The Effects of Lepidium Meyenii on Grip Strength, Fatigue, and Sexual Behavior

Main Article Content

Lia M. Jiannine
Jose Antonio

Keywords

Sexual Functioning, Vigor, Maca

Abstract




Introduction:
There are a variety of medicinal claims regarding the efficacy of maca. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of maca on body composition, strength, mood, and sexual functioning
Methods: Forty-seven subjects consumed 2.1g of maca for 28 days. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The Shapiro Test was used to test the effect of maca on grip strength, mood and sexual functioning. A Nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank Test was utilized to examine differences between the groups for men and women separately.
Results: Although females in the treatment group had significant differences from baseline, those differences were no longer significantly different when compared to the placebo group. Males in the treatment group showed significant improvements over the placebo group in fatigue (mean±SD: -3.3 ± 3.9 vs. 1.3 ± 6.2), handgrip (4.6 ± 7.5 vs. -0.4 ± 5.4), and sexual behavior (3.83 ± 4.3 vs. 0.7 ± 2.1).
Conclusions: Maca supplementation may lessen fatigue, improve strength, and enhance sexual functioning in otherwise healthy men.




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