title: A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
abstract: We sought to determine whether maca, a Peruvian plant, is effective for selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced sexual dysfunction. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel group dose-finding pilot study comparing a low-dose (1.5 g/day) to a high-dose (3.0 g/day) maca regimen in 20 remitted depressed outpatients (mean age 36+/-13 years; 17 women) with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) were used to measure sexual dysfunction. Ten subjects completed the study, and 16 subjects (9 on 3.0 g/day; 7 on 1.5 g/day) were eligible for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses on the basis of having had at least one postbaseline visit. ITT subjects on 3.0 g/day maca had a significant improvement in ASEX (from 22.8+/-3.8 to 16.9+/-6.2; z=-2.20, P=0.028) and in MGH-SFQ scores (from 24.1+/-1.9 to 17.0+/-5.7; z=-2.39, P=0.017), but subjects on 1.5 g/day maca did not. Libido improved significantly (P<0.05) for the ITT and completer groups based on ASEX item #1, but not by dosing groups. Maca was well tolerated. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect. Maca may also have a beneficial effect on libido.
authors.affiliation: Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. cdording@partners.org
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Dording
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Papakostas
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farabaugh
authors.forename: Shamsah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sonawalla
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mischoulon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D029686:Lepidium; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
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