Maca and fertility
The effects demonstrated on fertility and sexual activity could be due to an action in the pituitary gland.
Through generations since ancient time, knowledge tells of Maca and its use to increase fertility in humans and livestock alike (literally in all mammals).
Maca is used for fertility and libido problems for both men and women. Maca is especially beneficial if trying to become pregnant or if getting ready to become pregnant relatively soon.
Scientific studies are also slowly but surely confirming the effects attributed to this remarkable plant since the Incas. The four alkaloids present in this root are proven in scientific investigation to nourish the endocrine glands (the effects demonstrated on fertility and sexual activity could be due to an action in the pituitary gland). Alkaloids were first shown to work on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. In the scientific studies it was believed that alkaloids of Maca could act as stimulants of the human and animal reproduction. In later studies it was found that Maca greatly increased fertility in both sexes.
One great and unique thing of Maca is that it is an adaptogen. Meaning, Maca nourishes different parts of our body, those parts which need recovery and improvement. For example, if the estrogen level is high, the progesterone level is affected as well (the levels of progesterone may become too low). This in turn can affect women’s ability to stay pregnant. When using Maca, progesterone levels could increase, thus support women in a process of staying pregnant or to maintain pregnancy.
In a recent study female rats were given extract of Yellow Maca. It was administrated that Maca increases the litter size in female mice and increases the uterine weight in ovariectomized animals. For the first time study confirmed that some of the traditional uses of Maca do enhance female fertility. In Peru there is a saying: Maca is both Life and Health.
How well Maca will have an effect on women trying to get pregnant (or already pregnant) will depend on few factors: a medical condition she has at the moment, current medication she takes at the moment (and their interactions with Maca) and the quality of the Maca product purchased on the market.
Source:
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) increases litter size in normal adult female mice. Ruiz-Luna AC, Salazar S, Aspajo NJ, Rubio J, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.