after treatment with Red Maca for 42 days. Histology pictures in rats treated with Red Maca plus TE were similar to controls. Phytochemical screening showed that aqueous extract of Red Maca has alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, and cardiotonic glycosides. The IR spectra of the three ecotypes of Maca in 3800-650 cm (-1) region had 7 peaks representing 7 functional chemical groups. Highest peak values were observed for Red Maca, intermediate values for Yellow Maca and low values for Black Maca. These functional groups correspond among others to benzyl glucosinolate. Red Maca, a cruciferous plant from the highland of Peru, reduced ventral prostate size in normal and TE treated rats.
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The growing popularity of botanical dietary supplements (BDS) has been accompanied by concerns regarding the quality of commercial products. Health care providers, in particular, have an interest in knowing about product quality, in view of the issues related to herb-drug interactions and potential side effects. This study assessed whether commercial formulations of saw palmetto, kava kava, echinacea, ginseng and St. John's wort had consistent labeling and whether quantities of marker compounds agreed with the amounts stated on the label. We purchased six bottles each of two lots of supplements from nine manufacturers and analyzed the contents using established commercial methodologies at an independent laboratory. Product labels were found to vary in the information provided, such as serving recommendations and information about the herb itself (species, part of the plant, marker compound, etc.) With regard to marker compound content, little variability was observed between different lots of the same brand, while the content did vary widely between brands (e.g. total phenolic compounds in Echinacea ranged from 3.9-15.3 mg per serving; total ginsenosides in ginseng ranged from 5.3-18.2 mg per serving). Further, the amounts recommended for daily use also differed between brands, increasing the potential range of a consumer's daily dose. Echinacea and ginseng were the most variable, while St. John's wort and saw palmetto were the least variable. This study highlights some of the key issues in the botanical supplement market, including the importance of standardized manufacturing practices and reliable labeling information. In addition, health care providers should keep themselves informed regarding product quality in order to be able to appropriately advise patients utilizing both conventional and herbal medicines.
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Women commonly use soy products, herbs, and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for menopausal symptoms. Randomized, controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy and short-term safety of these therapies. To review randomized, controlled trials of CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms in order to better inform practice and guide future research. Searches of MEDLINE for articles published from January 1966 through March 2002, of the Alternative and Complementary Database (AMED) of the British Library for articles published from January 1985 through December 2000, and of the authors' own extensive files. Search terms were hot flash/flush, menopause, and climacteric, combined with phytoestrogens, alternative medicine, herbal medicine, traditional medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM ), Ayurveda, naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, yoga, relaxation therapy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and therapeutic touch. 29 randomized, controlled clinical trials of CAM therapies for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms were identified; of these, 12 dealt with soy or soy extracts, 10 with herbs, and 7 with other CAM therapies. Each author extracted information from half of the studies on the number of patients, study design, outcome measures, and results; the other author then checked these results. Soy seems to have modest benefit for hot flashes, but studies are not conclusive. Isoflavone preparations seem to be less effective than soy foods. Black cohosh may be effective for menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, but the lack of adequate long-term safety data (mainly on estrogenic stimulation of the breast or endometrium) precludes recommending long-term use. Single clinical trials have found that dong quai, evening primrose oil, a Chinese herb mixture, vitamin E, and acupuncture do not affect hot flashes; two trials have shown that red clover has no benefit for treating hot flashes. Black cohosh and foods that contain phytoestrogens show promise for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Clinical trials do not support the use of other herbs or CAM therapies. Long-term safety data on individual isoflavones or isoflavone concentrates are not available.
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Lepidium meyenii, known as Maca, grows exclusively in the Peruvian Andes over 4000 m altitude. It has been used traditionally to increase fertility. Previous scientific studies have demonstrated that Maca increases spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm count. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Maca on several fertility parameters of female mice at reproductive age. Adult female Balb/C mice were divided at random into three main groups: i) Reproductive indexes group, ii) Implantation sites group and iii) Assessment of uterine weight in ovariectomized mice. Animals received an aqueous extract of lyophilized Yellow Maca (1 g/Kg BW) or vehicle orally as treatment. In the fertility indexes study, animals received the treatment before, during and after gestation. The fertility index, gestation index, post-natal viability index, weaning viability index and sex ratio were calculated. Sexual maturation was evaluated in the female pups by the vaginal opening (VO) day. In the implantation study, females were checked for implantation sites at gestation day 7 and the embryos were counted. In ovariectomized mice, the uterine weight was recorded at the end of treatment. Implantation sites were similar in mice treated with Maca and in controls. All reproductive indexes were similar in both groups of treatment. The number of pups per dam at birth and at postnatal day 4 was significantly higher in the group treated with Maca. VO day occurred earlier as litter size was smaller. Maca did not affect VO day. In ovariectomized mice, the treatment with Maca increased significantly the uterine weights in comparison to their respective control group. Administration of aqueous extract of Yellow Maca to adult female mice increases the litter size. Moreover, this treatment increases the uterine weight in ovariectomized animals. Our study confirms for the first time some of the traditional uses of Maca to enhance female fertility.
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The biological activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts from dehydrated hypocotyls of Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae, vernacular name "maca"), was studied on rat hepatocytes and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The extracts did not exhibit cytotoxicity in hepatocyte primary cultures up to 10 mg/ml as measured by the MTT viability test, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) leakage. Moreover, after 72 h, extracts inhibited LDH and AST leakage from the hepatocytes. When hepatocytes were intoxicated by t-butyl hydroperoxide, neither extract prevented oxidative damage. Both extracts showed weak antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging test with IC(50) values of 3.46 +/- 0.16 and 0.71 +/- 0.10 mg/ml, for aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. Thus, the observed effect on spontaneous enzyme leakage is probably mediated through mechanisms other than antioxidant activity. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts have shown estrogenic activity comparable with that of silymarin in MCF-7 cell line. Maca estrogenicity was exhibited in the range from 100 to 200 mug of extract per ml. The findings in the present study show that maca does not display in vitro hepatotoxicity. In contrast, a slight cytoprotective effect, probably not mediated by antioxidant capacity, was noted. Maca extracts exhibited estrogenic activity comparably to the effect of silymarin in MCF-7 cells.
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Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae), known as Maca, is a Peruvian hypocotyl growing exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m altitude in the central Peruvian Andes, particularly in Junin plateau and is used traditionally to enhance fertility. Maca is a cultivated plant and different cultivars are described according to the color of the hypocotyls. The study aimed to elucidate the effect of Yellow, Red and Black Maca on cognitive function and depression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In all experiments OVX mice were treated during 21 days and divided in four groups: control group, Yellow Maca, Red Maca and Black Maca. Latent learning was assessed using the water finding task and the antidepressant activity of the three varieties of Maca was evaluated using the forced swimming test. Animals were sacrificed at the end of each treatment and the uterus were excised and weighed. Black Maca was the variety that showed the best response in the water finding task, particularly in the trained mice. The three varieties were effective to reduce finding latency in non trained and trained mice (P < 0.05). In the force swimming test, all varieties assessed reduced the time of immobility and increased uterine weight in OVX mice. Black Maca appeared to have more beneficial effects on latent learning in OVX mice; meanwhile, all varieties of Maca showed antidepressant activity.
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Lepidium meyenii (Maca) grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m above sea level in the Peruvian central Andes. The hypocotyls of this plant are traditionally used in the Andean region for their supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The hypocotyls have different colours. Of these, Black maca has better effects on spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that Black maca has early effects during a spermatogenic cycle (12 days) of male rats. For this, testicular spermatid, epididymal sperm and vas deferens sperm counts were measured after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days of treatment with Black maca. Aqueous extract of Black maca was given orally by daily gavage at a dose of 2 g kg(-1). In a spermatogenic cycle, compared with day 1, daily sperm production (DSP) was lower at day 7 (control), whereas with Black maca, the difference was observed at day 12. Epididymal sperm count was higher in rats treated with Black maca at days 1, 3 and 7, but similar to controls at days 5 and 12; similarly sperm counts in vas deferens was higher in rats treated with Black maca in days 3, 5 and 7, but similar to controls at days 1 and 12. From this, it is suggested that first action of Black maca was at epididymal level increasing sperm count after 1 day of treatment, whereas an increase in sperm count was observed in vas deferens at day 3 of treatment. Finally, an increase in DSP was observed after 7 days of treatment with Black maca. Testicular testosterone was not affected after 7 days treatment with Black maca. In conclusion, Black maca affects sperm count as early as 1 day after beginning of treatment.
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Functional maturation of steroid hormone receptors requires ordered assembly into a large multichaperone complex consisting of receptor monomer, an Hsp90 dimer, the p23 cochaperone, and an FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family member or alternate peptidylprolyl isomerase-related cochaperone. Previous cellular studies demonstrated that FKBP52 can potentiate receptor function. These results have been confirmed in fkbp4 gene knockout mice in which males are partially androgen insensitive and females display characteristics of progesterone insensitivity. Conversely, FKBP51, which has a high degree of similarity to FKBP52, antagonizes FKBP52-mediated potentiation. Both proteins consist of three domains: two FKBP12-like domains termed FK1 and FK2 and a tetratricopeptide repeat domain that targets binding to Hsp90. To help understand why the two FKBPs behave differently and to gain insight into FKBP52 potentiation activity, we have analyzed the loop structure that links FK1 and FK2. Within the FK linker of FKBP52 is the sequence TEEED, which forms a consensus casein kinase II phosphorylation site; the corresponding sequence in FKBP51 is FED. We demonstrate that the distinct FK linker sequences per se do not account for lack of potentiation activity by FKBP51. However, phosphorylation of the FK linker appears to be an important regulatory determinant of FKBP52-mediated potentiation of steroid receptor activity.
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Objective: To survey the extent of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among women for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Design: A total of 1,296 eligible women aged 45 to 65 years were recruited from three Sydney menopause clinics, general practice clinics, and government agencies between July 2003 and July 2004. Volunteers were invited to complete a 19-item questionnaire covering basic demographics, general health status, use of CAM therapies and products, use of pharmaceuticals, and sources of CAM advice. Results: Of respondents, 53.8% had visited a CAM practitioner and/or used a CAM product during the past year, with 34% using a product only and 5% consulting a practitioner only. The most commonly visited practitioners were naturopaths (7.2%) and acupuncturists (4.8%), whereas the most popular products were soy (25.4%) and evening primrose oil (18.4%). Massage, chiropractic, and nutrition were rated the most effective therapies, and phytoestrogen tablets, evening primrose oil, and black cohosh were deemed the most effective products. Of the 59.9% of respondents currently using prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, 62.5% reported using CAM products during the past 12 months. Of CAM users 71% had informed their doctor about CAM use, whereas 26.4% of respondents reported their doctor had inquired about CAM use. Conclusions: CAM use by women to alleviate menopausal symptoms is common, with several therapies perceived to be effective. Although a significant proportion of women may use CAM in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, relevant communication between medical practitioners and patients remains inadequate and may expose the patient to potential drug-herb interactions.
Conference Paper
Since the release of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings, an increasing number of dietary supplement products specifically targeting women in menopause have appeared in the American marketplace. This growth highlights the need for a critical evaluation of the tolerability and effectiveness of these products. The purpose of this article is to assess the evidence for safety and benefit of botanical monopreparations used for relief of menopause-related symptoms. The Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched from 1966 to October 2004, using a detailed list of terms related to botanicals and menopausal symptoms. Studies were considered eligible (1) if they were controlled trials of a botanical monopreparation administered orally for a minimum of 6 weeks to perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hot flashes and (2) if they included a placebo or comparative treatment arm. Topical preparations, botanical combinations, and dietary interventions, such as soy food or protein, were not included. No language restrictions were imposed during the search. A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies indicate that extract of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.) improves menopause-related symptoms; however, methodologic shortcomings in the trials were identified. To date, 4 case reports of possible hepatotoxicity have been published, although previous safety reviews suggest that black cohosh is well tolerated and that adverse events are rare when used appropriately. The results of 6 clinical studies on soy (Glycine max L.) isoflavone extracts are mixed. Moreover, the composition and dose of soy supplements varies widely across studies, making comparisons and definitive conclusions difficult. One study challenged the long-term safety of high-dose soy isoflavone extract (150 mg/day for 5 years) on the uterine endometrium. Clinical data from 5 controlled trials assessing the efficacy of semipurified isoflavone red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) leaf extracts to reduce hot flash frequency and severity or to relieve symptoms associated with the domains of the Greene Menopausal Symptom Scale are contradictory. The largest study showed no benefit for reducing symptoms associated with menopause for 2 different red clover isoflavone products compared with placebo. No significant adverse events have been reported in the literature. Single clinical trials do not support the use of dong quai (Angelica sinensis L.), ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey), or evening primrose seed oil (Oenothera biennis L.) for improving menopausal symptoms. We conclude that black cohosh extracts appear to ease menopausal symptoms; ongoing studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will provide more definitive safety and efficacy data. Soy isoflavone extracts appear to have minimal to no effect, although definitive conclusions are difficult given the wide variation in product composition and dose. Long-term safety of higher dosage (150 mg/day) soy isoflavone extracts is uncertain. Semipurified isoflavone red clover leaf extracts have minimal to no effect in reducing menopausal symptoms. Dong quai, ginseng extract, and evening primrose seed oil appear to be ineffective in ameliorating menopausal symptoms at the dosages and in the preparations used in these studies.
Article
Lepidium meyenii Walpers (Maca) is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed properties to improve energy and fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute and chronic Maca pulverised root oral administration on rat sexual behaviour. Sixty male sexually experienced rats (20 group) were daily treated for 15 days with Maca 15 mg kg−1, Maca 75 mg kg−1 or saline 0.5 ml kg−1. The following sexual performance parameters were evaluated at first and last day of treatment: 1st mount (ML), 1st intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) and postejaculatory (PEL) latencies, intercopulatory interval (ICI) and copulatory efficacy (CE). An activity cage test was carried out to evaluate if Maca-induced locomotion changes could indirectly improve rat sexual performances. It was observed that both lower and higher Maca doses acutely decreased ML, IL and ICI in a significant way (P<0.05), while only the 75 mg kg−1 dose decreased the PEL (T=29, P<0.05). This effect seems to be the only one dose-dependent. After 15 days of treatment, both doses are able to significantly decrease ML, IL, EL and PEL, while the 75 mg kg−1 dose decreased the ICI (T=40, P<0.05) too. IL, EL and PEL variations seem to be dose-related after chronic treatment. Moreover, chronic Maca treatment induced an apparently not dose-related increase in rat locomotion, during the second 10-min period of observation in the activity cage. The late in Maca-induced locomotion modification excludes that improvement of tested sexual performance parameters is related to an increase in rat aspecific activity. Thus, it was concluded that both acute and chronic Maca oral administration significantly improve sexual performance parameters in male rats.
Article
Objective: This double-blind, placebo-corrected clinical pilot study was aimed at assessing the use of hypocotyls of cruciferous Andean plant Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon), in alleviating symptoms of menopausal discomfort experienced by women in early post menopause as measured by profiles of serum hormones: Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estrogen (E2) and Progesterone (PG) and as assessed by Greene's Menopausal Index.Design: Study was conducted on 20 Caucasian healthy early-postmenopausal women volunteers during the three months period (Trial I) and on eight women during nine months period (Trial II). Hormone levels were determined in blood with a simultaneous assessment of menopausal index at the start of study, after one month use of placebo, and after two and eight months administration of 2g gelatinized Maca root powder (Maca-GO) in the form of two 500mg hard gel capsules, twice daily.Results: In comparison to placebo, after both, two and eight months administration of Maca-GO capsules to EPMW, level of FSH significantly (P<0.05) decreased with a simultaneous significant (P<0.05) increase in the LH level, resulting in significant (P<0.05) increase in both E2 and PG, after eight months of Maca-GO treatment only. There was a significant (<0.05) placebo effect resulting in an elevated PG level after one month administration of placebo capsules. Changes in hormone levels was accompanied by substantially-reduced feeling of discomfort associated with menopause, although, there was a distinctive, positive placebo effect as judged by responses to Greene's questionnaire. Conclusions: It is reasonable to suggest that Maca-GO when used in EPMW, depending on the length of use, was acting as a toner of hormonal processes as reflected by decrease in FSH and increased LH secretion, which stimulated production of both ovarian hormones, E2 and PG and resulted in a substantial reduction of menopausal discomfort felt by women participating in the study, with a distinctive placebo effect, thus, fully justifying further, more complex study on effectiveness of Maca-GO as a reliable alternative to HRT program.
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Issues relating to the design of scales and their psychometric properties are discussed in the context of constructing a standard measure of core climacteric symptoms. Seven factor analytic studies of climacteric symptoms are examined to determine whether or not there is sufficient consensus across studies to permit agreement on the symptom content and the structure of such a scale. It is argued that these factor analytic studies do indeed contain sufficient consensus on the basis of which a standard climacteric scale can be constructed. Such a scale is described.
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A number of unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, azaheterocycles, oxaheterocycles and cyclic ketones were screened for their inhibitory potency towards monoamine oxidases (MAO; EC 1.4.3.4.) A and B. Fair activities (IC50 10-100 microM) and selectivities were found for, e.g. naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, isoquinoline and acridine. The most active inhibitors are oxygen-containing compounds (e.g. coumarin, flavone, dibenzofuran, xanthene, thioxanthone and acridone), with xanthone emerging as a potent (IC50 0.8 microM) and reversible MAO-A inhibitor. All tested inhibitors seem to act in a reversible and time-independent manner.
Article
Under acidic conditions, indole-3-carbinol (13C) is converted to a series of oligomeric products thought to be responsible for the biological effects of dietary 13C. Chromatographic separation of the crude acid mixture of 13C, guided by cell proliferation assay in human MCF-7 cells, resulted in the isolation of 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-3,3'-diindolylmethane (LTr-1) as a major antiproliferative component. LTr-1 inhibited the growth of both estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and -independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells by approximately 60% at a non-lethal concentration of 25 microM. LTr-1 had no apparent effect on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in the absence of estrogen. LTr-1 was a weak ligand for the estrogen receptor (ER) (IC50 70 microM) and efficiently inhibited the estradiol (E2)-induced binding of the ER to its cognate DNA responsive element. The antagonist effects of LTr-1 also were exhibited in assays of endogenous pS2 gene expression and in cells transiently transfected with an estrogen-responsive reporter construct (pERE-vit-CAT). LTr-1 activated both binding of the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor to its cognate DNA responsive element and expression of the Ah receptor-responsive gene CYP1A1. LTr-1 was a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A1-dependent ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. In summary, these results demonstrated that LTr-1, a major in vivo product of I3C, could inhibit the proliferation of both estrogen-dependent and -independent breast tumor cells and that LTr-1 is an antagonist of estrogen receptor function and a weak agonist of Ah receptor function.
Article
To determine the effect of oral administration of a purified lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii (MacaPure M-01 and M-02) on the number of complete intromissions and mating in normal mice, and on the latent period of erection (LPE) in rats with erectile dysfunction. Mice and rats were randomly divided into several experimental and control groups. A 10% ethanol suspension of M-01 and M-02 was orally administered for 22 days to the experimental groups according to the dosage specified by the experimental design. On day 22, 30 minutes after the dose was administered to the male mice, 2 virgin female mice were placed with 1 male mouse. The number of complete intromissions of each male mouse in 3 hours was recorded. In an assessment of 1 day of mating, each male mouse was cohabited with 5 estrous female mice overnight. The number of sperm-positive females was recorded. The LPE was measured to assess the sexual function in rats with erectile dysfunction. By using a YSD-4G multifunction instrument, an electric pulse at 20 V was applied to stimulate the rat's penis, and the duration from the start of the stimulus to full erection was measured in seconds as the LPE. In the normal male mice, the number of complete intromissions during the 3-hour period was 16.33 +/- 1.78, 46.67 +/- 2.39, and 67.01 +/- 2.55 for the control group, M-01 group, and M-02 group, respectively. In the assessment of mating, the number of sperm-positive females increased from 0.6 +/- 0.7 in the control group to 1.5 +/- 0.5 in the M-01 experimental group. The LPE of male rats with erectile dysfunction was 112 +/- 13 seconds with a regular diet (control group). The oral administration of M-01 at a dose of 180 or 1800 mg/kg body weight and M-02 at a dose of 45, 180, or 1800 mg/kg body weight reduced the LPE to 54 +/- 12 seconds, 54 +/- 13 seconds, 71 +/- 12 seconds, 73 +/- 12 seconds, and 41 +/- 13 seconds, respectively. The LPE of the surgical rats treated with M-01 at the lowest dose (45 mg/kg) was 121 +/- 12 seconds; thus, the change was not significant. Oral administration of M-01 and M-02 enhanced the sexual function of the mice and rats, as evidenced by an increase in the number of complete intromissions and the number of sperm-positive females in normal mice, and a decrease in the LPE in male rats with erectile dysfunction. The present study reveals for the first time an aphrodisiac activity of L. meyenii, an Andean Mountain herb.
Article
The effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on rat brain or livermonoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and -B activity, biogenic amine concentration in nervous tissue, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)- and N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4)-induced neurotoxicity and antioxidant activity was investigated to determine the effects of the extract on monoamine catabolism and neuroprotection. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract was shown to produce in-vitro inhibition of rat brain MAO-A and -B. The Ginkgo biloba extract was chromatographed on a reverse-phase HPLC system and two of the components isolated were shown to be MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). These MAOIs were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry as kaempferol and isorhamnetin. Pure kaempferol and a number of related flavonoids were examined as MAOIs in-vitro. Kaempferol, apigenin and chrysin proved to be potent MAOIs, but produced more pronounced inhibition of MAO-A than MAO-B. IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) values for the ability of these three flavones to inhibit MAO-A were 7 times 10−7, 1 times 10−6 and 2 times 10−6 m, respectively. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract and kaempferol were found to have no effect ex-vivo on rat or mouse brain MAO or on concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Kaempferol was shown to protect against NMDA-induced neuronal toxicity in-vitro in rat cortical cultures, but did not prevent DSP-4-induced noradrenergic neurotoxicity in an in-vivo model. Both Ginkgo biloba extract and kaempferol were demonstrated to be antioxidants in a lipid-peroxidation assay. This data indicates that the MAO-inhibiting activity of Ginkgo biloba extract is primarily due to the presence of kaempferol. Ginkgo biloba extract has properties indicative of potential neuroprotective ability.
Article
Previous studies have found increased rates of depression in women aged 45 to 54 years, but the factors that influence these rates are not understood. It was assessed whether higher rates of depressive symptoms were associated with menopausal status, climacteric symptoms, and use of hormone replacement therapy. Cross-sectional survey. Community sample. Data are from 581 women ages 45 to 54 years who were interviewed by telephone between October 1998 and February 1999. Depression was measured with the abbreviated CES-D, a depressive symptoms screening measure. Women's reported perception of menopausal stage, frequency of periods in the preceding 12 months, and history of oophorectomy were used to classify their menopausal status into four categories: (1) no indication of menopause; (2) close to menopause; (3) had begun menopause; and (4) had completed menopause. There were 168 women (28.9%) who reported a high level (> or = 10) of depressive symptoms when the abbreviated CES-D was used. In a logistic-regression analysis, significant factors associated with increased depressive symptoms included physical inactivity, inadequate income, use of estrogen/progesterone combination, and presence of climacteric symptoms (trouble sleeping, mood swings, or memory problems). Menopausal status was not associated with depressive symptoms. In this sample of women age 45 to 54 years, climacteric symptoms but not menopausal status were associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms.
Article
Plant sterols have been investigated as one of the safe potential alternative methods in lowering plasma cholesterol levels. Several human studies have shown that plant sterols/stanols significantly reduce plasma total and LDL cholesterol. In this article, pharmacological characteristics of plant sterols/stanols have been summarized and discussed. In particular, experimental data that demonstrate the effects of dietary phytosterols on lipid metabolism and development of atherosclerotic lesions have been critically reviewed. Despite their similar chemical structures, phytosterols and cholesterol differ markedly from each other in regard to their pharmacological characteristics including intestinal absorption and metabolic fate. Compared to cholesterol, plant sterols have poor intestinal absorption. The most and best studied effects of plant sterols are their inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. Other biological activities of phytosterols such as effects on lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity, bile acid synthesis, oxidation and uptake of lipoproteins, hepatic and lipoprotein lipase activities and coagulation system have been linked to their anti-atherogenic properties. Moreover, evidence for beneficial effects of plant sterols on disorders such as cutaneous xanthomatosis, colon cancer and prostate hyperplasia has been discussed. Finally, the potential adverse effects of plant sterols as well as pathophysiology of hereditary sitosterolemia are also reviewed. In conclusion, more pharmacokinetic data are needed to better understand metabolic fate of plant sterols/stanols and their fatty acid esters as well as their interactions with other nutraceutical/pharmaceutical agents.