What Is Maca Root?

A vegetable grown primarily in Peru, maca root has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. One of its main applications? Boosting libido and fertility. Maca root extract is one of the main ingredients in House of Wise Sex Gummies, along with horny goat weed, ashwagandha, and CBD (cannabidiol).

What is maca root?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it is a relative of broccoli and cabbage, but the edible portion of the plant is the root, which looks something like a radish. While it is traditionally dried and consumed as a powder, as it has gained popularity as a supplement, maca root can also be found in capsule or liquid form. 

Nutritional benefits of maca root

Maca root is an incredibly nutritious food, providing high amounts of vitamin C, iron, and copper. According to Healthline, one ounce of maca root powder contains 133 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C, 85 percent of the RDI of copper, 23 percent of the RDI of iron, and significant amounts of potassium and vitamin B6.

Maca root's effect on libido

While research on maca root as a libido-booster is fairly limited and on a small scale, studies suggest that it may increase sexual desire in men and women. 

As detailed by Healthline, a 2010 review looked at four clinical studies encompassing 131 participants and found that maca root improved libido "after at least six weeks of ingestion." 

Medical News Today cites a 2015 study that found that maca may help with sexual dysfunction in women after menopause. Additionally, postmenopausal women who took a maca supplement saw a reduction in menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. 

Various studies have also examined maca root's impact on men's sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. There is also evidence that maca may help with male fertility and semen quality. 

Maca root and energy levels

It's possible you have also encountered maca root as a workout supplement that is popular among athletes. Although maca's impact on endurance has only been studied on a very small scale, there is some evidence that maca can boost energy levels, though it is not considered a stimulant.

A Healthline article cites several studies on maca root and energy, concluding that the supplement may increase energy levels. Most notably, one study of 175 people found that taking 3 grams of maca each day led to improvements in mood and energy levels.

Editor's note: While maca root is generally considered very safe, as with any new supplement, consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your regimen.